Kurosawa's "High And Low": A Comparative Review Of Lee's Remake

Admin

3 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

4.7

Share

<h1>Kurosawa's "High and Low": A Comparative Review of Lee's Remake</h1>

Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece, "High and Low" (1963), a gripping thriller exploring themes of class, morality, and the human condition, remains a cinematic landmark. Its 2012 remake by Hong Kong director Johnnie To, titled "Life Without Principle," while sharing thematic DNA, offers a fascinating contrast, prompting a comparative review that delves into their similarities and striking differences.

<h2>The Shared Core: A Kidnapping and a Moral Quandary</h2>

Both films hinge on the kidnapping of a child. In Kurosawa's version, the kidnapped boy is the son of a wealthy executive, Kingo Gondo (Toshirō Mifune), while To's film centers on the abduction of a young girl connected to a triad boss. This core plot device allows both directors to explore the moral complexities faced by individuals confronted with immense pressure and difficult choices. The tension builds not just around the kidnapping itself, but the ethical compromises forced upon the protagonists. Both Gondo and the triad boss in To's film are forced to confront their own moral compasses, their personal values weighed against the urgency of the situation.

<h2>Different Lenses, Similar Themes: Class, Morality, and Justice</h2>

While the core plot is similar, the films explore the themes of class, morality, and justice through vastly different lenses. Kurosawa's "High and Low" sharply contrasts the opulent lifestyle of the upper class with the stark realities of poverty, highlighting the societal inequalities that underpin the crime. To's "Life Without Principle," set in contemporary Hong Kong, examines a more fragmented society, where moral ambiguity pervades all classes, and the lines between right and wrong blur significantly.

<h3>Contrasting Styles: Kurosawa's Epic vs. To's Gritty Realism</h3>

Kurosawa's stylistic choices reflect the grand scale of the narrative. The film's long takes, meticulous composition, and Mifune's powerful performance create a sense of epic drama. Conversely, To's "Life Without Principle" employs a more gritty and realistic style, capturing the chaotic energy and moral decay of modern Hong Kong. The narrative is fragmented, the characters morally complex, and the pacing more frantic.

<h3>Key Differences:</h3>

• Setting and Tone: Kurosawa's film is set in 1960s Japan, with a more formal and dramatic tone. To's remake takes place in contemporary Hong Kong, with a faster pace and a more cynical, morally ambiguous atmosphere.
• Protagonists: While both protagonists face difficult moral choices, Gondo in Kurosawa's film wrestles with his conscience in a more straightforward manner. The protagonist in To's film is more entangled in the criminal underworld, making his moral dilemmas more nuanced and ambiguous.
• Resolution: The resolution in each film reflects the director's perspective. Kurosawa offers a sense of catharsis, albeit bittersweet. To’s ending is more cynical and leaves the audience with a lingering sense of unease.

<h2>Conclusion: A Rewatch Worthwhile for Both Fans and Film Students</h2>

Both "High and Low" and "Life Without Principle" are compelling cinematic experiences. While To's film serves as a worthy homage, it is not a mere copy. It's a unique reimagining that offers a contemporary perspective on the timeless themes explored by Kurosawa. A comparative viewing reveals not only the enduring power of Kurosawa's original but also the creative boldness of To's reinterpretation. Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or a newcomer to these films, a side-by-side comparison offers a rich and rewarding experience. The discussion sparked by this comparison reinforces both films' place as cinematic touchstones, prompting reflection on justice, morality, and the complexities of the human experience.