Is the film "Highest 2 Lowest" by Spike Lee based on real-life events?
In the world of cinema, renowned director Spike Lee has once again graced our screens with an engaging and thought-provoking production. "Highest 2 Lowest," a modern-day adaptation of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 Japanese crime film "High and Low," is now streaming on Apple TV+.
The film stars Denzel Washington as David King, a New York City music producer hoping to buy back his record label. Alongside Washington, Jeffrey Wright, ASAP Rocky, and Ice Spice bring their unique talents to the screen, adding depth and dynamism to the story.
Denzel Washington's character, David King, finds himself in a harrowing situation when he receives a call that his son has been kidnapped. However, it soon transpires that the kidnapper has made a grave mistake, taking the son of his driver and friend, Paul (Jeffrey Wright), instead.
Contrary to some speculations, "Highest 2 Lowest" is not a remake of "High and Low," but rather an adaptation of the original novel, "King's Ransom," which is part of the "87th Precinct Mystery" series of police procedural novels by Ed McBain.
The film has received positive reviews from critics, with many praising Lee's direction and the stellar performances by the cast. It is expected to be a contender in this year's award season.
Interestingly, the true source of the film "Highest 2 Lowest" can be traced back to Akira Kurosawa's "High and Low," which itself is based on the 1959 novel "King's Ransom" by Ed McBain. Kurosawa's film, like the original novel and Lee's adaptation, explores themes of justice, morality, and the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones.
In the original "High and Low" film, Kingo Gondo, a wealthy businessman, finds himself in a similar predicament as David King. He must decide whether to pay the ransom price for his chauffeur's son, who was accidentally kidnapped.
Kurosawa has reportedly stated that he intended his film to, at least in part, point out the lack of justice brought about for child kidnappings in Japan at the time. This theme of justice and morality remains relevant in "Highest 2 Lowest," as David King grapples with his own moral dilemmas.
For those interested in the original "High and Low," the film can be streamed on HBO Max, Kanopy, The Criterion Channel, or purchased/rented on digital platforms like Amazon Prime.
"Highest 2 Lowest" marks the fifth collaboration between Spike Lee and Denzel Washington, and their first collaboration since 2006's "Inside Man." Denzel Washington is joined on screen by Ilfenesh Hadera, who plays his on-screen wife, Pam King.
In this gripping adaptation, Spike Lee once again demonstrates his mastery of storytelling, delivering a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. "Highest 2 Lowest" is a must-watch for fans of Spike Lee, Denzel Washington, and crime dramas alike.
