Over a remarkable span of sixteen years, acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee and legendary actor Denzel Washington collaborated on four groundbreaking films: Mo’ Better Blues (1990), Malcolm X (1992), He Got Game (1998), and Inside Man (2006). After nearly two decades apart, they have triumphantly reunited for their latest project, the gripping crime thriller Highest 2 Lowest. This highly anticipated film is set for a limited theatrical release on August 22, followed by its debut on Apple TV+ on September 5th. With these release dates fast approaching, excitement is building, and you can catch a glimpse of the film by watching the newly released trailer embedded above.
According to People, Highest 2 Lowest is described as a modern reinterpretation of the iconic 1963 crime thriller High and Low by renowned Japanese director Akira Kurosawa. The setting has been transformed to capture the gritty essence of contemporary New York City. The film’s synopsis reveals a thrilling narrative: When a powerful music mogul, celebrated for possessing the ‘best ears in the business,’ becomes the target of a high-stakes ransom plot, he finds himself ensnared in a harrowing moral dilemma that could determine life or death. Directed by Lee and penned by writer Alan Fox, the screenplay draws inspiration from the original script by Hideo Oguni, Ryûzô Kikushima, Eijirô Hisaita, and Akira Kurosawa, which was loosely based on the gripping novel King’s Ransom by Ed McBain / Evan Hunter. This novel presents a compelling narrative: For a wealthy businessman, a shocking kidnapping plunges him into a predicament more troubling than any he has ever faced. Meanwhile, Detective Steve Carella and his team at the 87th Precinct grapple with their own dire challenges, hoping he can cooperate just long enough for them to apprehend the criminals before the situation escalates into a homicide.
In addition to Washington, the impressive cast of Highest 2 Lowest includes talented actors such as Ilfenesh Hadera from Godfather of Harlem, Jeffrey Wright known for American Fiction, and popular rappers Ice Spice and A$AP Rocky. Other notable cast members are Dean Winters from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and John Douglas Thompson from The Gilded Age. This diverse ensemble promises to bring depth and excitement to the film.
What are your thoughts on the thrilling trailer for Highest 2 Lowest? Are you planning to experience this cinematic journey on the big screen or enjoy it from the comfort of your home on Apple TV+? We invite you to share your opinions by leaving a comment below.
