For those who believe New York is a great city, no director captures its essence better than Spike Lee. Despite the grit and occasional hardships, many New Yorkers find an irreplaceable sense of home. Lee’s new film, Highest 2 Lowest, presented at the , joins the ranks of remarkable New York-based movies. It’s an intelligent, engaging, and surprisingly thoughtful piece. Inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film High and Low, a morally complex police story, Lee delivers a film that feels both intimate and expansive, perfect for casual viewing yet rich enough to contemplate long after.
stars as David King, a record executive whose early 2000s success is now fading. His label, Stackin’ Hits Records, is on the market, but King is determined to regain control. His wife, Pam (Ilfenesh Hadera), while aware of their financial struggles, supports his ambition. Their plans are disrupted when they receive news that their son, Trey (Aubrey Joseph), has been kidnapped, along with Kyle (Elijah Wright), the son of King’s chauffeur and close friend, Paul (Jeffrey Wright, Elijah’s real-life father). Soon, a team of police officers arrives at their luxurious apartment to guide them. The tension is palpable, mirroring the opulence of their penthouse. The situation takes a turn when they discover Trey has been found; the kidnappers mistakenly took Kyle instead.
Highest 2 Lowest closely follows Kurosawa’s narrative, adapted from a novel by Evan Hunter, with a sharp screenplay by Alan Fox. The central moral dilemma—whether King should pay a $17.5 million ransom he can barely afford to save a child who isn’t his—is quickly addressed. However, King’s initial hesitation to help his friend’s son reveals a deeper aspect of his character. Known for his keen ear in discovering talent, King is reminded of his reputation. Yet, he struggles with the decision to save Kyle, highlighting the human tendency towards self-preservation. Washington’s portrayal captures the nuances of this internal conflict, turning a subtle squint into a reflection of moral struggle. His scenes with A$AP Rocky are particularly captivating, showcasing a dynamic interplay of competition and camaraderie reminiscent of jazz musicians.
The remainder of Highest 2 Lowest lives up to the expectations of a contemporary Spike Lee film. Since in 2001, considered one of the greatest New York and overall movies, Lee hasn’t set a film in New York since 2012’s . This film, with cinematography by , is visually stunning, starting with an opening sequence that celebrates New York’s beauty alongside the soundtrack of “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.” The song’s rural imagery contrasts with the urban setting, yet its expression of joy is universal. Howard Drossin’s score perfectly complements the film’s changing moods, ranging from majestic to melancholic. Lee’s choices are impactful, especially in the film’s centerpiece: a subway chase during a Puerto Rican Day celebration featuring Eddie Palmieri, and a precisely choreographed motorcycle sequence. The editing, by Barry Alexander Brown and Allyson C. Johnson, is exceptional.
Lee has always been known as an innovator and a rule-breaker, but he also respects tradition, learning from those who came before him. This approach results in a film like Highest 2 Lowest, which is both entertaining and meaningful. In an era of mediocrity in mainstream cinema, Lee’s craftsmanship is a welcome change. While he has made imperfect films, as have many great directors, he consistently pushes boundaries. As standards decline elsewhere, Lee continues to aim higher, perhaps even reaching for the top of the Empire State Building.
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