I didn't take to this initially. The scenario reminded me a little of an episode of "Columbo" - a rather sterile, studio-set environment that came across as quite limiting. Once it gets going, though, it's one of the best crime thrillers I've seen in ages. It all centres around the kidnapping of a small boy for whom th…
8.4/10Drama · Crime · Thriller · Mystery
High and Low
“Stark, intense drama almost beyond belief!”
- 1963
- 2h 22m
- NR
- JA
- Released
The story
What High and Low is about
A Yokohama shoe executive faces a wrenching choice when kidnappers mistakenly seize his chauffeur’s son but demand the ransom anyway.
High and Low is a drama, crime, thriller and mystery film from 1963, directed by Akira Kurosawa. It runs 2h 22m and is rated NR in the US. It was produced by TOHO and Kurosawa Production, with production in Japan.
The main cast is led by Toshirō Mifune, Tatsuya Nakadai, Kyōko Kagawa, Tatsuya Mihashi. The screenplay was written by Akira Kurosawa, Ryuzo Kikushima. Reported worldwide gross stands at an amount that has not been disclosed.
Why it matters: High and Low currently holds 8.4/10 from 1230 TMDB user ratings and has taken no reported gross worldwide against a $250,000 budget. Figures move as more ratings and box-office updates arrive.
Editor’s note
Should you watch High and Low?
High and Low is best suited to a slower, character-led evening. At 2h 22m, it is a long sitting, so plan the evening around it. The draw is Toshirō Mifune and Tatsuya Nakadai, directed by Akira Kurosawa.
1,230 TMDB users have rated it 8.4/10. That is a solid sample, though scores can still move as more people watch.
TMDB tags the film with themes including chauffeur, police, ransom and manager.
The US certification is NR: not rated in the US, so check the content before watching with children.
If you like this, try Se7en, The Shadow's Edge or Animals.
Auto-generated from TMDB data (runtime, cast, ratings, keywords, certification). Last updated November 4, 2026.
Availability
Where to watch High and Low
19 official sources across 4 regions. Rows with a direct link open this exact title on the provider’s own site; the others open that provider’s own search for the title, where price, video quality and audio options are confirmed before you pay.
Best option now
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HBO Max
Included with a HBO Max subscription, no extra charge · United States
United States8 options
United Kingdom7 options
Canada2 options
Australia2 options
Checked 4 November 2026. Listings from TMDB / JustWatch data and they change daily; the provider page always shows the final price. Compare every option on JustWatch. MovieState links only to licensed services.
Who is in it
High and Low cast
Toshirō MifuneKingo Gondo
Tatsuya NakadaiChief Detective Tokura
Kyōko KagawaReiko Gondo
Tatsuya MihashiKawanishi, Gondo's secretary
Isao KimuraDetective Arai
Kenjirō IshiyamaChief Detective 'Bos'n' Taguchi
Takeshi KatōDetective Nakao
Takashi ShimuraChief of Investigation Section
Jun TazakiKamiya, National Shoes Publicity Director
Nobuo NakamuraIshimaru, National Shoes Design Department Director
Yūnosuke ItōBaba - National Shoes Executive
Tsutomu YamazakiGinjirô Takeuchi - Medical InternCharacter names follow the film's credits. Open a name to see that person's other work on MovieState.
Behind the camera
Direction and crew
DirectorAkira Kurosawa
WritersAkira Kurosawa, Ryuzo Kikushima
ProducersRyuzo Kikushima, Tomoyuki Tanaka
MusicMasaru Satō
CinematographyAsakazu Nakai
EditingAkira Kurosawa
Audience reaction
Ratings and reviews
8.4/101230 ratings
High and Low sits at 8.4 out of 10 from 1230 user ratings. For context, the film's worldwide gross is not yet reported.
Scores show TMDB user ratings at the time of publishing and shift as new votes arrive.
A well worked, high stake crime thriller. The stakes are deeply personal to our main characters and puts them in an impossible situation. The performances and direction are very solid, the story is engaging and ultimately, it's a simple yet enjoyable film. Kurosawa comments on modern corporate greed and poverty in post…
The facts
High and Low key details
| Original title | High and Low |
|---|---|
| Status | Released |
| Release date | November 26, 1963 |
| Runtime | 2h 22m |
| Certification | NR in United States, 12 in United Kingdom |
| Original language | JA |
| Spoken languages | Japanese |
| Country | Japan |
| Budget | $250,000 |
| Worldwide gross | Not reported |
| Studios | TOHO, Kurosawa Production |
| Also known as | High and Low, 天堂与地狱, Céu e o Inferno |
Release information
Release dates by country
| Country | Date | Cert |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Nov 26, 1963 | NR |
| United Kingdom | Apr 1, 1967 | 12 |
| Australia | Oct 24, 2024 | M |
| Argentina | Nov 20, 2000 | 13 |
| Czechia | Feb 24, 2018 | NR |
| Denmark | Oct 27, 1969 | NR |
| Finland | Mar 27, 1981 | K-16 |
| France | Jun 9, 1976 | NR |
| Germany | Feb 1, 1993 | NR |
| Italy | Aug 27, 1963 | NR |
Official trailer for High and Low, via HD Retro Trailers. Open on YouTube
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Who directed High and Low?
High and Low was directed by Akira Kurosawa.
Who is in the cast of High and Low?
The main cast includes Toshirō Mifune, Tatsuya Nakadai, Kyōko Kagawa, Tatsuya Mihashi, Isao Kimura.
How long is High and Low?
High and Low runs 2h 22m.
When was High and Low released?
It was released in the United States on November 26, 1963. Release dates vary by country — see the table above.
What is High and Low rated?
Certification depends on the country: NR in United States, 12 in United Kingdom. Always check your local rating before watching with family.
Where can I watch High and Low online?
Availability changes by region and by week. The table above lists the streaming, rental and purchase services reported for major markets. Check the provider page for today's price and quality.
Can I watch High and Low in HD or 4K?
Most digital stores offer High and Low in HD, and newer releases are often available in 4K. Check the quality label on the provider's page before you pay.
How much did High and Low earn?
Reported worldwide gross is against a budget of $250,000. Box office figures update over time.
Director filmography
More from Akira Kurosawa
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Data sources: TMDB (titles, cast, crew, release dates, provider listings and user ratings). Availability and box office figures change over time; this page was last rebuilt on November 4, 2026. We publish information only; we do not host or stream video files.
Exact record pages: IMDb record · TMDB record
At a glance: High and Low runs 2h 22m, opened in US cinemas on November 26, 1963, has 19 licensed options across 4 regions tracked here.