High and Low

High and Low, directed by Akira Kurosawa, is a 1963 Japanese drama film that delves into the complexities of wealth, power, and morality. The movie is an adaptation of Edmund Odéa Shaefer's novel 'King's Ransom' and Ed McBain's novel 'King's Ransom' wasn't used, instead it's a Japanese novel titled 'Purgeru' by Goro Taniguchi that was not used however, it's loosely based on 'King's Ransom', it tells the story of Kingo Gondo, a powerful businessman played by Toshiro Mifune, who runs a large corporation. The story begins with Gondo attending a New Year's party in Tokyo, where his chauffeur, Ishii, hands him a gift - a rare, expensive Japanese sword. The scene shifts to a group of thugs, known as the Black Lizards, who kidnap the chauffeur's son, Iwabuchi, in a case of mistaken identity. They demand a ransom of one million yen in exchange for the boy's safe return. Gondo discovers the truth and is shocked by the audacity of the Black Lizards. The gang is led by a ruthless leader named Muraoka, who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. As Gondo works tirelessly to secure Iwabuchi's release, he begins to question the morality of his own actions. He comes from a wealthy background and has always prioritized his business dealings over his personal relationships. The experience with the Black Lizards makes him see the world in a different light. Meanwhile, Gondo's own life is in turmoil. He is in the midst of a power struggle to take over his company, which is facing financial difficulties. His opponents, led by his former friend and rival, Yagami Rensuke, will stop at nothing to gain control. The plot thickens as the Black Lizards threaten to kill Iwabuchi unless their demands are met. Gondo finds himself caught in a web of his own making. He is forced to make difficult choices that put his business interests at odds with his personal values. As the situation reaches a boiling point, Gondo begins to see the people around him in a different light. He starts to question the true nature of wealth and power. The movie is known for its non-linear storytelling, which adds to the complexity of the plot. Kurosawa masterfully interweaves the multiple storylines, creating a sense of tension and urgency. The film's visual style is equally impressive, with cinematographer Asakazu Nakai capturing the gritty realism of post-war Japan. Toshiro Mifune delivers a powerful performance as Gondo, bringing depth and nuance to his character. His portrayal is both captivating and heartbreaking, as Gondo's inner turmoil is palpable throughout the film. Akira Terao, who plays Iwabuchi, is also impressive in his limited screen time. Throughout the movie, Kurosawa poses thought-provoking questions about the nature of morality and justice. Is it ever acceptable to prioritize personal gain over the suffering of others? How can we reconcile our actions with our values? High and Low raises these questions and offers no easy answers, leaving the audience to ponder the complexities of the human condition. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the real prize is not the ransom, but Gondo's own redemption. Will he emerge from this ordeal a changed man, or will he revert to his old ways? High and Low is a movie that lingers long after the credits roll, leaving viewers to grapple with the consequences of power and morality.