Highest 2 Lowest is a story about ambition and morality. David King (Denzel Washington) has “the best ears in the business.” Through his success in identifying talent, he has established himself as a true music mogul. After decades of experience, King considers his next chapter. He could play it safe and sell his empire. Or, he could reinvest in himself by securing controlling interest in the company he founded. Just as his financial deal is about to close, a mysterious man kidnaps someone close to King demanding a huge ransom. As such, King must make some heavy decisions about how to proceed as he recognizes his actions will have a profound impact on the rest of his life both publicly and privately.
What works in Highest 2 Lowest is the tension and Washington’s fantastic performance. Director Spike Lee (BlackKklansman, Do the Right Thing) collaborates with his lead for the fifth time, and knows exactly how to leverage Washington’s strengths. King is a man that is both shrewd and charismatic. He is calculating and confident. And Washington shines in every scene as the audience goes on his emotional journey. In terms of narrative, Lee explores some fascinating angles of entitlement, expectation, and bias. In this loose remake of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low (an adaptation of the novel King’s Ransom by Ed McBain) Lee refuses to copy but rather honor the ethical dilemmas against the backdrop of New York’s music scene. The result is an engaging, taut experience full of twists and turns.
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People who struggle with gaps in logic or an irrational lack in basic communication may feel frustrated by Highest 2 Lowest. The core concepts and questions are captivating and absorbing alone, but Lee often tries to force conflict unnecessarily. For example, the majority of the police in the film are inexplicably antagonistic. They dismiss evidence and refuse to listen to outside opinions. They treat Paul Christopher (Jeffrey Wright), King’s driver, with inhuman disdain and a complete lack of empathy because he’s a felon. These impasses push the protagonists into some interesting situations, but the catalysts feel baseless. As such, audiences may feel taken out of the action as credulity strains.
Highest 2 Lowest is a thrilling watch, even just for Washington and Lee’s masterful artistry. They command attention in the best possible way. While the plot may have a few holes that induce eye rolls, there’s more than enough to entertain. Recommended.
Recommended if you enjoyed: Ransom, Inside Man, Hostage, The Negotiator
Highest 2 Lowest is now available on digital streaming platforms.
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