Stanisland Magazine

We preview Spike Lee and Denzel Washington’s remake of a classic 1960s crime thriller as they team up once again

Last updated: August 14th 2025

Spike Lee returns with a fresh take on the classic 1963 Akira Kurosawa crime thriller High and Low, retitled as Highest 2 Lowest. We detail everything you need to know about the director’s highly anticipated upcoming film.

The Plot of Highest 2 Lowest

Starring Denzel Washington in an undisclosed role, he plays a powerful music mogul who becomes entangled in a high-stakes ransom plot involving his son, portrayed by rapper A$AP Rocky.

This will be the fifth movie the director and lead have worked on together, which includes acclaimed movies He Got Game and Inside Man.

Cast Members

Other members of the cast include seasoned actors Ilfenesh Hadera, Jeffrey Wright, and Ice Spice in her debut film role. The trailer showcases an explosive outlet of high-intensity camera work and moody shots, as Washington’s monologue jettisons the audience to appreciate the build-up as he details the complexities and fallout from fame. The movie appears to underscore themes of morality and fame and the nuances each persona must navigate.

Production Details

A24 is behind the production, with filming taking place in New York City, specifically in Brooklyn, various subway systems and the Puerto Rican Day Parade. Viewers can expect to get their first taste of Highest 2 Lowest when it premieres at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2025.

Theatrical Release & Streaming

It’s slated for a theatrical release, August 22, 2025, and through exclusive streaming on Apple TV+ starting from September 5.