The reimagining of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 crime thriller, High and Low, is making waves in the film industry. Spike Lee, who has been a longtime fan of Kurosawa, is set to direct the English-language adaptation, marking his fifth collaboration with Denzel Washington. The film will also feature Jeffrey Wright, fresh from his first Academy Award nomination for American Fiction, and Ilfenesh Hadera, known for her roles in Chi-Raq and She's Gotta Have It.
In addition to the star-studded cast, the film will introduce a newcomer to the acting scene, Ice Spice, who is set to make her acting debut in “High and Low”. The rapper, who skyrocketed to fame following the release of her breakthrough single, “Munch (Feelin' U),” has been nominated for four Grammys this year, including best rap song and best new artist.
Based on the 1959 novel King's Ransom, written by Evan Hunter under the pen name Ed McBain, the original High and Low follows a shoe company executive who becomes a victim of extortion when his chauffeur's son is kidnapped by mistake and held for ransom. While it is unclear how closely Lee's film will hew to the original storyline, the new adaptation promises to bring a fresh perspective to the classic tale.
The film is being developed and produced by A24, Escape Artists, and Mandalay Pictures, with Alan Fox and Lee penning the screenplay. Todd Black and Jason Michael Berman are producing for Escape Artists and Mandalay Pictures, respectively, with Lee serving as executive producer through his 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks.
With production set to kick off this month, fans of both Kurosawa and Lee are eagerly awaiting the release of High and Low. The film will be released theatrically by A24 before its global launch on Apple TV+, offering a unique opportunity for audiences to experience a modern adaptation of a classic crime thriller.
As the cast and crew gear up for the production, one question remains: How will Spike Lee's interpretation of High and Low differ from Kurosawa's original, and what new elements will it bring to the table?
What are your thoughts on the remake of High and Low, and what do you hope to see in the new adaptation?
