Podcast appearances and mentions of Akira Kurosawa

This week we review Highest 2 Lowest, Spike Lee's brazen remake of the 1963 black and white Akira Kurosawa classic, High and Low. A divisive movie with its own modern mind apart from its predecessor, Highest 2 Lowest split audiences at Cannes this year and has now split us on the podcast as well. Akira Kurosawa at the height of his power or Spike Lee's late style curio? We talk about aging masters, baffling scores, and Lee's storied oeuvre as a whole.

Akira Kurosawa's High and Low (1963) is a film that is as instructive as it is entertaining. It's a classic police procedural that flexes Kurosawa's directorial prowess, especially in its staging and blocking. The film keeps its tense atmosphere throughout and pays off with an excellent conclusion. Enjoy our review of the original High and Low (1963).   Cinema Spectator is a movie podcast hosted by Isaac Ransom, Juzo Greenwood, and Cameron Tuttle. The show is executive produced by Darrin O'Neill and recorded & produced in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA. You can support the show at patreon.com/ecfsproductions. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter under ECFS Productions (@ecfsproductions). Isaac and Cameron started recording podcasts with their first project, Everything Comes from Something (2018), and are now focusing on new weekly content for Cinema Spectator. Cameron Tuttle is a full-time professional cinematographer who majored in SFSU Film School to collaborate with corporate, private, and creative productions. Cameron is the expert. Isaac Ransom works full-time as a marketing leader, with creative experience in brand, advertising, product, music, and film. Isaac is the student. And Juzo, he knows everything about cinema. The podcast is a passion project between three longtime friends; we hope you can enjoy our project with the limited time we have! Thank you for your time, your generosity, and support. 

Every week, the Movie Squad assemble to review the latest in cinema on Breakfast with Pam Boland, usually offering a sweet bonus for the podcast listeners. This episode is no exception, as Tristan Fidler and Simon Miraudo take on two newies from auteurs Kogonada and Spike Lee, as well as a brand new animated film. First up, Tristan takes a look at Kogonada's A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, which sees starcrossed Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie embarking on a large, brave, attractive adventure. But does the earnestness of its trailer match Kogonada's elegiac aesthetic? Then, Simon leads a review of the latest Spike Lee joint, and his fifth collaboration with Denzel Washington, Highest 2 Lowest, inspired by Akira Kurosawa's kidnapping-and-class drama High and Low. Does transplanting the story to New York elevate the material? Stay tuned for an extended pod-exclusive chat about Highest 2 Lowest, plus Simon's review of The Bad Guys 2, and the benefits of children ‘microdosing peril' in theatres. A Big Bold Beautiful Journey and The Bad Guys 2 are now in Australian cinemas. Highest 2 Lowest is available to stream on Apple TV+. Remember, Radiothon runs until 30 September! So, there's still time for you to show us how RTRFM and Movie Squad are More Than Radio to you by becoming a subscriber at support.rtrfm.com.au. Be sure to tune in to RTRFM every Friday at 7:30am to hear Movie Squad live on Breakfast with Pam!

Ep #87 : Crafting Narratives: Insights from Filmmaker Kristina ThomasSummary of the episodeThis episode of noseyAF dives into the vibrant and multifaceted world of filmmaking through an engaging conversation with Kristina Thomas, a writer and director whose path in the industry is marked by resilience, creativity, and remarkable achievements. From her beginnings in East Oakland to her work in television and independent cinema, Kristina shares her journey with authenticity and humor.We explore her trajectory from aspiring youth attorney to filmmaker, how her legal background shaped her narrative voice, and the role of mentorship and community in sustaining an artistic career. Kristina opens up about navigating the challenges of the industry—pandemic disruptions, the writers' strike, and the evolving digital landscape—while continuing to inspire and uplift emerging voices.Whether you're a filmmaker, storyteller, or creative of any kind, this episode offers insight, motivation, and an invitation to embrace your own unique story.Chapters• 00:07 - Introduction to Kristina Thomas• 01:24 - Exploring the Journey of Filmmaking• 09:29 - The Importance of Kindness on Set• 14:27 - Growing Up in East Oakland• 23:58 - The Journey to Filmmaking• 28:25 - The Influence of Akira Kurosawa on Filmmaking• 32:44 - Reflections on Mentorship and Loss• 40:00 - The Evolution of Indie Filmmaking• 43:21 - The Journey of a Filmmaker• 51:06 - Transitioning Careers in the Arts• 56:09 - The Importance of Storytelling in the Digital AgeWhat we talk aboutGrowing up in East Oakland and the early spark of storytellingTransitioning from music to filmmaking and nearly signing with Def Jam RecordsThe influence of Akira Kurosawa on her creative lensNavigating mentorship, mentorship loss, and the power of guidanceIndie filmmaking today vs. thenThe role of storytelling in the digital ageThings We MentionedAkira Kurosawa FilmsFilm Independent Project InvolveAll about Kristina ThomasYou're gonna love Kristina Thomas—she's a filmmaker, writer, and educator who blends creativity, intellect, and vision to push the boundaries of storytelling.Kristina Thomas was born in East Oakland, California, and has emerged as a rising talent in film and television. She first made her mark in the documentary world by winning a $50,000 contest to direct a compelling TV pilot in New Orleans for MTV/Endemol. From there, she transitioned into scripted storytelling, working as a script coordinator on acclaimed series including Greenleaf, Lovecraft Country, and The Haunting of Bly Manor (S2).Her feature script Worth It has gained recognition as a semi-finalist in competitions such as Women in Film/The Black List and BET's Project Cre8 Feature. She is actively developing the project while also teaching as an Adjunct Professor of Screenwriting at DePaul University.Kristina's short-form work has also made a strong impact. Her comedy short House of Balls earned lead actress Mariah Robinson Best Actress at the Alt Film Festival, along with Best Actor recognition, and was named a semi-finalist in BET's Project Cre8: TV and the Hollyshorts Festival. The concept short for Worth It screened at festivals including the Toronto Black Film Festival (Canadian Screen Award–qualifying) and earned an honorable mention at Lady Filmmakers Festival. Most recently, her Film Independent

