- Release year: 1963
- Director: Akira Kurosawa.
- Producers: Ryûzô Kikushima and Tomoyuki Tanaka.
- Screenplay by: Hideo Oguni, Ryûzô Kikushima, Eijirô Hisaita, and Akira Kurosawa.
- Cinematography by: Asakazu Nakai and Takao Saitô.
- Music by: Masaru Satô.
Synopsis: a businessman’s life gets turned upside down when his driver’s son gets kidnapped.
Shotgun Commentary: a riveting crime film showing the different stages of a kidnapping case, each more enthralling than the previous.
Review
High and Low (original title: Tengoku to jigoku) is a Japanese crime film. It follows the kidnapping of a child from the previous moments where the main characters and their economic situation is presented, to the aftermath of the kidnapping and the police investigation to find the culprit.
One always tries to approach classics with some reservations. It is common to find die-hard fans of certain directors in the film community incapable of admitting when their idol doesn’t create a good work. Akira Kurosawa, being the big name he is, falls into this category, so there were no expectations for this work. However, it is wonderful to be able to say that High and Low is yet another masterpiece by Kurosawa.
Flawless storytelling
The story begins like a business drama. A few executives arguing heatedly over the future of a shoe company and leaving in terrible terms. Yet, just when you begin to think this is going to be a Succession (2018-2023) of sorts, the first plot twist takes place: the son of the main character has been kidnapped!
But wait. It turns out that it’s not him, but his friend, the driver’s son, that has been kidnapped. The perpetrator doesn’t care too much about whom the boy is, as long as the protagonist pays up the ransom. This payment would leave the rich man completely bankrupt, leading to fascinating questions of responsibility, honour, and survival instincts.
Each development renews the audience’s interest tenfold, from the way the police investigates, to the emotional journey of the protagonist, his family, and his driver.
Social corruption
There is a very strong critique of businessmen and the way companies work. Kurosawa challenges the notions of success and fulfilment by showcasing executives running around unhappy, corroded by greed and completely uncaring of the reality that surrounds them. In fact, the first thing you see is these men trying to convince the protagonist to manufacture very low-quality, easily-breakable shoes so their sales will go up.
The topic of corruption is further explored through the character of Kawanishi (Tatsuya Mihashi). He is the protagonist’s secretary. A man willing to put anything and anyone in danger as long as it will help him climb up the ladder. Nevertheless, this examination doesn’t end here. The reasons that lead to the kidnap itself are also born from corruption. In this case, an insanity born from a jealousy that transformed into hatred.
Gondo (Toshirō Mifune) lives in a luxurious house in a hill that overlooks a whole town. This also means that people living in the town also see that house every day. Looking at some sort of Mount Olympus in which only gods can live. The class difference leads to resentment. An issue that is also expressed through the policemen’s attitude towards Gondo throughout the whole ordeal. What begins as professionals doing their work, soon turns into true investment and interest in helping once Gondo proves to be more than just an opportunist.
Additionally, there is a small mention to the influence of the media and its role shaping the truth and the public’s opinion. A power that, while portrayed as positive in this film, also provides a glimpse into the dangers it poses when used for nefarious purposes.
Style and substance
Toshirō Mifune as Kingo Gondo brings life to a fascinating character. His character couldn’t be more opposite to the one he plays in Seven Samurai (1954), one being a stern executive and family man, while the other is a chaotic drunk. Still, there is one key commonality between both, under an uncaring exterior, they turn out to be the most noble and righteous of the story. Mifune brings all the necessary nuances to a very complex, yet very real, character who faces a tough situation.
This characterisation is aided by the costume design department, who change the outfit of each character to reflect their mindset. Both Gondo and his wife finish the feature with a different wardrobe than the one they started it with, reflecting the transformation they’ve been through. Additionally, the clothes also serve as costumes within the film for the policemen to become invisible in different environments, as well as a comedic aid that lightens the story from time to time.
All in all, High and Low is a marvellous crime thriller that catches your attention from minute one and doesn’t let go until the very end. Moral and social commentaries fuse the different parts of the story together, blending the three very different acts of the movie into an experience you can’t get enough of.
4K restoration of High and Low released on Blu-ray, iTunes and Amazon Prime on 27 January 2025.
Special features
- Newly restored and presented in High Definition
- Newly recorded audio commentary by Japanese film expert Jasper Sharp
- Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create – High and Low (2002, 37 mins): the director discusses the genesis of High and Low and how specific sequences were filmed, alongside interviews with actors Tatsuya Nakadai, Kyoko Kagawa, Takeshi Kato and Tatsuya Mihashi, as well as cinematographer Takao Saito and script supervisor Teruyo Nogami
- ***First pressing only*** Illustrated booklet with a new essay by Alex Barrett, an essay by Philip Kemp, a contemporary review by David Wilson from Monthly Film Bulletin, notes on the special features and film credits
Product details
RRP: £19.99 / Cat. no. BFIB1527 / 12
Japan / 1963 / black and white, colour / 143 minutes / Japanese language with optional English subtitles / original aspect ratio 2.35:1 // BD50: 1080p, 23.98fps, DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio and LPCM 2.0 stereo audio (48kHz/24-bit)
Where to buy
Pre-order from the BFI Shop.
Advice to take from this movie:
- You can’t put a price on life.
- Never underestimate a child’s drawing.
- Not all rich people are bastards. A big majority is, though.
What’s your take? Have you watched High and Low? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message in my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