Best known for his historical epics (including Ran and Seven Samurai), Akira Kurosawa started his career with some gripping detective films. In High and Low, adapted from the novel King's Ransom by Ed McBain, Toshiro Mifune's wealthy shoe baron must make a choice between keeping control of his business and saving the kidnapped son of his employee. The film weaves together his personal struggle with the exertions of the detectives and the tragedy of the kidnapper to craft a finely balanced thriller.![]()