The remarkable xwordinfo.com has compiled a list of the maximum number of times each letter has appeared in a crossword. Up until today, K had appeared a total of 18 times, but now -- thanks to Jackson Matz -- that record stands at 24, all in the aid of a good cause, aka "the theme". Both cohosts found this to be a slightly crunchier than usual Wednesday, and Jean in particular had to put on her deerstalker hat for the win. Deets inside.Show note imagery: AKIRA Kurosawa's greatest epic, Rashomon.We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

We're back and bringing a FINAL Double Feature of the summer that is only possible because there are masters at work damn it! First up, is Akira Kurosawa's tense thriller involving shoes, kidnapping, drug addiction, jealousy, and of course Toshiro Mifune. It's 1963's High and Low. And then we have Spike Lee's contemporary interpretation of the story involving hip-hop, inept police, more kidnapping, New York City, and of course Denzel Washington. It's 2025's Highest 2 Lowest. Check it out!!

With HIGHEST 2 LOWEST Director Spike Lee remakes Akira Kurosawa's HIGH AND LOW taking it from the streets of Tokyo to the streets of modern day New York City. The film marks the fifth collaboration between Lee and star Denzel Washington. Our hosts share a review and then ponder the trailers of two new films coming soon to theaters.   Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - The Roses

Spike Lee's HIGHEST 2 LOWEST is built on the rock-solid narrative foundation of HIGH AND LOW, but the “interpretation” of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 crime-thriller classic he builds atop it can be shaky at times. We're all in agreement that HIGHEST 2 LOWEST has flaws, but whether those flaws add up to ruin or simply provide texture to a singular filmmaker's singular film is up for discussion in the first part of this week's episode. Then we move into Connections to see where Lee and Kurosawa's films align and diverge when it comes to high-low metaphor and imagery, the intersection of media and public opinion, and the value of police work. And in Your Next Picture Show, Scott recommends an earlier collaboration between Lee and HIGHEST 2 LOWEST star Denzel Washington that has only grown in his estimation since its 1998 release.  Please share your thoughts about HIGH AND LOW, HIGHEST 2 LOWEST, or anything else in the world of film, by sending an email or voice memo to comments@nextpictureshow.net, or leaving a short voicemail at (773) 234-9730. Next Pairing: Francis Lawrence's THE LONG WALK and Sydney Pollack's THEY SHOOT HORSES, DON'T THEY? Intro: 00:00:00-00:02:02 Highest 2 Lowest discussion: 00:02:02 - 00:30:51 Highest 2 Lowest / High and Low Connections: 00:30:51-01:12:02 Your Next Picture Show and goodbyes: 01:12:02-end Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back after our summer holidays and kicking off the second half of season 3 by looking at a particular Washington-based developer that we've looked at many times before, Sucker Punch Productions. After chatting about two-thirds of their raccoon trilogy on this very podcast, we're taking a look at something that is much more recent, much more grown-up, much more samurai. We're going back to 2020 to take a look at an open-world, action-adventure game set during the first Mongol invasion of Japan. We're talking Ghost of Tsushima.On this episode of Stealth Boom Boom, we chat a little bit about tourism, whether Akira Kurosawa mode is just a black and white filter and nothing more, and there's what some people are calling “a surprising amount of Infamous chat”, too. We also look at how they tried to balance authenticity with audience expectation, finishing a game during a global pandemic, and there's a heated discussion about wind.Here are some of the things you're gonna hear us chat about in our review: outrageously quick load times; stealth that encourages speed over patience; some very enjoyable, very familiar outpost-clearing; the power of Focused Hearing; loads of tall grass; the feeling of a sequel to Assassin's Creed 2; being hated by samurai as you fling kunai, wind chimes, and sticky bombs about; undercover Batman; sword-fighting that feels like accessible Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, whilst also engaging the player with a number of different things to consider; no lock on; announcing your arrival at the beginning of a fight; taking on one other opponent in a duel; running after foxes, slicing bamboo, and one or two other things that are absolutely everywhere on this very large map; an uninspired grappling hook; an island that is too big for some and the right size for others; Samuel Taylor Coleridge; Ishikawa's student; a plot that would've worked better in a more linear game; using Ghost tactics and feeling completely fine; and our clothing choices.After all that, we take you through what some of the critics were saying about the game around the time it came out, and then we give you our final verdicts on whether Ghost of Tsushima is a Pass, a Play, or an Espionage Explosion.For those who would like to play along at home, we'll be discussing, reviewing and dissecting Amnesia: The Dark Descent on the next episode of Stealth Boom Boom.IMPORTANT LINKS TO THINGS

This week we're discussing Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest starring Denzel Washington and based on Akira Kurosawa's 1963 Japanese film High and Low. We also cover Emmy winners and surprises as well as major industry and box office news. Check it out.

