Official Synopsis
An English-language reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s classic thriller High and Low, HIGHEST 2 LOWEST tracks David King, an incredibly wealthy, high-profile New York City music mogul. Just as King is navigating a high-stakes executive buyout, his world is shattered by a ruthless $17.5 million extortion plot. When the kidnapper accidentally abducts the young son of King’s working-class driver instead of his own child, King finds himself caught in an agonizing moral dilemma. Spike Lee delivers an electrifying, modern neo-noir exploring class warfare, urban divide, and the price of corporate integrity.
Expanded Ensemble
- Denzel Washington as David King
- Jeffrey Wright as Paul Christopher
- Ilfenesh Hadera as Pam King
- A$AP Rocky as Young Felon
- John Douglas Thompson as Inspector Bridges
- Ice Spice as Monet
Expanded Architects
- Director: Spike Lee
- Screenplay: Alan Fox
- Producers: Todd Black, Jason Michael Berman, Spike Lee
- Cinematography: Matthew Libatique
- Film Editors: Barry Alexander Brown, Allyson C. Johnson
- Music Composer: Howard Drossin
Official Promotional Trailer
Production Info & Specifications
| Financial Budget | $65 Million (Estimated) |
| Capture Format | Digital / 2.39:1 Anamorphic layout |
| Primary Locations | Manhattan & Brooklyn, New York City |
| Production Label | A24 • Apple Original Films • 40 Acres and a Mule |
" Just attempting to remake the movie is probably viewed by most cinema purists as a fool's folly. But if one views the film in the prism of being just a Spike Lee joint, the movie is actually a rousing success. "— Ray Manukay
🎬 Cast & Crew
- Director: Spike Lee
- Starring: Denzel Washington, Ilfenesh Hadera, Jeffrey Wright
- Supporting: ASAP Rocky, Ice Spice, Dean Winters
- Cinematography: Matthew Libatique
The Vision
This film is a strong sociological examination of old-school philosophy vs. the new school. It’s also an examination of the ruthlessness and politics of the modern business world—complete with backstabbings and ruthless negotiations. If you view it through the prism of being a "Spike Lee Joint," it is a rousing success, blending genre thrills with a deep sense of place and culture.
🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts
- Fifth Collaboration: This marks the fifth time Denzel Washington and Spike Lee have worked together, their first since 2006's Inside Man.
- Apple & A24: The film was produced by Apple Original Films but secured a full theatrical release through A24.
- Kurosawa Roots: A western adaptation of an eastern adaptation of a western book—it traces its lineage back to Ed McBain's 1959 novel King's Ransom.
✅ Pros
- Denzel Washington’s commanding and nuanced lead performance.
- Vibrant cinematography that acts as a definitive NYC travelogue.
- Strong, modern take on class and generational conflict.
❌ Cons
- 133-minute runtime feels slightly over-extended in the second act.
- Frequent musical sequences can occasionally disrupt the narrative tension.
Full Review
Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest is a film of many layers. On one level, the movie is a loose remake of Akira Kurosawa's classic noir, High and Low. But it is also a love letter to the city of New York—highlighting the urban beauty and the melting-pot community that makes the city so unique. Yet on another level, the film serves as an examination of the contrasting ideologies and priorities of America's different generations; quite simply, it is old-school philosophy versus the new school.
This is a strong sociological examination. Sure, there are some stereotypical assumptions being made about the youth of 2025 and Generation X, but the film makes valid points about how different age groups' experiences inform choices, give agency to success, and define the acceptable cost for attaining it. The film also delves into the ruthlessness and politics of the modern business world, filled with backstabbings, maneuverings, and ruthless negotiations. At its most simple core, the film is another strong collaboration between the legendary team of director Spike Lee and Academy Award-winning performer Denzel Washington.
As one can see, there is a lot going on here. For the most part, Highest 2 Lowest is a relative success with every layer it attempts to peel back. However, the weakest element is arguably its effectiveness as a remake of Kurosawa's original. Perhaps that is an unfair comparison and expectation—after all, High and Low is an epic masterpiece, and attempting to remake it is often viewed by cinema purists as a fool's folly. There is just no real comparison between the two when it comes to the drama, the tension, and the unfolding mystery; Lee's version fails to live up to the pure story elements and lofty heights of the original film.
That is not to say the film is a total failure. If one views the film through the prism of being a "Spike Lee Joint," the movie is actually a rousing success. It is a beautiful, well-made, and interesting drama with strong performances from the entire cast. The film highlights New York in all its complex beauty and charms, earning a healthy recommendation from me. There is quite a bit to enjoy here, and if you haven't seen the original, this film will likely be an extra treat. But whatever you do, please check out the original film eventually—it is arguably one of the greatest films ever made.
🏆 Final Verdict
A soulful and visually stunning homage to both New York City and Kurosawa’s legacy. While the pacing is occasionally indulgent, the partnership of Lee and Washington remains one of cinema's most potent forces.
View original review on Letterboxd