Denzel Washington Shines in Spike Lee’s Bold New ThrillerHighest 2 Lowest
So let’s talk about Highest 2 Lowest — Spike Lee and Denzel Washington’s electric new film that just dropped jaws at the Cannes Film Festival. This is more than just a remake; it's a full-throttle reinvention of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 noir classic High and Low , and Lee spins it into a vibrant, gripping tribute to New York City — its sports, its music, and its people.
Denzel Washington takes the lead as David King, a legendary music producer whose swagger matches the skyscrapers he gazes out upon from his luxurious penthouse. He’s got it all — money, influence, a philanthropic wife, a talented son, and a legacy built from soul, sweat, and sound. But everything unravels when a kidnapper mistakenly abducts not his own son, but the son of his loyal chauffeur and lifelong friend, Paul — played by Jeffrey Wright. That’s when the real dilemma kicks in: does David sacrifice his career-altering business deal to save someone who isn’t technically family?
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Washington is magnetic — smooth but stormy when the pressure hits. His portrayal of King is layered, charming, and raw, especially in the moments where he vents to photos of musical legends: “What would you do, Stevie?” It’s humorous, touching, and real.
Spike Lee updates Kurosawa’s story with slick cinematography, a pulsating score, and a nod to modern tech — GPS tracking, high-speed scooter chases, and even a rap battle showdown featuring a sharp turn by A$AP Rocky. And of course, Lee makes it a love letter to New York — there's a subway ransom scene that’s as nerve-wracking as anything you’ve seen since The French Connection , complete with rowdy Yankee fans chanting in unison.
And just when you think the night couldn’t get more dramatic, Washington found himself at the center of a tense red carpet moment. A photographer got way too handsy — literally grabbed the actor’s arm — and Denzel wasn’t having it. He snapped, shouting “Stop!” as he pulled away. Honestly, you can’t blame him. Even legends have their limits, and this was his moment.
But what truly stole the show was the surprise that followed: the Cannes Film Festival awarded Washington with an honorary Palme d’Or. It was unannounced, completely heartfelt, and a total emotional pivot from the earlier tension. Spike Lee himself presented it, calling Denzel his brother. The standing ovation that followed was a testament to Washington’s incredible legacy. And his response? Humble, humorous, grateful — “We get paid to wear tuxedos and tell stories. We are blessed.”
Highest 2 Lowest hits theaters on August 22 and will stream on Apple TV+ in September. It’s not just a movie — it’s a moment, a message, and a masterclass in collaboration between two of the greatest voices in cinema. Don't miss it.
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