Bertrand Tavernier builds a lushly realized foundation around which to topple the poisonous heart of European colonialism.  Whether our hapless police chief chooses deliberate inaction, working towards everyone's best interests, or succumbing to his own selfish impulses, everything and everyone around him rots due to the fundamental moral corruption of racism.  But, like, its a comedy. Join the Random Acts of Cinema Discord server here! *Come support the podcast and get yourself or someone you love a random gift at our merch store.  T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, stickers, and more! If you'd like to watch ahead for next week's film, we will be discussing and reviewing Akira Kurosawa's High and Low (1963).

Original Release Date: Monday 15 September 2025    Description:  In another episode featuring now regular contributor Jon Lawlor (longtime purveyor of excellent Chillpak Hollywood Hour theme songs), Dean tells stories of his ongoing trip back to his hometown of Winnipeg and the workshopping of a theatrical play that was the reason for his trip. He also reveals details of what may, or may not, be a Winnipeg-themed art collection he will be (or might not be) showing at a forthcoming Hamilton, Ontario, art show! Jon and Phil compare notes on the live stage show ("Viva Los Feliz") in which they both performed last week. Then, the focus turns to Spike Lee's latest "joint", a remake of an Akira Kurosawa classic itself based on a novel by Ed McBain (aka Evan Hunter). Particular attention is paid to the cinematography and the music. Finally, it's time for more Superman discussion, as a longtime, brilliant listener takes Dean and Jon to task for what they "missed" in their scathing reviews of one of this year's most beloved, and most talked about movies. Oh, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens takes quite a few strays in the process!

W. Kamau Bell is a noted comedian, author, filmmaker, and activist. He's also the former co-host of the podcast DENZEL WASHINGTON IS THE GREATEST ACTOR OF ALL TIME PERIOD, along with our very own Kevin Avery. Now, we've gotten the former co-hosts (and former roommates!) back together. It's a big deal, but does Spike Lee and Denzel Washington's big reunion rise to the occasion? Find out as we discuss HIGHEST 2 LOWEST, and stay to hear some fantasy pitches for other classic movies that we'd like to see get Denzel-ified.What's Good?Alonso - Petit Grain (and supporting your local bakery…and eating your feelings)Drea - being on festival juriesKamau - pizza; daughter fetching an umbrella for dadKevin - killing a wasp in a beekeeping suitITIDICUnfinished Orson Welles Movie Being Completed By AI…Meanwhile, WB Sues MidjourneyAfter The Smashing Machine, Benny Safdie and The Rock Are Pairing Up AgainStaff PicksAlonso - The BaltimoronsDrea - Preparation for the Next Life (?)Kevin - Love, BrooklynKamau - The Unforgivable Sin of Ms. RachelSubscribe to Kamau's Newsletter, Who's With Me?Akira Kurosawa's HIGH AND LOW on Criterion Follow us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, or LetterboxdWithKevin AveryDrea ClarkAlonso DuraldeProduced by Marissa FlaxbartSr. Producer Laura Swisher

Welcome to the return of our Clone Wars rewatch, here on For The Republic: A Love Letter to Star Wars Animation! As we return to our coverage of The Clone Wars Season 2, Andrew (@StarlightAndrew) & Conor (@DepaBanana) look back at the standalone episode "Bounty Hunters!" A tribute to Akira Kurosawa's legendary film Seven Samurai, we discuss how Kurosawa's films have inspired Star Wars over the years, and what future stories have taken similar story beats from Seven Samurai following this episode. With the return of Hondo Ohnaka, the introduction of several new Bounty Hunters to the Star Wars universe, and a story depicting Bounty Hunters in a different light than what we normally see in Star Wars, this standout episode of The Clone Wars marks a fitting return to our journey through the animated series. Episodes Discussed: "Bounty Hunters" (S2E17)Vote in this week's JEDI ARCHIVES Poll!-Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for our 100X100 CELEBRATION-https://www.youtube.com/@fortherepublicpodcast"WHAT CHOICE?": Star Wars Fans for Abortion Access-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gofundme.com/f/what-choice⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the Amidala Initiative-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-amidala-initiative-for-equality-texas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our YouTube channel!-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1_Aywl930XitqQYXrOr2Bg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast on Bluesky-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fortherepublicpod.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Twitter-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ForTheRepubPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Instagram-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fortherepublicpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & TikTok-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fortherepublicpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for further updates on the podcast.

A study released last October showed that movie remakes tend to lose money. Yet the film industry, for a variety of reasons, keeps churning them out. On this week's show, Dan Webster, Mary Pat Treuthart and Nathan Weinbender discuss one recent remake, Spike Lee's film “Highest 2 Lowest,” which is his version of Ed McBain's 1959 novel “King's Ransom,” as well as take a look back at another McBain adaptation, Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa's 1963 film “High and Low.”

