You are here:

High and Low

Name: High and Low
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Released: 1963
Duration: 142 min

Representation Score

2.5/10

Limited

1963

Director

Akira Kurosawa

Runtime

142 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

High and Low is a powerful social commentary film that critiques class and systemic inequality through the thriller genre. It exposes the tension between the elite and the underrepresented, presenting a nuanced view of justice within social hierarchies. While the film adheres to the gender and racial norms of 1960s Japan, it challenges expectations by portraying criminal behavior as a result of systemic failure rather than individual malice. Its strength lies in its ability to question justice through the lens of social divisions. However, the film remains confined by the social structures of its time, featuring secondary roles for women and a lack of diverse ethnic representation.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does High and Low have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. The story centers on traditional family dynamics and socio-economic issues of the time.

How does High and Low portray gender?

Limited

Female characters are portrayed in traditional domestic roles and serve as emotional supports. However, they do not play a central role in driving the main plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is High and Low?

Fair

Set in post-war Yokohama, the film shows a predominantly homogenous Japanese society. It focuses on social stratification within the community without highlighting ethnic or racial diversity.

How does High and Low represent religion and culture?

Good

The film provides a sophisticated critique of capitalist structures and socio-economic disparities. It contrasts extreme wealth with urban poverty to highlight systemic inequalities.

Does High and Low include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities used as central character traits or plot devices.

Present on Screen

Provides a deep critique of capitalist structures and socio-economic divides.
Uses the thriller genre to reveal the tension between the elite and the underrepresented.
Explains criminal behavior as a result of systemic issues rather than personal faults.

Limited or Absent

Features women in supporting roles without giving them central plot involvement.
Does not include LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationship explorations.
Shows a homogenous society without addressing ethnic or racial diversity.

Official Synopsis

A Yokohama shoe executive faces a wrenching choice when kidnappers mistakenly seize his chauffeur’s son but demand the ransom anyway.

How are these scores produced? →