Movies

With Highest 2 Lowest, Spike Lee Gives Us Another Great New York Movie

BBG News

Among all filmmakers, none seems to cherish New York City – its grit, chaos, and all – as deeply as Spike Lee. Even after days filled with urban challenges like navigating littered streets or hearing distressing news about violent crimes (which occur less frequently than one might assume), many of us who reside here find ourselves saying, “This place, and nowhere else, is home.” Spike Lee’s latest offering, “Highest 2 Lowest“, showcased at the Cannes Film Festival outside the competition, adds another chapter to the esteemed list of New York City films. It’s sharp, highly engaging, and carries a depth that eschews sentimentality. With Akira Kurosawa serving as his inspiration – the film is a modern adaptation of Kurosawa’s 1963 “High and Low”, a detective story with a strong moral core – Lee has crafted a film that manages to be both humble and grandiose, a cinematic experience you can enjoy on a Saturday night for fun, yet still find yourself pondering the next day.

In this story, Denzel Washington portrays David King, a successful record-company executive whose business, Stackin’ Hits Records, is struggling to stay afloat in the 21st century. Despite the financial difficulties, King remains determined to regain control of his company. His wife, Pam, voicing concerns about their finances, nonetheless stands by him. However, their peaceful life is abruptly disrupted when they receive news that their teenage son, Trey, has been kidnapped, along with his best friend Kyle, the son of King’s closest friend and chauffeur, Paul. In a matter of minutes, police arrive at their luxurious apartment to guide them through the situation. A palpable tension fills the air, reminiscent of the sleek modern chandelier hanging from the lofty ceilings of their penthouse. The couple then learns that Trey was mistakenly taken; it’s actually Kyle who has been kidnapped instead.

The remake of “Highest Lowest” closely follows Kurosawa’s version, which was inspired by a novel by Evan Hunter (with a screenplay by Alan Fox). This implies that the central ethical dilemma – whether King should pay a $17.5 million ransom, money he doesn’t possess, to save a child who isn’t his own – is resolved swiftly. However, King’s reluctance to rescue his friend’s child despite his friend’s distress, reveals something about him. As a successful art mogul known for his keen ears, King embodies the industry’s best, as multiple characters emphasize. Yet, he hesitates for more than a few hours, questioning the idea of saving his friend’s child. He is the kind of person who eventually does what’s right, but not without hesitation. This isn’t a criticism, it’s just a reflection of human nature to prioritize ourselves first. Washington delivers an exceptional portrayal of the internal struggles that hinder our generosity; he can make a simple squint convey deep moral contemplation. Moreover, he shares several compelling scenes with his co-star, the captivating A$AP Rocky, where their dynamic mirrors the intense rivalry and camaraderie found among top jazz musicians.

it perfectly captures the joy of a spontaneous morning. Likewise, Howard Drossin’s fantastic score complements the film’s shifting emotions flawlessly. Each decision Lee made results in a rewarding payoff, and the movie’s key action sequence, involving a subway chase, a Puerto Rican Day celebration featuring salsa legend Eddie Palmieri, and a motorcycle relay of remarkable precision, could be the most exquisitely edited sequence you’ll see this year. (Lee’s editors for this film are Barry Alexander Brown and Allyson C. Johnson.)

From the outset, it was clear that Lee was a rule-bender and trendsetter, yet he’s also deeply rooted in tradition, demonstrating innovation and vigor. He holds those who paved the way in high regard; he studies them, internalizing their wisdom. This approach led to a captivating body of work like Highest 2 Lowest. Sometimes, masterful craftsmanship in mainstream films can make you want to cheer. It’s tiresome, isn’t it, how the mundane TV and movies are constantly shoved in our faces, week after week, mass-produced with minimal skill if any? Lee, despite his occasional flops throughout his illustrious career, is no exception – even the greats have their off days. However, he consistently pushes boundaries, setting new standards for himself. As others’ work declines, his rises – reaching heights even higher than an elephant’s eye, aiming for the top of the Empire State Building next.

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2025-05-20 18:06

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