In this episode, we review the 2025 American neo-noir crime thriller film directed by Spike Lee, starring Denzel Washington, Ilfenesh Hadera, Jeffrey Wright, ASAP Rocky, and Ice Spice (in her film debut). We discuss whether this English-language reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 Japanese film High and Low was a successful attempt by Spike Lee, and we debate if Lee and Washington are the best director/actor combination of the last 35 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's just Kevin and Lauren again this week and they are discussing Splitsville, Highest 2 Lowest, Am I OK?, Daredevil: Born Again, and Emma & Bruce That's right, Andrew has shunned all of us again. It hurts, but we'll move on. He'll be back and we all know it. After getting over our searing sting of rejection, Lauren kicks off the show by talking about the new film, Splitsville, starring Dakota Johnson, Adria Arjona, and some other people. That sounds a little dismissive, but the overall review is that the film isn't anything too special. It's a comedy-ish, but it opens in a very dark place. Our primary couple decides to enter into an open relationship to save their marriage, and, as you might imagine, it's less than successful. It sounds like this movie leans more into the odd humor than the straightforward and might be worth a viewing, but many reviews label it as somehow both chaotic and boring at the same time, so watch at your own risk. After that, Kevin joins his field guide, Spike Lee, on a tour of New York in Highest 2 Lowest, starring Denzel Washington. It's a remake of the Akira Kurosawa classic, High and Low. While the review is solid, it really does feel like an advertisement for New York about 40% of the time, and the first half of the film feels a little slow, while the second half flies by. It does end strong, but leaves a few questions in Kevin's mind that make it a little off from some of Lee and Washington's better works, but it's definitely worth a watch. Next up, Lauren continues to feed her Dakota Johnson addiction with a film from 2022, Am I OK? Directed by the great comedian Tig Notaro, this is the story of a woman who discovers a little late in life that she is gay. The film documents how that affects her, her relationships with friends, and what it means for her relationships going forward. It's certainly more heartfelt than the previous Johnson film Lauren watched and is one of her better films, so check it out if you have the chance. Coming off that high of a couple of really solid films, Kevin veers off the road into what might be a hot take. He and his family recently finished the Netflix Daredevil series and began Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+. While the show has fared well critically, Kevin is of the opinion that the original Netflix series is the better of the two. And it's not close. The new series leans too much into the special effects and loses a lot of the grit and grime that made the original such a success. That said, it is in no way a bad series, so if you like the MCU, definitely give it a go! Lauren closes out the show on top with a review of the Diane Sawyer interview with Emma Heming Willis about her relationship with Bruce Willis and the complexities they face with his dementia diagnosis. It's not the happiest of topics, but it's a very good interview and leads to some interesting discussion between Kevin and Lauren. Even if you skip this part of the podcast, the interview itself is definitely worth spending your time on. As always, thank you for watching. If you haven't already, don't forget to Like & Subscribe. We love new viewers! Also, leave us comments and let us know how we are doing and what we can be doing better. Enjoy the episode and have a great week! Facebook: @apncpodcast Twitter: @APNCPodcast Instagram: AllPopNoCulture

This week, Brandon & Lorin review Spike Lee's "Highest to Lowest" and its inspiration, Akira Kurosawa's "High and Low." Elsewhere, they review the Venice Film Festival and provide an early outlook on all the sports.

The new HIGHEST 2 LOWEST includes an onscreen credit for “the master” Akira Kurosawa as inspiration for a film that has the same basic shape and mistaken-identity kidnapping premise of 1963's HIGH AND LOW, but is still unmistakably a Spike Lee joint. So in order to better evaluate Lee's modernization of a crime classic, we're returning to the master's version to see how Kurosawa himself reshaped HIGH AND LOW from its pulp-novel origins, utilizing a bifurcated structure and leading man Toshirō Mifune to challenge viewers' assumed sympathies towards a villain and a victim on opposite sides of the class divide. Then in Feedback, a letter from a listener underlines a point about storytelling that HIGH AND LOW handily illustrates: the necessity of a three-act structure has been greatly exaggerated. Please share your thoughts about HIGH AND LOW, HIGHEST 2 LOWEST, or anything else in the world of film, by sending an email or voice memo to comments@nextpictureshow.net, or leaving a short voicemail at (773) 234-9730. Intro: 00:00:00-00:06:18 High and Low Keynote: 00:06:18-00:13:10 High and Low Discussion: 00:13:10-00:52:06 Feedback/outro: 00:52:06-end Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, the first of Season 7,  Greg and Patrick argue about whether the number seven is a propitious or an inauspicious omen for the new season. They then explore ways we can spice up our relationship in hopes of avoiding the Seven Year Itch. Along the way they also discuss t-shirt wearing dogs, Mickey Mantle, the seven deadly sins, Akira Kurosawa, the Boeing triple-seven, menage-a-pods, unwritten books, El Duderino, mmmmmmaybe, I see dead people, ROYGBIV, Ozzy Man, dodgy cats, short cons and long cons, and Tate's study group. Stay in contact with Quantitude! Web page: quantitudepod.org TwitterX: @quantitudepod YouTube: @quantitudepod Merch: redbubble.com

Listen as Bryant and Caitlyn provide their debrief of the Akira Kurosawa drama, High and Low! *The first portion of the episode is spoiler free*Make sure to follow us:Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok- @opsilverscreenFacebook- Operation: Silver Screen

Héctor le ha quitado las telarañas a la app de Apple TV+ y ha visto #DelCieloAlInfierno, el nuevo "joint" de Spike Lee, quien vuelve a dirigir a Denzel Washington después de casi 20 años sin coincidir (la última vez fue en #PlanOculto). Remake de la magistral "El infierno del odio", de Akira Kurosawa, el film de Lee se centra en cómo un famoso dirigente de una discográfica lidia con el secuestro de su hijo. El último remake que realizó Spike Lee fue la bazofia de #OldBoy (la madre que lo parió...) ¡Escuchad y opinad, Amig@s! También nos podéis encontrar aquí: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/52i1iqZ56ACal18GPkCxiW Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/los-tres-amigos/id1198252523 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3zK2XsnpHDGRujSTWHpL8Q Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e0b56d4f-4537-47e0-a252-9dfe56b5a490/los-tres-amigos Grupo de Telegram: https://t.me/LosTresAmigos https://www.facebook.com/LosTresAmigosPodcast/ Instagram: lostresamigospodcast Bluesky: @los3amigospodcast.bsky.social X / Twitter: @tresamigospod Threads: lostresamigospodcast Letterbox: https://letterboxd.com/LosTresAmigos/ #Highest2Lowest #AppleTV #A24 #MusicMogul #ASpikeLeeJoint #Thriller #NY #NuevaYork

The guys discuss Akira Kurosawa's 1963 classic, High and Low, which is Ron's Required Viewing choice, and then gab about other things they've watched recently, like Alien: Earth and the new HBO crime drama, Task, starring Mark Ruffalo in scruffy mode. 

