High and Low (1963)

In the bustling cityscape of Yokohama, Kingo Gondo, an influential factory manager and a major shareholder at National Shoes, presides over an empire known for its sturdy, albeit uninspiring footwear. His opulent hill-top mansion, funded by his wife Reiko's affluent family, overlooks the everyday grind of the city, a perch from which Gondo contemplates his own ambitious coup. With the company in the throes of a power struggle, Gondo dismisses the shortsighted plans of the smaller shareholders, dubbed disrespectfully as "The Old Man". Their vision to transfigure the company into a producer of fashionable yet disposable shoes does not align with Gondo's grand scheme. He counters with a covert plan of his own, to take over the company and steer it towards the production of modern, stylish yet durable footwear. As Gondo is on the precipice of executing his masterstroke, a chilling twist ensnares him in a suffocating net of moral and financial dilemma. An unknown kidnapper strikes, demanding an ostentatious ransom in return for a life. The intended target was Gondo's son, Jun, but in a cruel twist of fate, the kidnapper mistakenly abducts the son of Gondo's loyal chauffeur. The kidnapper remains indifferent to his error, presenting Gondo with an unthinkable choice - exhaust his entire loan for the ransom, jeopardizing his grand vision for the company, or refuse and bear the weight of a child's life on his conscience. As the tension mounts, the dismissed executives emerge as potential suspects, adding another layer to the intricate web of intrigue. With the police, led by the tenacious Inspector Tokura, stepping into the fray, Gondo finds himself teetering on a tightrope. His financial fortunes and moral integrity hang in the balance, oscillating between the high of his ambitious plans and the low of a chilling crime. This captivating tale of power, ambition, and moral uncertainty promises to leave viewers on the edge of their seats, contemplating the true cost of success.

High and Low is a crime movie featuring Toshirō Mifune and directed by Akira Kurosawa.

High and Low is currently streaming on Criterion Channel, Max and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy High and Low on Amazon Video and Apple TV.