#467 - High and Low - WatchThis W/RickRamos

<p><strong><span style="font-size: 24pt;">Ransom: Akira Kurosawa's <em>High & Low</em></span></strong></p> <p>There are no shortage of names that define our undersrtanding and foster our enjoyment of Cinema. Scorsese, Fellini, Bergman, Leone, Eisenstein, Spielberg, Chaplin, Keaton, Lumet, Ford, Hawks . . . the list could run for pages (and fortunately for us it does). There is a name that cannot be left off . . . Best known for his <em>Ji</em><em>daigeki</em> - Historical (Action) Dramas - including <strong><em>Seven</em></strong> <em><strong>Samurai</strong></em>, <strong><em>Yojimbo</em></strong>, <strong><em>Rashomon</em></strong><strong>, <em>Throne of Blood</em></strong>, and <em><strong>The Hidden Fortress</strong></em> (to name a few), Kurosawa was a master at the modern drama, as well.<strong> </strong><em><strong>Ikiru</strong>, <strong>The Bad Sleep Well</strong></em>, <strong><em>Drunken Angel</em></strong>, <em><strong>Stray Dog</strong></em> are a few of his modern explorations of Japanese life after the war. A masterpiece (rarely discussed and criminally underseen) is 1963's <strong><em>High & Low</em></strong>. Adapted from Ed McBain's <em>87th Precinct</em> series of crime novels, <strong><em>High & Low</em></strong><strong> </strong>is a beautiflly nuanced and brilliantly tension-guided police procedural. Re-teaming in their fifteenth (of sixteen) collaborations, Kurosawa and Toshiro Mifune come together to tell one of the greatest films in both mens' filmographies. This is an incredible film that Mr. Chavez and I are thrilled to bring to you. Take a listen and let us introduce you (or remind you if you are already familiar with) this wonderul film. </p> <p>Let us know what you think - <a href= "mailto:gondoramos@yahoo.com">gondoramos@yahoo.com</a></p> <p>As always, we continue to look to you good and loyal listeners for support. If you have listened and enjoyed our bantering over these nearly eight years please feel free to support us with a monetary contribution. We're not asking for a whole lo