As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of cinema, I can confidently say that Spike Lee’s upcoming remake of Akira Kurosawa‘s “High and Low” is one of the most eagerly anticipated films of the year. With Lee’s unique storytelling style and the star-studded cast, this remake promises to be a masterful blend of Eastern and Western cinematic traditions.
Spike Lee is one of cinema’s most distinct and prevalent voices to date, with seminal films like Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X , and She’s Gotta Have It under his directorial belt. Next, Lee is undertaking an adaptation of a beloved classic, Akira Kurosawa’s thriller masterpiece, High and Low from 1963. Many other filmmakers have previously expressed interest in remaking the Kurosawa classic, including the likes of Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.
Firstly, it’s worth noting that Lee will be the one to see this project through completion, in partnership with the rapidly growing production house A24. The upcoming film titled “High and Low” boasts a script co-written by Alan Fox and Lee himself, and it’s set to star Denzel Washington, a longtime collaborator of his. This rendition of “High and Low” represents Lee’s first feature film since the critically acclaimed “Da 5 Bloods“. Here is what we currently know about Lee’s upcoming production, “High and Low“.
What Is ‘High and Low’ (1963) About?
High and Low is widely considered one of cinema’s classics. It’s not surprising that many contemporary filmmakers believe it’s time for a fresh take on the material. In fact, there have been multiple international adaptations, such as the Bollywood version titled Inkar. First released in 1963 and based on Ed McBain’s 1959 novel King’s Ransom, the original High and Low provided a powerful portrayal of post-war Japan, resonating both emotionally and financially as the highest-grossing film of its year within Japan.
At that point in time, the budget for the production was the largest Kurosawa had ever handled. The film High and Low was filmed in CinemaScope, and remains a highly regarded example of wide-screen cinematography even today. Known for delving into themes such as poverty, social hierarchy, and morality, viewers can anticipate a thoughtful analysis by Lee.
Regarding its storyline, “High and Low” is a crime drama centered around Kingo Gondo (Toshiro Mifune), a prominent executive within a Yokohama Shoe Company. Gondo aspires to take charge of the company by producing high-quality, durable shoes, but encounters resistance from fellow executives who favor the production of cheaper alternatives for greater profits. Undeterred, Gondo initiates a covert buyout of the company using his personal savings, confident in the success of his plan.
That evening, they learn that the kidnappers have mistakenly seized the chauffeur’s son instead of their own child, Jun. A team of investigators appears to handle the situation. The kidnapper contacts them again, even after realizing that the boy isn’t their son, Gondo, and still insists on the $30 million ransom. Now, Gondo faces a difficult choice: saving Shinichi from certain death or plunging himself into financial ruin. The narrative unfolds as they unravel the mystery behind the kidnappings, eventually discovering the deaths of the kidnapper’s associates from drug overdoses at the location where Shinichi was held captive.
It is not yet known how similar Lee and Fox’s adaptation will be to the original story.
Denzel Washington and the Cast
It has been confirmed that two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington will take on a new role, marking the fifth collaboration between him and director Spike Lee. This will be their 35th year working together, with previous projects including “Malcolm X,” “He Got Game,” and “‘Mo Better Blues.” Their last joint effort was the 2006 crime thriller “Inside Man,” in which Washington played a hostage negotiator.
Those who have watched Akira Kurosawa’s original “High and Low” might spot shared motifs between the upcoming movie and collaborative works of Lee and Washington. It is said that Washington has been a part of the “High and Low” project since the script was first drafted.
Other actors joining the cast of the remake of “High and Low” have been revealed. Among them is Jeffrey Wright, who was nominated for an Oscar last year for his work in the satirical comedy “American Fiction.” He will be appearing alongside Washington. Additionally, rapper Ice Spice has also confirmed her participation. Notable names like Dean Winters (“Oz,” “30 Rock”) and Ilfenesh Hadera (Lee’s “OldBoy” and “Baywatch”) are also part of the cast, but their roles in the film have yet to be disclosed.
When Will Lee’s ‘High and Low’ Come Out, and Where Can You See It?
Filming for both the high and low sequences concluded on July 31st. As of now, a specific release date hasn’t been announced yet. So far, no promotional materials such as trailers or other marketing resources have been released, but given the confirmation of several cast members and the film’s progress in post-production, it’s reasonable to anticipate some promotional content will surface soon.
It’s anticipated that once Lee’s “High and Low” is completed for viewing, it will probably have a theatrical premiere. Most of Lee’s works have traditionally been theater releases (with the exception of “Da 5 Bloods,” which was a Netflix streaming exclusive). With A24’s backing on “High and Low,” they are likely to aim for a cinematic debut. However, since “High and Low” is currently in production, if it is released in theaters, it can also be assumed that a streaming exclusive might follow its run.
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2024-11-25 06:32