The highly anticipated collaboration between legendary director Spike Lee and powerhouse actor Denzel Washington, “Highest 2 Lowest,” is now making waves as a bold American reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s seminal 1963 Japanese film “High and Low.” This new crime thriller, starring Washington as a New York City music mogul named David King, premiered theatrically on August 15th and is set to stream on Apple TV+ starting September 5th, marking a significant event in the year’s movie releases.
A Reunion of Titans and a Nod to a Master
“Highest 2 Lowest” represents the fifth cinematic pairing between Spike Lee and Denzel Washington, a creative partnership that has consistently delivered critically acclaimed and culturally resonant films, including “Mo’ Better Blues,” “Malcolm X,” “He Got Game,” and “Inside Man.” This new project sees Lee drawing inspiration from Akira Kurosawa’s acclaimed “High and Low,” itself based on Ed McBain’s novel “King’s Ransom.” Lee, a lifelong admirer of Kurosawa, approached the adaptation as a “reinterpretation,” much like a jazz musician reinterprets a classic song, aiming to capture the essence of the original while infusing it with a contemporary sensibility and his distinct New York-centric vision. The film’s screenplay, penned by Alan Fox, transplants the gripping narrative from 1960s Japan to the bustling streets of modern-day New York City.
The Plot: A Music Mogul’s Moral Crucible
Denzel Washington stars as David King, a titan in the music industry renowned for his “best ears in the business.” King is on the verge of securing majority ownership of his record label, “Stackin’ Hits,” a deal that requires him to leverage his entire fortune. On the pivotal day the deal is set to close, his life is upended by a chilling ransom call demanding $17.5 million for his son’s release. However, a crucial twist unfolds: the kidnapper mistakenly abducted King’s godson, Kyle, the son of his loyal chauffeur and friend, Paul Christopher (played by Jeffrey Wright). This revelation thrusts King into a profound moral and financial dilemma: pay the exorbitant ransom, potentially jeopardizing his company and legacy, or let the boy face the consequences while he pursues his business ambitions.
A Stellar Ensemble Cast
Beyond Washington’s commanding presence, “Highest 2 Lowest” features a robust supporting cast that enhances the film’s dramatic weight. Jeffrey Wright delivers a nuanced performance as Paul Christopher, King’s trusted driver and confidant, whose own son is the victim of the kidnapping. The ensemble also includes Ilfenesh Hadera as Pam King, John Douglas Thompson as Det. Earl Bridges, Dean Winters as Det. Higgins, and an notable film debut from rapper Ice Spice, alongside other supporting actors like LaChanze, Princess Nokia, and A$AP Rocky, who also features as the kidnapper Yung Felon. This assembly of talent promises a rich tapestry of performances that explore the film’s complex themes.
Critical Reception and Artistic Vision
“Highest 2 Lowest” has garnered positive reviews, with critics praising the dynamic between Lee and Washington, Washington’s powerful performance, and the film’s slick, energetic direction. Reviewers have noted Lee’s ability to infuse the narrative with his signature style, characterized by vibrant cinematography, a dynamic soundtrack, and a keen exploration of social and moral themes. The film has been described as a “chaos agent” that zips with unpredictable energy, balancing its thriller elements with a profound examination of morality, ambition, and the intersection of fame, wealth, and consequence in contemporary American society. Some reviews have highlighted the film’s ability to delve into the complexities of race, class, and the evolving landscape of the music industry, making it more than just a faithful adaptation but a distinctively Lee-esque commentary.
The Legacy of “High and Low” and Modern Relevance
Akira Kurosawa’s “High and Low” is celebrated for its masterful storytelling, its exploration of social inequality, corporate greed, and the stark class divides in post-war Japan. Kurosawa’s keen eye for detail and his ability to build suspense made it a benchmark for crime thrillers. Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest” honors this legacy by transplanting these timeless themes into the context of modern New York City’s music industry. The film’s narrative effectively uses the kidnapping plot to probe the pressures faced by powerful figures in today’s hyper-connected world, where every decision carries immense weight and public scrutiny. Lee’s direction emphasizes not just the external crisis but the internal moral struggle of his protagonist, reflecting on the human condition amidst societal pressures and personal ambition.
Release and Availability
“Highest 2 Lowest” made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2025, followed by a theatrical release in the United States on August 15, 2025, distributed by A24. Audiences can also stream the movie on Apple TV+ starting September 5, 2025, making it accessible to a wide audience. The film’s dual release strategy highlights the evolving landscape of film distribution, with Apple Studios and A24 partnering for both theatrical and streaming platforms. This new release is already a significant entry in the trending movie releases of 2025, offering a compelling new drama for fans of Lee, Washington, and Kurosawa alike.
