High and Low (1963)
Hollywood film noir doesn’t seem that high up anymore.
Presentation:
If you felt unimpressed by the golden age of Hollywood detective noir crime thrillers, this film should explain why. When the script is this good, you don’t need to compete with modern visuals today. And yet it does with a strong film noir aesthetic, clearly harkening to Hollywood with a western thriller musical theme in the beginning of the film as if to Kurosawa were to taunt, “Listen to me Hollywood, we can do detective thrillers and better than you.” Challenge accepted and I think what he does with this gripping film is nothing short of outstanding, never leaving you bored for one second. It’s technically pretty long at 2h20m but you shouldn’t feel that way because there’s never a dull or superfluous beat to the story. Kurosawa never needed to stand in Hollywood’s shoes. L.A. noir, move aside!
Analysis:
There's a ton of competency leaving no stone unturned except for one. I wondered why counterfeit bills couldn't be an option? Perhaps that's the only plot armor to propel this film, but you could also argue that Mr. Gondo's sacrifice is unrealistic. To be honest, I'm not familiar with Japanese honor but my cynicism finds it hard to believe anyone would put their life's fortune into such jeopardy. I was even rooting that he would refuse to pay the ransom, though I suppose there would be no movie were that the case. In any case, a tremendous philosophical discussion emerges whether one should pay such a ransom for someone in a position of power where public opinion matters. It's an interesting debate that seems more relevant today and the whole theme of poor hating rich is ambiguously fascinating. That seems to be primary question driving this film as indicated by the title of the film. There's plenty of nuance and valid interpretation in either direction. You could say it confirms directors are greedy bastards or that the world has turned its back on the poor like the junkies in the film. Reality for most is somewhere in the middle and the kidnapper attempts to fill the shoes of general audience's perception.
Conclusion:
What I love about this film is that it not only incorporates a moral dilemma of an intriguing kidnapping ransom, it finishes it off with an impeccably executed police procedural that doesn’t hold your hand with its sharp competence. So many thrillers today feel dumbed down but this one doesn’t take its audience for sheep and incorporates sharp detective work that you feel like part of the investigation. Very few classics stand the test of time and patience for modern audiences, but I feel this might actually be better. High and Low should forever be a timeless classic for the questions it poses and is more relevant today than ever. In a growing age of contempt for the rich, it makes you wonder, who is really the bad guy?
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Hollywood film noir doesn’t seem that high up anymore.