Review of High and Low (1963) by Bluepanther — 21 Jul 2008
Once again Kurosawa borrows from American entertainment by adapting the Ed McBain novel King's Ransom. And once again, Kurosawa one ups the original source of the adaptation by making a film that's better than the book.
The first hour or so is almost like a filmed stage play, taking place entirely in one room. The second and third acts of the movie are spent following a small police force around as they hunt for a sadistic kidnapper and murderer.
The investigative sequences in the film are meticulously detailed and acted out with extreme precision. A wholly intelligent movie every step of the way, and, like all of Kurosawa's films, the two and a half hour running time never loses its momentum or over stays its welcome. Another masterpiece. Not surprised.
This review of High and Low (1963) was written by Bluepanther on 21 Jul 2008.
High and Low has generally received very positive reviews.
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