High and Low

As an avid cinema-goer, I recently came across the 1963 Japanese movie, High and Low, and decided to give it a watch. And boy, am I glad that I did!

High and Low, directed by Akira Kurosawa, follows the story of Gondo, a wealthy Japanese businessman, whose son has been kidnapped by a ruthless criminal. However, things take an unexpected turn when it’s revealed that instead of Gondo’s child, the criminal has mistakenly taken the son of his chauffeur. The movie explores the dilemma faced by Gondo, who must decide between paying the ransom for his chauffeur’s child or saving his own reputation and financial security.

Everything about High and Low is spectacular, from the flawless direction to the incredible performances by the cast. Toshiro Mifune, who plays Gondo, shines in his role as a conflicted businessman, who must make a decision that will have life-altering consequences. The actor perfectly portrays the emotional turmoil experienced by a father who must choose between his wealth and his conscience.

One of the best things about High and Low is the way in which it tackles complicated themes such as morality, loyalty, and class divide. The movie brilliantly uses its narrative to explore these issues while keeping the audience engaged throughout.

The cinematography is another standout aspect of this movie. Kurosawa’s visual flair is on full display, and every scene is beautifully shot, with each shot adding to the overall storytelling.

Overall, High and Low is a captivating movie that is a must-watch for anyone interested in classic cinema. It is a perfect demonstration of how movies can be both thought-provoking and entertaining, and it’s no surprise that it is considered a masterpiece by many.

Lesson about High and Low

Lessons about the consequences of greed, the corrupting influence of power, and the value of empathy can be taken from the movie High and Low (1963).

The Best of High and Low

• 1) Engaging Plot: High and Low is known for its intricately woven plotline that is full of suspense, drama, and tension. The movie follows the story of a businessman who is blackmailed to pay a hefty ransom for his son, who has been mistakenly kidnapped. The way the story unfolds and the characters are portrayed keeps the viewer engaged from start to finish.
• 2) Masterful Direction: The movie is directed by the legendary Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, who is known for his iconic films such as Seven Samurai and Rashomon. Kurosawa’s direction in High and Low is masterful as he flawlessly manages the pacing, tone, and tension of the movie. He also brings out the best performances from the cast, making the characters feel real and relatable.
• 3) Social Commentary: High and Low is not only a thrilling crime drama but also a social commentary on the class divide in Japanese society. The movie delves into the life of the rich and the poor and the stark difference in their lifestyles. Through the characters and their actions, Kurosawa highlights the issue of social inequality, making the movie meaningful and thought-provoking.

Week points of High and Low

• 1) The pacing of the movie is quite slow, with a lot of time spent on dialogue and procedural investigation that may not be engaging for all viewers.
  2) Some of the characters are underdeveloped, particularly the female characters, who are sidelined and given limited screen time and agency.
  3) The film’s portrayal of post-World War II Japan can be criticized for its narrow focus on wealthy, Westernized elites, obscuring the diversity and complexity of Japanese society at the time.

Technical details of High and Low