New York City, New York — Acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee has unveiled the first trailer for “Highest 2 Lowest,” a gripping crime thriller featuring notable performances from Denzel Washington and A$AP Rocky. The film is set to hit theaters on August 22 and will also be available for streaming on Apple TV+ starting September 5, following its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival later this month.
Drawing inspiration from Akira Kurosawa’s classic “High and Low,” the narrative revolves around a businessman faced with a moral dilemma: choosing between his wealth-driven ambitions and saving the life of a child. Both Lee’s current project and Kurosawa’s film reinterpret Ed McBain’s mystery novel, “The King’s Ransom,” offering a fresh take on the themes of greed and compassion.
Lee has previously highlighted the influence of international cinema on his work. At the Red Sea Film Festival last year, he spoke of how Kurosawa’s storytelling shaped his directorial approach. “Seeing ‘Rashomon’ and its narrative structure inspired me,” Lee remarked. He drew parallels between the varying perspectives in Kurosawa’s story and his own film “She’s Gotta Have It,” noting how different viewpoints can dramatically alter a storyline.
“Highest 2 Lowest” marks Lee’s fifth collaboration with Washington, a partnership the director values deeply. Lee expressed his satisfaction with their ongoing collaboration, stating, “I’m just glad we got five in.” The film’s ensemble cast also includes Ilfenesh Hadera, Jeffrey Wright, Dean Winters, John Douglas Thompson, and rising star Ice Spice.
Production for “Highest 2 Lowest” took place primarily in New York City and concluded in May 2024, with cinematographer Matthew Libatique lending his visual expertise to the project. The film has generated a buzz due to its intriguing premise and the star power of its cast.
As anticipation builds for the film’s release, audiences are eager to see how Lee reinterprets this classic narrative within the context of modern cinema. The trailer gives a tantalizing glimpse into the film’s blend of suspense and drama, heightening viewers’ expectations for its arrival on screens.
With its rich themes and a star-studded cast, “Highest 2 Lowest” is poised to be one of the standout films of the summer, inviting viewers to explore the complexities of morality in a world often dominated by wealth and ambition.