Spike Lee and Denzel Washington have collaborated on classics before, but Highest 2 Lowest feels like their most exhilarating work yet. A reimagining of Kurosawa’s High and Low set in New York’s music industry, this modern-day crime thriller isn’t just a movie—it’s an experience.
Washington commands the screen as David King, a legendary music mogul whose charisma, wit, and no-nonsense business sense anchor the story. From the jump, we understand who King is: a family man, a sharp businessman, and a man fighting to protect the empire he built. So when a kidnapping gone wrong forces him into a devastating moral dilemma, the weight of his decision isn’t just on him—it’s on everyone. And as an audience member, you feel it too.
One of the film’s strongest elements is its pacing. Spike doesn’t waste a frame—no dragging, no filler. Every scene builds tension, layering in the music, the silence, and the chaos that drives the story forward. The score is so deeply embedded in the narrative that it deserves its own spotlight. Honestly, if this film ever screens with a live orchestra, sign me up.
Performance-wise, everyone shows up. Aubrey Joseph goes toe-to-toe with Washington as his son in a standout scene that’s both powerful and raw. Jeffrey Wright also delivers a nuanced performance, his emotional depth perfectly contrasting Washington’s steel. It’s OG energy all around—men carrying heavy stakes and handling business without flinching.
But it’s not just about the acting. Highest 2 Lowest is drenched in artistry. The love letter to New York is undeniable, from the music to the set design to the art pieces that feel like they might’ve come straight out of Spike’s personal collection. And yes, we get the iconic Spike Lee touches—the dolly shots, the pauses, the fourth-wall breaks that make you feel like the characters are staring directly into your soul. Spike is one of one, and this film is proof.
That’s not to say the movie is flawless. There’s a moment that had me thinking, why would you do this?—a choice that felt like it could’ve gone another way. But instead of feeling like a misstep, it opened the door for deeper conversations. That’s the mark of layered storytelling.
Now, here’s where I have to be honest: the marketing for this film was terrible. With a cast this stacked—Washington, Wright, LaChanze, Ice Spice in her debut, A$AP Rocky, Ilfenesh Hadera, John Douglas Thompson, Michael Potts, and more—there’s no excuse for not pushing it harder. This is Spike and Denzel, reunited after nearly 20 years, backed by Apple and A24. The lack of visibility didn’t match the greatness on screen.
Flaws in rollout aside, Highest 2 Lowest is a must-see. It’s tense, stylish, and layered with meaning, anchored by powerhouse performances and Spike’s unmatched vision. It deserves a long run in theaters, not just for the story, but for the artistry. I’ve already decided—I’m seeing it again.
If you get the chance to catch it, do yourself that favor. You won’t be disappointed.