Was glad to catch this yesterday in Baltimore. Definitely does not have the same concerns re: the Kurosawa film, but is very interested in the friendship between King and Christopher and their chosen expanded family relationship. Also in the commodification and corporatization of hip-hop -- music of the streets. Denzel Washington and Jeffrey Wright are the biggest reasons to watch, with ASAP Rocky and Wendell Pierce's cameo not far behind. Lots of people in the theater (about 1/3 full) stood up to dance through the scenes where Eddie Palmieri was playing.
I caught it at my local Alamo Drafthouse (Ashburn, VA) saturday night. One of the smaller theaters, about half full.
I did like it, but there seemed to be little of the corporate rat-race critiques that I remember from the Kurosawa film, but it's been years since I've seen "High and Low".
Jeffrey Wright might be my favorite working actor today.
There were lots of fun visual references and easter eggs for fans of the Spike Lee cinematic universe.
I wonder if Spike Lee initiated the idea of remaking "High and Low" or if it was the best he could do within a limited set of choices. We always like to think that big names can do whatever they want, but the number of directors who can do anything they want is small and the rest have to make due with trying to put a personal stamp on the thing the studio wants to fund.
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.
Was glad to catch this yesterday in Baltimore. Definitely does not have the same concerns re: the Kurosawa film, but is very interested in the friendship between King and Christopher and their chosen expanded family relationship. Also in the commodification and corporatization of hip-hop -- music of the streets. Denzel Washington and Jeffrey Wright are the biggest reasons to watch, with ASAP Rocky and Wendell Pierce's cameo not far behind. Lots of people in the theater (about 1/3 full) stood up to dance through the scenes where Eddie Palmieri was playing.
I caught it at my local Alamo Drafthouse (Ashburn, VA) saturday night. One of the smaller theaters, about half full.
I did like it, but there seemed to be little of the corporate rat-race critiques that I remember from the Kurosawa film, but it's been years since I've seen "High and Low".
Jeffrey Wright might be my favorite working actor today.
There were lots of fun visual references and easter eggs for fans of the Spike Lee cinematic universe.
I really appreciate the observations and writing of this review.
I like Spike Lee as a director, but remaking a classic is always a really risky thing.
Many have tried to remake a hitchcock classic, all have failed.
I wonder if Spike Lee initiated the idea of remaking "High and Low" or if it was the best he could do within a limited set of choices. We always like to think that big names can do whatever they want, but the number of directors who can do anything they want is small and the rest have to make due with trying to put a personal stamp on the thing the studio wants to fund.
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.