At 87, Oscar-winning actor Jane Fonda is pouring her energy into activism. She'll reflect on her decades-long career, and how she first began her fitness empire to fund her activist work. Also, we hear from  Spike Lee. His latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, reimagines Akira Kurosawa's 1963 classic High and Low, but through the lens of modern-day America and hip-hop culture. Both guests spoke with Tonya Mosley.  Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Welcome back to Movie Boi! This podcast will feature discussions on movies, new and old alike, as well as some broader movie topics and conversations.In this episode:00:00 – Movie news feat. Gareth. Talking about the Venice Film Fest, Jordan Peele's movie being pulled from Universal's calendar, and a possible Call of Duty movie. 18:00 – A deep dive on Highest 2 Lowest, the 5th collaboration between Denzel Washington and Spike Lee and a re-imagining of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 movie High & Low. 1:04:00 - A frequent collaborators movie draft. If you want to share your thoughts on the movie or send in a mailbag question, contact MovieBoyJack@gmail.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

September's going to be a busy month, we can tell already. We took a week off at the end of the summer but we're coming in hot to start the fall here at Breakfast All Day. Supposedly "The Conjuring: Last Rites" is the final film in the franchise -- it says so right there in the title! -- but nothing ever really ends. This is once again the scariest case Ed and Lorraine Warren have ever taken, something to do with a haunted mirror. You've seen it all before, but Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are committed to the bit as always. In theaters. Then we review both Spike Lee's "Highest 2 Lowest" and Akira Kurosawa's "High and Low," the 1963 film that inspired it. The new one stars Denzel Washington as a music industry titan fighting a kidnapping scheme; Toshiro Mifune played a shoe company executive in the original. They have similar bones but are extremely different in how they tell their stories. The Kurosawa film is one of his greats, and Lee's latest is his most purely entertaining movie in a while. (At least one of us thought so.) You can catch "Highest 2 Lowest" on Apple TV+, while "High and Low" is on HBO Max and The Criterion Channel. Finally, we did a lengthy Movie News LIVE! Lots to talk about with fall festival season beginning, plus new trailers including "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple," and the gross use of AI to complete Orson Welles' "The Magnificent Ambersons." Join us every Friday at Noon Pacific at our YouTube channel. Thanks for being here! Subscribe to Christy's Saturday Matinee newsletter: https://christylemire.beehiiv.com/  

For this week's main podcast review, Josh Parham, Giovanni Lago, Daniel Howat, Brendan Hodges, and Tom O'Brien join me to review and discuss the latest Spike Lee joint, "Highest 2 Lowest," starring Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera & ASAP Rocky. It is an English-language remake and reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 Japanese film High and Low, itself based on the 1959 novel King's Ransom by Ed McBain. It marks the first collaboration between Lee and Washington since "Inside Man" in 2006. The film premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival to positive reviews, but what did we think of it? Please tune in as we discuss the direction, themes, performances, music, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At 87, Oscar-winning actor Jane Fonda is pouring her energy into activism. She'll reflect on her decades-long career, and how she first began her fitness empire to fund her activist work. Also, we hear from  Spike Lee. His latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, reimagines Akira Kurosawa's 1963 classic High and Low, but through the lens of modern-day America and hip-hop culture. Both guests spoke with Tonya Mosley.  Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Sean and Amanda start the show by reacting to a handful of recent movie trailers, including Emerald Fennell's ‘Wuthering Heights'—starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi—and Nia DaCosta's ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' (3:33). Then, they unpack Spike Lee's newest film ‘Highest 2 Lowest,' starring Denzel Washington and A$AP Rocky. They explore its very high highs and occasional low lows, Washington's fascinating performance style, and what makes this film so different compared to the rest of Lee's filmography (17:09). Next, they cover Darren Aronofsky's ‘Caught Stealing,' starring Austin Butler and Zoë Kravitz; they both found it quite disappointing, to the point that they even discussed whether or not Austin Butler is a “leading man” (39:54). Finally, Sean is joined by the legendary filmmaker Spike Lee to talk about his new movie. Lee reflects on the first time he visited Akira Kurosawa's work and touches on what Kurosawa means to both himself and cinema at large, talks through Denzel Washington's brilliant improvisations in this film and explains why he is—in Lee's opinion—the greatest actor of all time, and explores what is missing from Hollywood and the filmmaking industry right now (1:07:01). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Spike Lee Producer: Jack Sanders This episode is sponsored by State Farm®️. A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Highest 2 Lowest, out today on Apple TV +, is the latest joint from Spike Lee.  The film is the latest adaptation of Ed McBain's King's Ransom and follows in the direct foorsteps of Akira Kurosawa's version, High and Low.  Shot on the streets of New York City by frequent Lee collaborator Matthew Libatique, the film also fuses several different musical cues and genres to create the story of a kidnapping gone wrong and the moral dilemma it presents for the music mogul now tasked with paying the ransom.  The film stars Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky, John Douglas Thompson, Dean Winters, LaChanze, Princess Nokia, and Ice Spice.  Dan and Vicky break with Hot Date format once again to choose a film currently playing in cinemas.  They also discuss their recently seen including Netflix's Wednesday, 2025's Naked Gun, Freakier Friday, Weapons, Fantastic Four: First Steps and Went Up The Hill. Our socials:  hotdatepod.com FB:  Hot Date Podcast Twitter: @HotDate726 Insta:  hotdatepod

