Emory Cinematheque Screens Kurosawa Classic "High and Low"

The 1963 crime drama is the focus of a free public screening at Emory University.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 11:30pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Emory University's Cinematheque series is hosting a screening of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 crime drama "High and Low." The film, which was recently reconfigured by Spike Lee as "Higher 2 Lowest" in 2025, follows a shoe company executive who faces a moral dilemma after his chauffeur's son is kidnapped.

Why it matters

Kurosawa is renowned for his innovative samurai films, but he also took great pride in his contemporary dramas like "Ikiru" and "High and Low." This screening provides an opportunity for film fans to experience one of the director's acclaimed non-period pieces on the big screen.

The details

In "High and Low," Toshiro Mifune stars as Kingo Gondo, a shoe company executive who has just mortgaged everything to buy a controlling interest in his company. Immediately after this, Gondo is faced with the kidnapping of his chauffeur's son and must decide whether to pay the ransom. Kurosawa uses a variety of cinematic techniques to create a gripping, unpredictable thriller that is both intimate and epic in scope.

  • The screening of "High and Low" will take place on March 25, 2026.

The players

Akira Kurosawa

A renowned Japanese filmmaker known for his innovative samurai films as well as his contemporary dramas.

Toshiro Mifune

A frequent collaborator of Kurosawa's who stars as the shoe company executive Kingo Gondo in "High and Low."

Spike Lee

The acclaimed American filmmaker who recently reconfigured "High and Low" as the 2025 film "Higher 2 Lowest."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The screening of "High and Low" is a free public event, open to all who wish to attend.

The takeaway

This screening of Kurosawa's acclaimed crime drama "High and Low" provides an opportunity for film fans to experience one of the director's non-period pieces and see how his influential work has continued to inspire contemporary filmmakers like Spike Lee.