In an exciting reunion, award-winning actor Denzel Washington and acclaimed director Spike Lee are joining forces once again after an 18-year hiatus, marking their fifth collaboration. This time, the dynamic duo is set to bring Akira Kurosawa‘s 1963 Japanese thriller, “High and Low,” to the big screen. Backed by Apple and A24, the production is slated to commence in March.
The last time Lee and Washington collaborated was in 2006 for “Inside Man,” a film that not only garnered praise from audiences and critics alike but also grossed over $184 million worldwide. Their previous partnerships include iconic films such as “Mo’ Better Blues,” “Malcolm X,” and “He Got Game.” Now, the experienced pair is gearing up to captivate audiences once more with their interpretation of Kurosawa’s compelling crime thriller.
Adaptation Plot: “High and Low” Synopsis
Adapted from Evan Hunter’s 1959 novel, “King’s Ransom: An 87th Precinct Mystery,” “High and Low” tells the story of a shoe executive entangled in a corporate takeover, whose plans are thwarted when the kidnappers mistakenly target his chauffeur’s son instead of his own. Beyond being a gripping thriller, the film also provides a profound commentary on Japanese society in 1963.
Spike Lee’s Unique Directorial Approach
Known for his exploration of race relations and societal issues, Spike Lee is poised to infuse his distinctive directorial style into the adaptation. The screenplay, penned by Alan Fox, who previously worked on “Model Caterer’s,” will see contributions from Lee as a co-writer.
Denzel Washington Takes the Lead: Thriller Genre Mastery
Denzel Washington, renowned for his roles in thrillers like “Training Day,” “Man on Fire,” and “The Equalizer” trilogy, will take on the lead role in this new adaptation. His track record of delivering powerful performances in the thriller genre adds an extra layer of anticipation to the project. However, details about other cast members remain undisclosed at this time.
Release Details for “High and Low”
The joint venture between Apple and A24 will see “High and Low” hit theaters before its Apple TV+ debut. As of now, the film’s release date has not been announced.
Have you seen Kurosawa’s “High and Low”? What are your expectations for the upcoming adaptation? Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling reunion between Washington and Lee.
akira kurosawa denzel washington high and low Spike Lee
Last modified: February 11, 2024
