"Review of 'Highest 2 Lowest': Collaboration between Spike Lee and Denzel Washington results in heart-racing cinema"
In the heart of New York City, acclaimed director Spike Lee's latest collaboration with Denzel Washington, titled Highest 2 Lowest, unfolds as a gripping thriller.
The film is more than just a crime drama. It's a journey and a ride, as described by its creators. Washington's character, record executive David King, finds himself in a precarious situation when his son is kidnapped for ransom.
Lee grants Washington the freedom to move and take big swings in his portrayal of King, a man struggling to reconnect with his passion for music while running a business dedicated to preserving Black culture and uplifting Black voices.
The film starts slow, purposefully so, but once King sets out to pay the ransom, the story delivers a street-smart, character-driven journey through the city. Jeffrey Wright portrays King's friend and driver, adding depth to the narrative.
The film's conflict is heightened by the risk King takes to save his godson, potentially sacrificing his professional legacy and wealth. This risky endeavour makes for a tense and engaging watch.
Spike Lee reimagines Akira Kurosawa's film within his own lens, showcasing Black pride and New York pride. The Kings' apartment, decorated with icons of Black culture, is a testament to this. Framed copies of books by Maya Angelou and Zora Neale Hurston, paintings, and photographs of Stevie Wonder, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin adorn the walls.
The ensemble cast brings an intoxicating vibrancy, especially in the film's second half. A$AP Rocky plays a mysterious rapper named Yung Felon, adding a modern twist to the story. His interactions with Denzel Washington deliver explosive exchanges that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
The opening song, "Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'" from Oklahoma!, clashes with the urban landscape of New York City, setting a unique and intriguing tone for the film.
Highest 2 Lowest is not a cold ransom drama. It explores Washington's smile and less tested emotions, making for some peculiar sequences that add depth to the character. Washington's performance in the film is special, with a trust between him and Lee that allows for experimentation and thriving.
Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest opens in theaters on Aug. 15 and will debut on Apple TV on Sept. 5. Don't miss this exciting new addition to Spike Lee's filmography.