Josh is joined by Spike Lee Correspondents Daniel Lima and Josh Brown to talk about the newest film from Lee, "Highest 2 Lowest." They discuss how Lee and screenwriter Alan Fox adapted Akira Kurosawa's 1963 film to tell a modern day story about class in New York City, the ways in which Lee took advantage of being able to film in New York for the first time in more than a decade, the performances from Denzel Washington and ASAP Rocky and much more! Produced and Edited by Daniel Lima.

On this iteration of the First Watch Podcast, Cole, Morgan, Zach, and guest and friend Davey Peppers break down the swath of Kurosawa restorations hitting select theaters followed by a deep dive into the Shakespeare jidaigeki Throne of Blood and Ran.

Zach Cregger's WEAPONS overlaps with Atom Egoyan's THE SWEET HEREAFTER in both its broad narrative setup — a town grapples with the sudden disappearance of a group of children — and its non-traditional structure, but diverges considerably in its tone. Then again, WEAPONS diverges considerably from its own tone as it goes on, artfully shifting gears as it makes its way through a story that prioritizes entertainment value over horror allegory. We're joined once again by Vulture movie critic Alison Willmore to talk about why that approach worked so well on us, and less so on the film's detractors, before bringing THE SWEET HEREAFTER back in to discuss how each film's broken timeline serves to reveal the intricacies of a community shattered by grief and anger. Then in Your Next Picture Show, we offer two recommendations for follow-up viewing, one for each half of this pairing. Please share your thoughts about THE SWEET HEREAFTER, WEAPONS, or anything else in the world of film, by sending an email or voice memo to comments@nextpictureshow.net, or leaving a short voicemail at (773) 234-9730. Next Pairing: Spike Lee's HIGHEST 2 LOWEST and Akira Kurosawa's HIGH AND LOW. Intro: 00:00:00-00:02:14 Weapons discussion: 00:02:14 - 00:36:00 Weapons/The Sweet Hereafter Connections: 00:36:00-00:58:58 Your Next Picture Show and goodbyes: 00:58:58-end Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Surprise! We're back with a brand new Rough Cut, this time on Highest 2 Lowest (2025), Spike Lee and Denzel Washington's 5th collaboration and their first in 19 years. Highest 2 Lowest is a remake of the 1963 Akira Kurosawa film High and Low — both movies follow a rich businessman who deliberates paying the ransom when his chauffeur's son is kidnapped. Highest 2 Lowest also stars A$ap Rocky, Jeffery Wright, and Ilfenesh Hadera. Spoilers everywhere, listen at your own risk! Our recommendations: Jungle Fever (1991), Malcom X (1992), Bamboozled (2000), High and Low (1963) Support the show with a Ko-fi! ko-fi.com/blackgirlfilmclub Check out the rest of our socials at linktr.ee/blackgirlfilmclub

On the two hundred and seventy-fourth episode of THE THIRD ACT PODCAST, the crew are wondering who will be the highest or lowest on the Spike-0-Meter.Christian, Jericho, and Armando get in front of the mics to rap about the latest Spike Lee joint HIGHEST 2 LOWEST, a "reimagining" of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 neo-noir classic HIGH AND LOW. But first, they discuss MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: THE FINAL RECKONING, WEAPONS, NE ZHA 2, and THE LIFE OF CHUCK in the Recently Watched segment.They also chat the Apple TV overspend, art vs. commerce, NBA 2K storymode, shameful theatrical rollouts, legacy, Boston hate, and old man yelling at the cloud rants.Subscribe to Jericho's Substack: symbioticreviews.substack.comKeep in touch with us on Instagram and email us anytime at: TheThirdActPodcast@gmail.com  

NEW Episode! This week I talk about change and reaction to change when you get older, What its like to have your family grow and people having your back. This week I review a Akira Kurosawa classic and I talk about a local band i heard this week with a whole lot of promise!

Highest 2 Lowest is a 2025 American crime thriller film directed by Spike Lee from a screenplay by Alan Fox. It is an English-language remake and reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 Japanese film High and Low, itself based on the 1959 novel King's Ransom by Ed McBain. The film stars Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, ASAP Rocky, John Douglas Thompson, Dean Winters, LaChanze, Princess Nokia, and Ice Spice (in her film debut). It marks the first collaboration between Lee and Washington since Inside Man (2006).Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

With Ghost of Yōtei launching October 2nd, Nerd Legion is diving into the films and anime that inspired the game's haunted world. We begin with Akira Kurosawa's Throne of Blood (1957), a chilling reimagining of Macbeth that blends Noh theatre, samurai tragedy, and supernatural ghosts. In this episode, MonteCristo and DoA discuss:⚔️How Throne of Blood's fog, wind, and black-and-white style shaped Kurosawa Mode in Ghost of Tsushima (returning in Ghost of Yōtei)⚔️The fusion of Shakespearean tragedy with Japanese Noh theatre and its symbolism (Lady Asaji's mask-like stillness, the centipede banners, spinning horses)⚔️Kurosawa's legendary use of atmosphere and the unforgettable real-arrow death scene with Toshiro Mifune⚔️How the film's themes of cursed destiny and supernatural hauntings echo the mythic tone of Ghost of Yōtei

