Review of High and Low (1963) by J J — 26 May 2011
High and Low - 8/10.
Is there any genre Kurosawa couldn't do? Aside from a few minor plot holes, another excellent film to add to his list. The first half of the film deals with the kidnap of a rich executive's chauffeur's son, the executive must choose between paying off the ransom which will leave him broke or go through with plans of buying off the company he holds a share in. The second half of the film goes into great detail as it examines the ensuing police procedure as they dedicate all their workforce into finding the kidnapper. All this results in a fascinating drama with scenes that would make Hitchcock proud but the film goes even further through examination of classes and how the poor are largely ignored yet there is great sympathy for the rich.
Mifune superbly demonstrates the inner conflict of his character's moral dilemma. Is it worth throwing away your hard earned fortune for a kid you barely know? In one truly heartbreaking scene, the kid's father begs Mifune to pay off the kidnapper. This is the film that set the blueprint for extortion movies.
This review of High and Low (1963) was written by J J on 26 May 2011.
High and Low has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
