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17h ago

Spike Lee’s ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ Debuts in Theaters with Strong Critical Reception

Critics highlight Denzel Washington’s commanding performance alongside debates over the film’s thematic shifts from Kurosawa’s original

Denzel Washington in “Highest 2 Lowest”
‘Highest 2 Lowest’ Review: Spike Lee and Denzel Washington’s Opulent Reunion
Denzel Washington in “Highest 2 Lowest”
Denzel Washington, left, and Ilfenesh Hadera in a scene from “Highest 2 Lowest.” 

Overview

  • The film opened in a limited U.S. theatrical release on August 15, 2025, ahead of its streaming debut on Apple TV+ on September 5.
  • It holds a 92% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metascore of 75, reflecting broadly positive early reviews.
  • Reviewers universally praise Denzel Washington’s performance and Spike Lee’s energetic depiction of New York City.
  • Some critics question the film’s thematic reinterpretation of Kurosawa’s third act and its ending.
  • The supporting cast features Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky and Ice Spice in key roles.