Review of High and Low (1963) by Joseph B — 19 Apr 2016
Akira Kurosawa is one of the greatest film directors in the history of cinema, his films have endured such legacies that often times his films are so highly regarded that even those who wish to hate his films for their popularity and influence can't find themselves to do so. In his 1963 crime film "High and Low," guilt drives many of the characters into doing what is the right thing to do even if they wish not to.
Kingo Gondo (Toshiro Mifune) has a splendid house that overlooks the city in which he lives, causing great envy among all who live below in the valley. He has dedicated his life to National Shoe Company and is on the board of directors. When three other members of the board of directors want to recruit him to vote an older man off the board to make cheaper shoes to reap more financial reward, Gondo rebuffs. Gondo visualizes a quality shoe that would not return much profit in the short term but eventually in time, show great rewards while saving the company. This angers the other members as they leave his house in anger.
Gondo then reveals to his wife and closest associate that he has slowly been buying stock in the National Shoe Company and has just mortgaged everything for 30 million yen to buy more, he would then have 48% of the company's stock. But before he can carry out this plan he receives a phone call stating his son had been kidnapped and they are demanding that very same price. Gondo is quick to want to pay the ransom to get his son back before he realizes that the kidnapper kidnapped his chauffeur's son instead and now he has reserves about paying the ransom. Eventually after a lot of discussion and guilt he agrees and the kid is returned to his father.
The first hour of the film all takes place inside one room in Gondo's large house before going to different locations around the city as the police, who feel bad for Gondo because he's now in debt, start to look for the kidnapper to bring him to justice.
A masterfully told crime drama that moves quickly.
This review of High and Low (1963) was written by Joseph B on 19 Apr 2016.
High and Low has generally received very positive reviews.
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