---
title: "High and Low"
year: 1963
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/high-and-low-1963"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 12493
imdb_id: "tt0057565"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 142
community_rating: 8.4
vote_count: 1153
content_rating: "NR"
---

# High and Low (1963) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/high-and-low-1963

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

High and Low is a 1963 Japanese film directed by Akira Kurosawa. The movie is set in Yokohama, where a shoe executive is a central character. The plot revolves around a difficult decision faced by the executive. A kidnapping occurs, and the kidnappers mistakenly seize the son of the executive's chauffeur. Despite the mistake, the kidnappers demand a ransom. This situation forces the executive to make a choice. The film explores the complexities of this decision and the consequences that follow.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A powerful executive must choose between his wealth and a child's life."

### Why Watch
- Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Akira Kurosawa
- Explores a gripping moral dilemma
- Atmospheric tension highlighted by its intense drama

### Caveats & Content Note
- At 2h 22m, its length can feel demanding
- Tone & Suitability: The film’s serious, intense tone and adult themes make it suited for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: stark, intense, dramatic, crime, thriller

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, HBO Max | Kanopy | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | BFI Player | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Criterion Channel | Tubi TV, Plex | Apple TV Store |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | None | Apple TV Store |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Akira Kurosawa
- **Networks / Studios**: TOHO, Kurosawa Production

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Toshirō Mifune** as *Kingo Gondo*
- **Tatsuya Nakadai** as *Chief Detective Tokura*
- **Kyōko Kagawa** as *Reiko Gondo*
- **Tatsuya Mihashi** as *Kawanishi, Gondo's secretary*
- **Isao Kimura** as *Detective Arai*
- **Kenjirō Ishiyama** as *Chief Detective 'Bos'n' Taguchi*
- **Takeshi Katō** as *Detective Nakao*
- **Takashi Shimura** as *Chief of Investigation Section*
- **Jun Tazaki** as *Kamiya, National Shoes Publicity Director*
- **Nobuo Nakamura** as *Ishimaru, National Shoes Design Department Director*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Who directed High and Low?
Akira Kurosawa directed the 1963 film.

### Q: What genre is High and Low?
It is a drama, crime, and thriller police procedural.

### Q: How long is the movie?
The runtime is about 2 hours and 22 minutes.

### Q: Where does the story take place?
The narrative is set in Yokohama, Japan.

### Q: What central dilemma drives the plot?
A shoe executive must decide whether to pay a ransom for a kidnapped child.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*