Denzel Washington in a classic Spike Lee film

A **single credit card** at the end of Spike Lee’s latest cinematic gem, **Highest 2 Lowest**, reads: “Inspired by the master, Akira Kurosawa.” This acknowledgment isn’t mere lip service; Lee skillfully reinterprets Kurosawa’s **1963 classic, High and Low**, crafting a tension-filled police procedural that also critiques the complexities of **social class**. The union of Lee’s vibrant storytelling and screenwriter **Alan Fox’s** sharp narrative creates an evocative tale steeped in a world familiar to Lee, all wrapped in **stylish energy** and wit.

Set against the backdrop of **New York**, **Highest 2 Lowest** marks Lee’s first feature shot in the city since **2012’s Red Hook Summer**, reigniting his passion for the urban landscape as a visual canvas. The echoes of a **dynamic city** pulse throughout the film, and audiences can revel in Lee’s palpable love for his home turf.

From the get-go, the film’s **gorgeous opening sequence** sets the tone, accompanied by “**Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’**” from **Oklahoma!** Cinematographer **Matthew Libatique** captures **Manhattan and Brooklyn** in swoon-inducing wide shots, drenched in **pastel morning light**. Among these visuals is a giant pink neon sign that reads “WELCOME,” a clever nod to the original film’s motifs.

The camera finally lands on a luxurious apartment block in **Dumbo**, where **Denzel Washington** shines as **David King**, a music mogul whose contagious confidence radiates from the penthouse balcony. This is Washington’s fifth collaboration with Lee, and their chemistry is apparent, reminiscent of their **2006 heist thriller, Inside Man**.

In **Highest 2 Lowest**, Libatique’s cinematography surpasses expectations, creating a film that is visually stunning—a true treat for the eyes. Lee employs playful stylistic flourishes, from company logos as transitional wipes to inventive split screens that evoke the essence of **music videos**.

As David’s wife **Pam** (Ilfenesh Hadera) requests their usual **donation** to a city museum, David’s response reveals a shift in their financial landscape—a tension that underscores much of the narrative.

Their teenage son **Trey** (Aubrey Joseph) becomes disillusioned with David’s empty promises, drawing attention to familial disconnects that carry weight throughout the film. As Trey seeks approval from his father, he faces another letdown while David rushes off to a pivotal meeting that could reshape his business.

During this meeting, David grapples with board sabotage as they plot to sell the company he meticulously built, but their plans are soon overshadowed by an ominous phone call—**Trey has been kidnapped**. This harrowing event propels the narrative into a gripping family crisis. The demands? A staggering **$17.5 million** ransom, spiraling David into moral turmoil as he weighs the cost.

Lee’s adaptation reimagines character dynamics, notably the **driver**, whose role transforms from a timid servant to a pugnacious ally who challenges David while embodying a complex background. The film adeptly navigates **themes of privilege** and **social media spectacle**, showcasing how public perceptions shift with the unfolding drama.

With the action escalating, the film reaches a **climactic train heist**, a spectacle where Lee’s direction truly shines. The backdrop of the **Puerto Rican Day parade** infuses a vibrancy that adds to the suspense as hostages are exchanged amidst a cacophony of celebration.

As the film progresses, Washington morphs into a reluctant action hero, with a dark edge that carries an **antihero** charm, propelling audiences through thrilling escapades. Lee ingeniously juxtaposes **music and tension**, culminating in humorous and gripping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Notable guest appearances, including the **hilarious Isis “Ice Spice” Gaston and the ever-charismatic A$AP Rocky**, add flair to the ensemble.

The film is elevated by **Howard Drossin’s** mood-shifting score and electrifying performances that enhance the emotional stakes. While Lee’s adaptation may not delve as deeply into the complexities presented in the original Kurosawa film, it thrives in its boldness and entertainment value. Here, Spike Lee shines as a **showman**, delivering a polished cinematic experience that is not to be missed.