Review of High and Low (1963) by Dante S — 23 May 2012

The 1st half is much more interesting when dealing with the kidnapping and the morality of what to do in the situation than the procedural 2nd half, even if it is done well. I think the movie should have tackled what the decision meant to Gondo more. Maybe even showing a fantasy sequence where he also turns down the ransom (or if really brave, make the ransom paying version be the fantasy). Instead of all of the procedural stuff trying to catch the kidnapper (which wasn't dramatic at all), it should have kept its focus on Gondo and made him perhaps regret his decision once he starts to lose everything. I know that wasn't the director's intent, but if I was able to remake it that's where I'd put the attention during the 2nd half, instead of the procedural stuff on the dramatically boring kidnapper.

Note: I guess I'm looking at it through rose-tinted glasses; I'm sure all of the police procedural stuff was fresh and exciting at the time, but is now just average by-the-book procedure we've seen in movies 100 times.