High Five!
August 8, 2025
Watch movie:
*Hosted on partner site
High Five! (2025): Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Powers
An Unexpected Origin of Heroes
In High Five!, the extraordinary arises from the mundane when five seemingly ordinary people receive organ transplants—and with them, incredible supernatural abilities. The film follows their transformation from everyday individuals to a reluctant yet formidable superhero team named “Hi-Five.”
Plot and Stakes
The story begins in a hospital operating room: during an unusual transplant procedure, the donor’s body disintegrates into ashes—an inexplicable twist. Soon, the recipients discover they’ve gained powers unlike any other:
-
A taekwondo-practicing teen girl, Wan-seo, channels explosive energy and athletic speed.
-
Ji-sung, a struggling novelist, unearths lung-powered gusts of wind.
-
The yogurt delivery manager, Seon-nyeo, gains a compassionate ability to absorb powers from others.
-
The gruff factory foreman, Yak-seon, develops healing hands.
-
Gi-dong, a laid-back electronics enthusiast, can manipulate devices with a snap.
United by fate, these individuals become the superhero ensemble “Hi-Five.” But danger looms: a cult leader, also a transplant recipient, gains dark abilities through his power to drain life energy—now focused on claiming Hi-Five’s powers for himself.
Director’s Vision and Tone
Directed by Kang Hyeong-cheol, who also co-wrote the film, High Five! blends action, comedy, and fantasy with a distinctly human core. The narrative balances high-stakes battles and special effects with heartfelt character development and moments of lighthearted camaraderie.
Stellar Ensemble Cast
The cast brings together celebrated actors, each embodying a distinct personality:
-
Lee Jae-in as Wan-seo, the spirited and brave teen.
-
Ahn Jae-hong as Ji-sung, the creative soul with untapped potential.
-
Ra Mi-ran as Seon-nyeo, whose warm demeanor hides a powerful gift.
-
Kim Hee-won as Yak-seon, the gruff but caring father figure.
-
Yoo Ah-in as Gi-dong, the quirky tech-savvy hero.
-
Oh Jung-se as Wan-seo’s protective father, adding emotional depth.
-
Park Jin-young delivers a chilling performance as the cultist with sinister motives.
Visuals, Action & Effects
Clocking in at roughly two hours, the film thrills with kinetic action sequences and inventive uses of each character’s powers—from sweeping wind blasts to glowing healing hands, cheeky jokes, and cinematic showdowns with flame-kissed mysticism. The aesthetic keeps a grounded yet vibrant tone, reflecting each character’s distinct world.
Themes and Emotional Impact
High Five! explores themes of identity, responsibility, and the unexpected family forged through shared trials. It presents a message: heroes can be found in the most unlikely places—and power comes with both choice and consequence.
The film also offers commentary on unity, healing, and confronting exploitation, embodied by the cult leader whose misuse of power embodies the dark side of human ambition.
Box Office & Reception
Released theatrically in South Korea on May 30, 2025, with a moderate production budget, High Five! became one of the year’s top-grossing films in the country. Audiences and critics praised its blend of fun, emotional storytelling, and fresh take on superhero tropes.
High Five! emerges as a standout in its genre—a uniquely Korean superhero film that combines humor, heart, high-octane action, and cultural texture. It’s a bold new entry in the superhero lexicon, reminding us that destiny—and heroism—can arrive unannounced.