Highest 2 Lowest serves as Spike Lee’s modern reimagining of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 film High and Low, which itself was inspired by a 1959 novel. The story centers on David King (Denzel Washington), a music mogul who made his fortune with what he considered the best ear in the business. He founded Stackin’ Hits Records, a significant label for Black artists during the early 2000s. Now living in a luxurious penthouse overlooking New York City alongside his wife Pam (Ilfenesh Hidera) and 17-year-old son Trey (Aubrey Joseph), David finds himself on the verge of buying back Stackin’ Hits, hoping to continue supporting Black culture. However, events take an unexpected turn when Trey is seemingly kidnapped; it turns out a different boy, Kyle (Elijah Wright), is taken instead. Kyle happens to be David's godson and his employee Paul’s (Jeffrey Wright) son, with Paul being treated like family. The kidnapper (ASAP Rocky, aka Rakim Mayers) demands a $17.5 million ransom, forcing David to confront a difficult choice between a crucial business deal and the life of someone who isn't his own child. The dialogue is well-written; Alan Fox penned the screenplay with some revisions made by Spike Lee after Denzel Washington joined the cast. Conversations feel natural and grounded. The performances are strong, particularly Jeffrey Wright’s portrayal of Paul, a father driven by a singular purpose stemming from a troubled past. You find yourself most sympathetic to Paul's plight. Denzel Washington delivers another compelling performance, and he is at the top of his game, despite hinting at retirement in the coming years. His character, David King, has many layers – he’s portrayed as selfish and driven by money, but those close to him remind him of what truly matters. Washington's acting reflects the internal conflict as he grapples with doing the right thing. There is a notable scene near the film's conclusion where Washington delivers lines with rhythmic intensity, showcasing an unexpected musicality despite claiming not to be a musician or rapper. ASAP Rocky’s acting isn’t particularly strong, though his role doesn’t necessarily require it. His performance sometimes feels forced and unnatural outside of portraying an entitled music artist. A fight scene on the subway, where Washington seems to carry Rocky through the choreography, is also notable due to Rocky's repetitive and distracting vocalizations. As a neo-noir crime thriller, Highest 2 Lowest is most engaging in its first half. The initial dilemma—whether David should pay for someone else’s child—is far more intriguing. Once he decides to pay the ransom, the plot becomes predictable. This decision feels abrupt; one moment David refuses to even consider paying over the phone, and the next he's announcing his family is bringing Kyle home. The subway sequence involving the ransom exchange stands out as elaborately staged. Following that, the story follows a familiar path: ransom paid, money lost, boy found, search for the money, and a resolution. Spike Lee’s focus on music and Black culture largely works well, with at least three full-length music videos incorporated into the film. The way music influences the characters' motivations is an interesting aspect, even if it occasionally overshadows logic. The execution of the musical elements is beautiful; the opening scene featuring Norm Lewis’ “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” and the final track are particularly memorable for their cinematography and emotional impact. Highest 2 Lowest boasts a remarkable performance from Denzel Washington, striking visuals, and excellent music. However, the narrative's adherence to conventional plot points ultimately holds it back from achieving greater heights.

Source on TMDB