Spike Lee and Denzel Washington team up in a fresh action flick called “Highest 2 Lowest,” a modern take on Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic “High and Low.” Set in New York City, Washington portrays a music tycoon entangled in a ransom scheme.
Today on “Commotion,” guest host Rad Simonpillai discusses the movie with culture critic Jay Smooth and film critic Sarah-Tai Black, comparing it to the original Kurosawa film and evaluating its place among past collaborations between Spike and Denzel.
Sarah-Tai highlights the social class portrayal in Kurosawa’s film and expresses a desire for a deeper exploration of class dynamics in “Highest 2 Lowest,” noting Spike Lee’s filmmaking vision. While acknowledging Spike’s direct approach to class issues in certain scenes, she feels the film lacks a consistent collective spirit throughout.
Jay, a New Yorker, praises Spike’s depiction of the city’s essence, especially in scenes like the opening skyline shot with the soundtrack of “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.” He finds the film particularly resonant when it transitions to the streets of New York for the kidnapping plot, spotlighting a gripping subway chase scene during the Puerto Rican Day Parade. Jay appreciates how Spike celebrates the cultural richness of Black and Latino communities, particularly honoring Latin jazz legend Eddie Palmieri, making it a standout moment in the film.
The film’s homage to New York’s diverse cultures, especially in showcasing Puerto Rican heritage through Eddie Palmieri’s performance, leaves a lasting impact on Jay as a native New Yorker. This tribute is particularly poignant following Palmieri’s recent passing and serves as a powerful message against divisive narratives.
For the full discussion, tune in to “Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud” on your preferred podcast platform.