The celebrated partnership between director Spike Lee and actor Denzel Washington has once again graced the cinematic landscape with "Highest 2 Lowest," a contemporary reimagining of Akira Kurosawa's seminal 1963 crime thriller, "High and Low." This marks their fifth on-screen collaboration, following acclaimed films such as "Malcolm X" and "Inside Man."
The film premiered out of competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on May 19th. This date also holds significance as it marks the 100th birthday of Malcolm X, a figure deeply honored in Lee's 1992 film starring Washington. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, "Highest 2 Lowest" features Washington as a music industry mogul whose life is upended when his son is targeted in a kidnapping plot, presenting a profound moral quandary.
The adaptation, penned by Alan Fox, maintains the core tension of Kurosawa's original, which was based on Ed McBain's novel "King's Ransom," while transplanting the narrative to a new cultural context. "Highest 2 Lowest" garnered positive critical reception at its Cannes debut, with praise for its compelling narrative and powerful performances from its ensemble cast, including Jeffrey Wright and Ilfenesh Hadera.
Principal photography for "Highest 2 Lowest" commenced in New York City in March 2024 and concluded in May of the same year. Lee has described the film as a "reinterpretation" rather than a direct remake, drawing parallels to jazz musicians reinterpreting classic standards. The film's release strategy includes a theatrical debut by A24 on August 15, 2025, followed by its availability on Apple TV+ starting September 5, 2025, ensuring a broad audience can experience its nuanced storytelling.