High and Low (1963)

Sublime and Masterful

My parents woke me one night as a seven year old to watch the Seven Samurai on TV. I didn't make school the next day but I could think of nothing else for weeks. To this day it remains my favorite film for many reasons. I have made a point of trying to see every film that Kurosawa has made and High and Low is no exception as to its brilliance.

The film starts slowly but with its wonderful set pieces and enigmatic characters grips you.

Gondo (Toshiro Mifune, one of Kurosawa's most prolific leading men) is a major shareholder in a shoe company but his colleagues want to oust him. He decides to put everything on the line and mortgage his house to retain the majority shareholding and oust his feisty colleagues. Just when things are going to plan, his son is kidnapped and held for ransom – apart from they got the wrong boy.  It isn't his son, it's his chauffeur’s son. A dilemma ensues. What will he do?

High and Low is an intelligent and beautiful film and one of Kurosawa's most clever. Kurosawa ultimately understood his art far more than almost any other filmmaker living or dead. This is a masterclass in storytelling.  Gripping, stylish, thought provoking.  Watch this wearing your finest loafers.