X
- 1963
- Not Rated
- Continental Distributing
- 2 h 23 m
- 1963
- Not Rated
- Continental Distributing
- 2 h 23 m
Summary An executive of a Yokohama shoe company becomes a victim of extortion when his chauffeur's son is kidnapped by mistake and held for ransom.
Directed By: Akira Kurosawa
- 1963
- Not Rated
- Continental Distributing
- 2 h 23 m
- 1963
- Not Rated
- Continental Distributing
- 2 h 23 m
High and Low
8.4
Where to Watch
Summary An executive of a Yokohama shoe company becomes a victim of extortion when his chauffeur's son is kidnapped by mistake and held for ransom.
Directed By: Akira Kurosawa
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 16 Critic Reviews
90
100% Positive
16 Reviews
16 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 16 Critic Reviews
90
100% Positive
16 Reviews
16 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
It is possibly Kurosawa's most underrated masterpiece, rich in characterization and structure, yet lost in the shuffle among such classics as "Rashomon" and "Seven Samurai." [14 Sep 2008, p.N31]
A sizzling, artistic crackerjack and a model of its genre, pegged on a harassed man's moral decision, laced with firm characterizations and tingling detail and finally attaining an incredibly colorful crescendo of microscopic police sleuthing.
I would nominate this authoritative 1962 adaptation of Ed McBain’s novel The King’s Ransom as Akira Kurosawa’s best nonperiod picture, though Ikiru and Rhapsody in August are tough competitors.
High and Low is a masterful cinematic elevator connecting two warring social perspectives, finding a common ground between them in the pressurized corners of the classic crime drama.
The first half, set in a single room, echoes Hitchcock's Rope in exploring his moral dilemma while the action takes place off-screen. The second is disconcertingly different in that it focuses excitingly on the police procedures deployed in the hunt for the kidnapper. But the connections, though sometimes overly obvious in appealing to the liberal conscience, span fascinating Dostoevskian depths.
This lesser known Kurosawa feature is worth a look, with outstanding performances and stunning cinematography.
High and Low is more than a crime melodrama; it's a philosophical drama as well. [23 Nov 1988, p.D06]
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 15 User Ratings
8.4
87% Positive
13 Ratings
13 Ratings
13% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 15 User Ratings
8.4
87% Positive
13 Ratings
13 Ratings
13% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Awards
Golden Globes, USA
• 1 Nomination
Mainichi Film Concours
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
Fotogramas de Plata
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