For their fifth collaboration, HIGHEST 2 LOWEST, Spike Lee and Denzel Washington reimagine Akira Kurosawa's 1963 masterpiece “High and Low.” Adam and Josh review the film coming to Apple TV+ Sept. 5. Plus, spoiler feedback for Zach Cregger's WEAPONS, Massacre Theatre, and revisiting the show's 2020 Sacred Cow review of JAWS. This episode is presented by ⁠Regal Unlimited⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes and chapter starts may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:01:59) Highest 2 Lowest (00:02:00-00:47:59) 20th Anniversary Messages (00:48:00-00:54:43) Weapons Spoilers Feedback (00:54:44-01:25:12) Notes (01:25:13-01:30:16) Massacre Theatre (01:30:17-01:40:53) Jaws at 50 (01:40:54-02:17:57) Credits / New Releases (02:17:58-02:25:24) Links: “How to Watch Jaws in Theaters for Its 50th Anniversary” https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/how-to-watch-jaws-in-theaters-for-50th-anniversary Feedback: -Email us at ⁠⁠feedback@filmspotting.net⁠⁠. -⁠⁠Ask Us Anything⁠⁠ and we might answer your question in bonus content. Support: -Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episodes and archive access. ⁠⁠http://filmspottingfamily.com⁠⁠ -T-shirts and more available at the Filmspotting Shop. ⁠https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠ Follow: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/filmspotting⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/filmspotting⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://facebook.com/filmspotting⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/filmspotting⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilm⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/larsenonfilm https://bsky.app/profile/larsenonfilm.bsky.social Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time in nineteen years, Oscar-winning director Spike Lee and Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington have re-united for their fifth collaboration after Mo Better Blues, Malcolm X, He Got Game, and Inside Man.  Washington stars as David, a New York City music mogul with ONE goal at the outset of this story: to retain full control of the record label he had built over the past several decades to reconnect with the music.  However some other mysterious figure has other ideas as he calls David out of the blue claiming to suddently have kidnapped the mogul's son Trey (Aubrey Joseph) and he is demanding a LOT of money in return. :o In his corner is personal driver/bodyguard Paul played by Oscar-nominee Jeffrey Wright.  And what results is a high-energy thriller/musical/New York movie which also happens to be a loose remake of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 classic High and Low.    Host: Geoff GershonEdited By Ella GershonProducer: Marlene GershonSend us a texthttps://livingforthecinema.com/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/

Get access to this entire episode as well as all of our premium episodes and bonus content by becoming a Hit Factory Patron for just $5/month.Associate Editor at Roger Ebert Robert Daniels joins to discuss the latest Spike Lee joint Highest 2 Lowest, a loose reimagining of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 procedural masterpiece High & Low that marks the fifth collaborationg between Lee and the inimitable Denzel Washington. Thematically rich, unabashedly confrontational and occasionally baffling, Highest 2 Lowest is everything you would hope for from a late period Spike Lee picture, as Lee grapples with personal concerns about masculinity, the contradictions of Black capitalism, and the generational divide around the nature of authenticity in art when success has finally come your way.We begin with a discussion of the bold formal choices of Highest 2 Lowest, including the stylistic gambit of dividing the film firmly into two aesthetic halves; the first half marked by an austere, antiseptic, and artificial atmosphere that finally gives way to a more daring, brash and musical rhythm when the film descends on the streets of Spike's native New York, escaping the Dumbo high rise apartment of the film's early chapters. Then, we explore the film as autocritique, with Lee and Washington examining their positions as elder statesmen of Black artistry, and the push-pull of working within systems of capital built upon racialized heirarchies. Finally, we tackle the film's thorny political propositions, its conservative tendencies, and the thrill of trying to parse where exactly an artist like Spike Lee stands on the issues and questions he presents within the text.Read Robert Daniels on Highest 2 Lowest at Roger EbertRead Alphonse Pierre on Highest 2 Lowest at PitchforkFollow Robert Daniels on Twitter.....Our theme song is "Mirror" by Chris Fish

