High and Low (1963)

About High and Low

"High and Low" is a gripping police thriller directed by Akira Kurosawa and released in 1963. The film is an adaptation of the American novel "King's Ransom", written by Ed McBain. This compelling film captures the story of Kingo Gondo (played by Toshiro Mifune), a successful businessman who is faced with a ransom demand for his chauffeur's son, mistakenly abducted instead of his own son.

Making/ Production

The movie was directed by legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, known for such films as "Seven Samurai"," Rashomon", and "The Hidden Fortress". The film's screenplay was written by Kurosawa, Ryuzo Kikushima, Eijiro Hisaita, and Hideo Oguni. Toshiro Mifune, a Kurosawa regular, plays the leading role. The film was produced by Tomoyuki Tanaka, Ryuzo Kikushima, Akira Kurosawa, and Hiroshi Nezu. The cinematography was done by Asakazu Nakai, with editing by Akira Kurosawa himself.

Actors

• Toshiro Mifune as Kingo Gondo: A wealthy executive who risks his fortune to save a child.
• Kyoko Kagawa as Reiko Gondo: Kingo's supportive wife who stands by him through their trials.
• Tatsuya Nakadai as Detective Tokura: A tireless pursuer of justice.
• Yutaka Sada as Aoki: Gondo's loyal chauffeur whose son is mistakenly kidnapped.

Trivia/ Interesting Facts

• The film's story is divided into two sections: a "high" section set in the luxurious hilltop home of Gondo, and a "low" section set in the city below.
• This film marks the 11th of 16 film collaborations between actor Toshiro Mifune and director Akira Kurosawa.
• The movie was highly praised for its detailed and realistic depiction of a police investigation.

Awards

"High and Low" received three nominations at the 1964 Blue Ribbon Awards (Japan), winning for Best Supporting Actor (Tatsuya Nakadai).

Quotes

• "Someone save that child!" - Reiko Gondo
• "I didn't do it for you. I did it for your son." - Kingo Gondo

Music, Soundtrack

• "High and Low" - Composed by Masaru Sato
• "Inferno" - Composed by Masaru Sato