Writer/director Kang Hyung-chul’s HI-FIVE is a clever riff on the conventions of the superhero film. Playing at Fantasia 2025.
Only a truly devious soul would set their action centerpiece to the infectious (and infected) beats of Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up. This is just what writer/director Kang Hyung-chul does with his deliriously funny and inventive HI-FIVE. What is truly wicked is that the director sincerely loves the song and isn’t a rickroll by any means. It’s that sort of dare-to-be-great approach to the superhero genre (see the recent Thunderbolts*, a spiritual cousin to this film) that separates this from the doldrums of the genre.
HI-FIVE and its would-be team/dysfunctional family of strangers get their powers from transplants. Each organ gives them a specific power (e.g., one has superhuman strength, one can control electricity, one can heal, etc.). As they begin to find one another and realize their powers, the bickering begins, as it would if strangers were to come together. It is only when faced with a truly sinister force that wants each of their powers do they band together. Or is it already too late, as this would-be cult leader has money, resources, and will on his side.
The way the comedy comes from the characters and the tension of people disliking one another is the truly joyous core and heart of the film. Director Kang understands that any great action comedy stems from not great characters. Here, every character that steps onscreen is filled with a life of their own and brings a life to the screen beyond the story.
Beyond a comedy, the action is crisp and always tinged with a sly wit. Usually coming from the choice needle drops, director Kang employs. Beyond Astley, there’s a veritable who’s who of 90s English Language bands and singers that show up. Though not just relying on the needle drops, the film always finds inventive use of locations and the characters’ powers to truly give a surprising amount of impactful big-screen action.
HI-FIVE delivers the goods as a true summer blockbuster. One with more than enough crossover appeal to make it a surprise hit.
HI-FIVE plays the Fantasia Film Festival 2025 on July 28th
Writer/director Kang Hyung-chul’s HI-FIVE is a clever riff on the conventions of the superhero film. Playing at Fantasia 2025.
Only a truly devious soul would set their action centerpiece to the infectious (and infected) beats of Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up. This is just what writer/director Kang Hyung-chul does with his deliriously funny and inventive HI-FIVE. What is truly wicked is that the director sincerely loves the song and isn’t a rickroll by any means. It’s that sort of dare-to-be-great approach to the superhero genre (see the recent Thunderbolts*, a spiritual cousin to this film) that separates this from the doldrums of the genre.
HI-FIVE and its would-be team/dysfunctional family of strangers get their powers from transplants. Each organ gives them a specific power (e.g., one has superhuman strength, one can control electricity, one can heal, etc.). As they begin to find one another and realize their powers, the bickering begins, as it would if strangers were to come together. It is only when faced with a truly sinister force that wants each of their powers do they band together. Or is it already too late, as this would-be cult leader has money, resources, and will on his side.
The way the comedy comes from the characters and the tension of people disliking one another is the truly joyous core and heart of the film. Director Kang understands that any great action comedy stems from not great characters. Here, every character that steps onscreen is filled with a life of their own and brings a life to the screen beyond the story.
Beyond a comedy, the action is crisp and always tinged with a sly wit. Usually coming from the choice needle drops, director Kang employs. Beyond Astley, there’s a veritable who’s who of 90s English Language bands and singers that show up. Though not just relying on the needle drops, the film always finds inventive use of locations and the characters’ powers to truly give a surprising amount of impactful big-screen action.
HI-FIVE delivers the goods as a true summer blockbuster. One with more than enough crossover appeal to make it a surprise hit.
HI-FIVE plays the Fantasia Film Festival 2025 on July 28th
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