Review of High and Low (1933) by Randy T — 13 Mar 2010

Kurosawa's High and Low plays like two distinctly separate films. The first part being the dramatic moral dilemma of a corporate tycoon forced to choose between his own financial security and the life of a child. The latter part being a complex police drama outlining the excruciating detail of detectives on the trail of a psychotic kidnapper.

I love the way the director stages his scenes here, particularly "junkie alley" where the addicts converge like so many zombies on anyone who strays into their midst. This could have easily been an inspiration for Romero's Night of the Living Dead.

This is essential viewing for anyone who appreciates a good crime drama, Japanese cinema and/or Akira Kurosawa's body of work. Good stuff!