I recommend Kurosawa's *High and Low* for those who haven't seen it, and if you don't know anything about the film, keep it that way. Go in blind. It's not critical to do this, but I think watching the film unfold, without knowing anything about it, makes the experience a little better. It's an older films, but I think contemporary moviegoers will not have a problem enjoying the film.
By the way, when Kurosawa's name come up, people tend to mention *Rashomon*, *Seven Samurai*, and maybe *Yojimbo* and *Ikiru*. When I watched *High and Low*, I wasn't expecting much, thinking it was one of his minor films. After the film, I thought: "Man, this is one of his minor films?! This is a terrific movie!" (Along similar lines I would recommend *Red Beard*--nothing to do with pirates or samurai, by the way.)
As for Spike Lee's adaptation, I'm a little curious, but generally don't think it's a good idea. I would recommend seeing Kurosawa's film first.
I recommend Kurosawa's *High and Low* for those who haven't seen it, and if you don't know anything about the film, keep it that way. Go in blind. It's not critical to do this, but I think watching the film unfold, without knowing anything about it, makes the experience a little better. It's an older films, but I think contemporary moviegoers will not have a problem enjoying the film.
By the way, when Kurosawa's name come up, people tend to mention *Rashomon*, *Seven Samurai*, and maybe *Yojimbo* and *Ikiru*. When I watched *High and Low*, I wasn't expecting much, thinking it was one of his minor films. After the film, I thought: "Man, this is one of his minor films?! This is a terrific movie!" (Along similar lines I would recommend *Red Beard*--nothing to do with pirates or samurai, by the way.)
As for Spike Lee's adaptation, I'm a little curious, but generally don't think it's a good idea. I would recommend seeing Kurosawa's film first.