"Highest 2 Lowest" is Spike Lee's modern day classic (Review)

Reel Perspectives

August 15, 2025

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Spike Lee's newest film, "Highest 2 Lowest," reunites the iconic director with legendary actor Denzel Washington for the fifth time in their long and celebrated career, for a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 Japanese film "High and Low," adapted from Ed McBain's 1959 novel "King's Ransom." 

The remake offers a fresh and modern update on the original story, centering around a powerful record company mogul, David King (Washington), who becomes the target of a ransom plot involving his son. The kidnapping goes awry due to a case of mistaken identity, leading King to face a moral dilemma if he should continue to pay the ransom to save the son of his chauffeur.

At the age of 70, Washington, with a decorated career, has reminded us why he remains one of the greatest actors of the 21st century, with the new thriller from A24 and Apple Studios. Conveying the layered emotions we have come to expect watching this titan on screen, he portrays David with layers of power, charm, respect, and vulnerability. Decades of emotional weight has placed David in an invisible chokehold which Lee has masterfully captured with his unique style that the two have perfected since their first collaboration starting with "Mo' Better Blues" (1990), "Malcolm X" (1992) "He Got Game"(1998), and "Inside Man" (2006).

A24

Make no mistake, this is a "Spike Lee joint". The film begins with a meticulous foundation, introducing the characters, starting with King from his palatial, grandiose penthouse in Brooklyn, where Lee takes his time to give sweeping views of his beloved New York, accompanied by the opening soundtrack of "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'". Further infusing the film with its unique flavor, paying homage with a festive Puerto Rican parade, and honoring legendary artist Eddie Palmieri, where Rosie Perez and Anthony make guest appearances. Disgruntled Yankee fans, who comically tells us what they really think about Boston teams, speak directly into the camera to drive the point home, is uniquely Lee. He builds the story to a slow crescendo that features several familiar faces from his previous films, adding levity to the plot. Surprisingly, "Highest 2 Lowest" is incredibly funny, effectively taking creative liberties with the original film and providing a rich layer of urban pride that resonates with today's culture.

Much of the film revolves around King's moral dilemma as CEO of Stackin' Hits Records and his past decision to sell a portion of his stake years ago that has come back to haunt him. He is now attempting to regain control of the company, but using most of his life savings to do so. Enter the moral dilemma of being on the cusp of having his dream fulfilled or feeling morally obligated to save someone using your life savings who isn't blood. Would you?

A24

In the second half of the film, Lee takes the reins after building the tension to a fever pitch in action sequences, steering the narrative with an urban lens from the original movie. By the time King comes face to face with the kidnapper, the scenes are pulsating with excitement and intensity, producing one of the best confrontations in modern cinematic history that exceeds expectations beyond the typical whys, raising the bar by asking philosophical questions instead that connect with personal expectations and failures.

Making their film debut are Ice Spice and ASAP Rocky, the latter of whom plays a pivotal role in the film as Yung Felony, showcasing unlimited potential and natural born talent if he chooses to pursue acting. Jeffrey Wright also deserves recognition, whose quiet disposition commands your attention with comedic and authentic results. By the time we reach the final scene of the movie, it feels not only therapeutic but richly deserved.

It has been widely reported that this may be the last collaboration between Lee and Washington, and if it is, we will be saying goodbye to one of the greatest duos in cinematic history. Thirty-five years after their first collaboration, Lee and Washington have refined their legendary formula for success and gave us one final masterpiece to celebrate.

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Highest to Lowest is now playing in theaters and will be available to stream exclusively on Apple TV+ on September 5, 2025.

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Full credits

Director

Spike Lee

Writers

Evan Hunter, Akira Kurosawa, Hideo Oguni, Ryûzô Kikushima, Eijirô Hisaita

Cast

Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, ASAP Rocky, Ice Spice, Dean Winters, John Douglas Thompson, LaChanze, Aubrey Joseph, Michael Potts, Wendell Pierce, Elijah Wright, Eddie Palmieri, Anthony Ramos, Rosie Perez

Production

A24, Apple Studios, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, Escape Artists, Mandalay Pictures production, in association with A/Vantage Pictures.

Producers

Todd Black, Jason Michael Berman.

Rating

R

Running Time

2h 13m