On this week's show, Dana, Julia, and Steve are joined by special fourth guest host: Wesley Morris of the New York Times. The foursome wield their sharpest critical tools for a discussion of the horror hit Weapons. Whether the twisty thrill ride hits its intended target— and what exactly is said target— is up for debate. Next, they take up the latest Spike Lee joint Highest 2 Lowest which reunites the legendary director with Denzel Washington and riffs on an Akira Kurosawa classic. Finally, they examine the “Performative Male” trend popping up in TikTok, style sections, and costume contests around the globe. Is it an embodiment of real gendered anxiety or internet nonsense? In an exclusive Slate Plus bonus episode, the panel gets into all the shocks and surprises of Weapons's finale in a spoiler-filled conversation. Email us your thoughts at culturefest@slate.com.  Podcast production by Benjamin Frisch. Production assistance by Daniel Hirsch. Endorsements Steve: Music by the jazz pianist Bobo Stenson, specifically his album Serenity. Julia: Wesley Morris's stellar new culture podcast Cannonball, specifically the episode with Taffy Brodesser-Akner about And Just Like That. Wesley: Watching the great New York sporting event the US Open. If you can't make it to Flushing Meadows, you can watch on ESPN or stream on Fubo, and shop the enviable merch at the US Open Store. Dana: Akira Kurosawa's High and Low. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's show, Dana, Julia, and Steve are joined by special fourth guest host: Wesley Morris of the New York Times. The foursome wield their sharpest critical tools for a discussion of the horror hit Weapons. Whether the twisty thrill ride hits its intended target— and what exactly is said target— is up for debate. Next, they take up the latest Spike Lee joint Highest 2 Lowest which reunites the legendary director with Denzel Washington and riffs on an Akira Kurosawa classic. Finally, they examine the “Performative Male” trend popping up in TikTok, style sections, and costume contests around the globe. Is it an embodiment of real gendered anxiety or internet nonsense? In an exclusive Slate Plus bonus episode, the panel gets into all the shocks and surprises of Weapons's finale in a spoiler-filled conversation. Email us your thoughts at culturefest@slate.com.  Podcast production by Benjamin Frisch. Production assistance by Daniel Hirsch. Endorsements Steve: Music by the jazz pianist Bobo Stenson, specifically his album Serenity. Julia: Wesley Morris's stellar new culture podcast Cannonball, specifically the episode with Taffy Brodesser-Akner about And Just Like That. Wesley: Watching the great New York sporting event the US Open. If you can't make it to Flushing Meadows, you can watch on ESPN or stream on Fubo, and shop the enviable merch at the US Open Store. Dana: Akira Kurosawa's High and Low. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After nearly two decades apart, Spike Lee and Denzel Washington are reunited with Highest 2 Lowest — a bold reimagining of Akira Kurosawa's classic High and Low. Alongside an all-star cast that includes Jeffrey Wright, A$AP Rocky, and even newcomer to the screen Ice Spice, this film marks a powerful return to the big screen, and Spike Lee personally encourages everyone to see it in theaters! On today's episode of The Run-Through with Vogue, Digital Style Director Leah Faye Cooper spoke to Spike about what it was like working with Denzel after all these years apart (the Batman to his Robin as Spike says). He also shared his secret to scouting new talent (the internet plays a big role!) and his guide to the best spots in Brooklyn.The Run-Through with Vogue is your go-to podcast where fashion meets culture. Hosted by Chioma Nnadi, Head of British Vogue; Chloe Malle, Editor of Vogue.com; and Nicole Phelps, Director of Vogue Runway, each episode features the latest fashion news and exclusive designer and celebrity interviews. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Paul and Erin are held captive by two films about kidnapping schemes affecting wealthy men: Akira Kurosawa's 1963 all-timer HIGH AND LOW, starring Toshiro Mifune, and Ron Howard's 1996 smash thriller RANSOM, starring Mel Gibson.

We are rebroadcasting episode 645 as our The Clone Wars re-watch continues. This episode pays tribute to Akira Kurosawa as the Jedi teach a village to defend themselves.   In this fully armed and operational episode, we discuss: Anakin, Ahsoka, and Obi-Wan's crash landing on Felucia, The bounty hunters appearing in this episode, How this episode pays tribute to The Seven Samurai and Akira Kurosawa, The voice of Embo, How the Jedi train the villagers to train themselves, Our favorite Hondo quotes from the episode, and Whether Hondo was acting with any honor in this episode. Thanks for joining us for another episode! Subscribe to Podcast Stardust for all your Star Wars news, reviews, and discussion wherever you get your podcasts. And please leave us a five star review on Apple Podcasts.   Find Jay and her cosplay adventures on J.Snips Cosplay on Instagram.   Join us for real time discussion on the RetroZap Discord Server here: RetroZap Discord. Follow us on social media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube. T-shirts, hoodies, stickers, masks, and posters are available on TeePublic. Find all episodes on RetroZap.com.

Jason and Rosie dive deep into Spike Lee's latest film 'Highest 2 Lowest', exploring its themes, character dynamics, and cinematic techniques. They reflect on their experience at the premiere, analyze the adaptation from Akira Kurosawa's 'High and Low', and delve into the cultural significance of New York City as portrayed in the film. Follow Jason: IG & Bluesky Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd Follow X-Ray Vision on Instagram Join the X-Ray Vision DiscordSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spike Lee's new crime thriller Highest 2 Lowest reunites him with his favorite leading man, Denzel Washington. The film is based on Akira Kurosawa's classic High and Low, and it's a tense story about a very rich man with a very big problem. Part morality play and part action movie, Washington plays a music mogul who confronts questions of responsibility and power when he believes his son has been kidnapped.Follow Pop Culture Happy Hour on Letterboxd at letterboxd.com/nprpopcultureLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Spike Lee and Denzel Washington first worked together on “Mo' Better Blues,” released in 1990. Washington starred as a trumpet player trying to make a living in jazz clubs; Lee, who directed the film, also played the musician's hapless manager. They later worked together on “Malcolm X” and other films, but it has been nearly twenty years since their last collaboration, the hugely successful “Inside Man.” So the new film “Highest 2 Lowest” is something of a reunion. “I've become a better director, working with Mr. Denzel Washington,” Lee tells David Remnick. “It's not about just what's on the script.  It has to be deeper than that.” “Highest 2 Lowest” is an adaptation of a 1963 movie by Akira Kurosawa, who has been a major influence on Lee. “The script came to me first,” Washington explains. “I hoped that Spike would be interested in it, so I called him up. He said, ‘Send it to me.' He read it. He said, ‘Let's make it,' and here we are.” Washington plays a music mogul targeted in a ransom plot; the feature is a crime drama with a message. “This film is about morals, and what someone will do and won't do,” Lee says. The audience “will ask themselves, ‘If you're in this situation, would you pay the ransom?' ”