'Highest 2 Lowest' Review
- Trevor Leavell
- Aug 14, 2025
- 2 min read
Release Date: 08/15/25 [Cinemas]
Genre: Crime. Drama. Mystery. Thriller.
MPAA: Rated PG13.
Distributor: A24. Apple TV.
The Verdict: A Must-See
It's a bold decision to remake a beloved classic - especially if that classic is legendary director Akira Kurosawa's procedural thriller High and Low. However, Spike Lee is a titan filmmaker in his own right, and has a unique angle on the story adapted from the Ed McBain novel. Instead of following a show mogul in the throes of a moral dilemma, Spike Lee has us follow David King, a music producer on a journey navigating his own moral corrosion. While I found Lee's angle fresh and interesting, there is a lot of awkward footing throughout, but when it all comes to a close it remains a fun and gripping tale of a cut throat world right under this produce's feet.
The actor who lead High and Low, Toshiro Mifune, was a titan in his own right, and like Denzel Washington and Spike Lee, collaborated with Akira Kurosawa on multiple films. It's hard not to think of many parallels here. Denzel Washington has a pulse on every one of his performances, especially this one, pinpointing all of his strengths as a performer and possibly saying he is the Toshiro Mifune of today. It's hard to think of any other actor today who holds as much power - even in his name.
For Spike Lee, it's both a loving tribute, a self reflection and a look forward. Kurosawa was a master in his own right, but has a whole different formality than Lee's. So, of course, Lee will make this baby his own while also paying all due respect. Taking place in a high rise overlooking the Brooklyn bridge, Spike Lee explores the good and bad about the city he loves so much, even as so to maybe he owes his entire career to New York City. There is a thrilling scene in the middle of the film that brings in an alum of his filmography, but it turns a tense and cool moment into something that's also sweet and fun. Not to say it's all fluid, the pace here is maybe a little staggering, and there becomes some really awkward beats with dead air and sometimes even occupied by an over-barring and inappropriate musical score.
Though the Spike/Denzel team up is the main course of this film. The supporting cast really holds to their own as well. Jeffrey Wright brings an electric and soulful performance with a character that may have been my favorite from this film. There's also musician A$AP Rocky as the film's antagonist which adds a meaty subtext as to why this remains exists in the first place. In the end, it all still feels fresh, there's rough and awkward moments here and there, but you'd be hard to find a film from this year as electric as this. It's not Kurosawa, but it isn't trying to be. It is a full blooded Spike Lee film - which is a tremendous treat in its own right.
Where to Watch:
