With Denzel Washington inspired by classic crime thriller High and Low for his new film, audiences worldwide are tuning in to watch the Kurosawa masterpiece ahead of Washington’s movie premiere on August 22. As anticipation grows for Highest 2 Lowest, the original 1963 crime drama directed by Akira Kurosawa has surged in popularity on streaming platforms globally, particularly in Taiwan where it ranks among the country‘s top ten films on Max.
Kurosawa’s High and Low Captivates a New Generation
High and Low, written by Akira Kurosawa along with Eijirô Hisaita, Ryûzô Kikushima, and Hideo Oguni, is regaining global attention decades after its release. The crime thriller, which stars Toshirô Mifune, Yutaka Sada, Tatsuya Nakadai, and Kyôka Kagawa, is based on the novel Kingu no minoshirokin by Evan Hunter. While box office records from the original release aren’t readily available, the film’s critical reputation has remained stellar, boasting a 96% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Seen as one of Kurosawa’s most powerful achievements and a high point of 1960s cinema, its influence now extends to the upcoming Highest 2 Lowest starring Washington and Jeffrey Wright.
This adaptation has already generated excitement, earning an 89% early critic score, which sets a new standard for Denzel Washington and director Spike Lee. This pair has previously joined forces on the acclaimed 1992 political drama Malcolm X, which secured Washington an Oscar nomination for Best Lead Actor. Many fans and commentators still see his Oscar loss for Malcolm X as a significant industry oversight, highlighting the enduring admiration for his performances.
Denzel Washington Films Continue Streaming Success Worldwide
As viewers await his latest movie, another Denzel Washington project is also making waves on digital platforms. The Equalizer 3, the final entry in his action thriller franchise, quickly rose into the top three most-watched films on Prime Video as June began. Despite stiff competition from Jason Statham’s newest film, A Working Man, which dominated the platform, both action-packed movies maintain a strong following on Prime Video across various countries.
High and Low’s revival on Max echoes the global fascination with Washington’s inspiration and the broader impact of influential films from the past. The renewed attention reflects a growing appreciation for classic international cinema, as well as the anticipation for projects uniting stars like Washington and directors such as Spike Lee.
Spotlight on the Cast: High and Low’s Enduring Legacy
The original High and Low featured iconic performances from Toshiro Mifune, Tatsuya Nakadai, Kyôko Kagawa, and Tatsuya Mihashi, adding lasting depth to Kurosawa’s storytelling. All four actors are celebrated for their roles, helping cement High and Low’s place in cinema history, with their work continuing to reach new audiences through streaming platforms.
With Denzel Washington inspired by classic crime thriller traditions and revitalizing them for new viewers, the ongoing popularity of High and Low underlines the timeless power of well-crafted storytelling. As audiences look forward to Washington’s new film, the legacy of the past and the excitement for contemporary adaptation demonstrate the enduring appeal of both classic and modern cinema.
