Spike Lee and Denzel Washington meet for a new thriller based on an Akira Kurosawa

Five years after Da 5 Bloods, Spike Lee He returns to the address with a proposal that combines his key issues: social criticism, a powerful narrative tension and a powerful cast. But what really excites is that he does not do it alone: ​​he returns accompanied by Denzel Washington, his old creative accomplice. The trailer of Highest 2 Lowest It is already among us and promises a story as current as intense, where talent is mixed with experience and, in addition, it comes renewed with the energy of new voices.

From their first joint work in Mo’ Better Blues (1990), through titles such as Malcolm X e Inside Man, Lee y Washington They have built a solid and admired artistic relationship. In Highest 2 Lowest, The actor plays a musical tycoon with “the best ear of the sector”, wrapped in a moral dilemma when his environment is shaken by unexpected kidnapping.

Modern rereading of a Japanese classic

Highest 2 Lowest Not part of zero. It is inspired by High and LowAkira Kurosawa’s masterpiece of 1963 based on the novel King’s Ransom. In the original story, the dilemma arises when the child’s son of a businessman is kidnapped by mistake and the protagonist must decide whether to sacrifice his fortune to save the child. Lee takes that structure, but transfers it to a New York marked by inequality, economic power and racial tensions. It is a current rereading that maintains the essence of the conflict but speaks directly to the present.

It is no accident that the world premiere occurs on May 19 at the Cannes Festival, just on the anniversary of the debut of Do the Right Thinganother classic of Spike Lee. The choice of the date is not only symbolic: it reinforces the director’s historical link with Cannes, where the jury also presided in 2021. In addition, it will be the first time that Denzel Washington Parade for the Red Carpet of the Festival, a detail that adds attractive to a long -awaited return.

The cast of Highest 2 Lowest It also deserves separate mention. In addition to WashingtonNames such as Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, Dean Winters and Ice Spice appear. But who takes all eyes is the singer at $ Ap Rocky, who plays Yung Felon, a key character in the plot. According to your own Spike Leeis “the main role of the film.” Known for his musical career, Rocky gives here his first great acting leap, in a bet that, to judge what is seen in the trailer, will not disappoint.

Look at Highest 2 Lowest trailer:

The trailer of Highest 2 Lowestwas shared by his own Spike Lee In social networks, accompanied by a message that says: “I know they have been waiting for ‘much time’ … Finally, the Teaser trailer for the fifth return of D and Lee: HIGHEST 2 LOWEST”, He wrote, adding with humor:“ And that is the truth of the Washington/Lees family. Oh really? Sincerely! Noun Rodeos! ”The publication was held by thousands of fans and, according to GQ, even by colleagues such as Martin Scorsese, who publicly praised the project.

With premiere in selected cinemas scheduled for August 22 and its arrival at Apple TV+ on September 5, Highest 2 Lowest It is emerging as one of the cinematographic events of the year. The return of a classic? Yes, but with the entire seal of the present.