High and Low

High and Low

Year: 1963

Runtime: 143 min

Language: Japanese

Director: Akira Kurosawa

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

A wealthy industrialist’s life is thrown into turmoil when his son is kidnapped and a ransom demanded. Faced with an impossible choice, he must decide whether to pay the exorbitant sum or sacrifice the boy to protect his company and his family's future. This gripping thriller, directed by Akira Kurosawa and starring Toshiro Mifune, explores themes of class, morality, and the devastating consequences of desperate choices in post-war Japan.

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Timeline – High and Low (1963)

Trace every key event in High and Low (1963) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Kingo Gondo's Ambition

Wealthy executive Kingo Gondo is focused on gaining control of National Shoes, grappling with competing factions within the company. One faction pushes for low-quality, cheap shoes, while Gondo advocates for long-lasting, well-made products that represent his vision.

National Shoes Headquarters
2

The Leveraged Buyout

Gondo has secretly mortgaged all his possessions to fund a leveraged buyout of National Shoes. He believes this strategy will secure the company's future, despite the immediate unpopularity among stakeholders due to lower short-term profits.

3

Kidnapping Phone Call

Just as Gondo is about to finalize his buyout plan, he receives a phone call stating that his son, Jun, has been kidnapped. Initially dismissing it as a prank when Jun returns home, he soon discovers that another child, Shinichi, has been taken instead.

4

The Kidnappers Demand Ransom

The kidnapper informs Gondo that he has made a mistake, revealing that Shinichi, the chauffeur's son, was the one abducted. Despite this knowledge, the kidnapper still demands the ransom, leaving Gondo in a moral dilemma regarding the payment.

5

Gondo's Decision

After a long night of contemplation, Gondo decides against paying the ransom, fearing the financial ruin it would cause his family and his position at the company. His resolve weakens as pressure mounts from his aide and wife.

6

The Change of Heart

Ultimately, under immense pressure from his wife and the chauffeur, Gondo changes his mind and decides to pay the ransom. Following the kidnapper's instructions, he arranges to throw the money from a moving train, a risky act amidst the tension.

Moving Train
7

Shinichi is Rescued

After Gondo pays the ransom, Shinichi is safely found and returned, unharmed. However, the aftermath of the kidnapping leads to severe financial repercussions for Gondo as he faces mounting debts and company betrayal.

8

Public Image Shift

Although Gondo is ousted from National Shoes due to his financial decisions, the public perceives him as a hero for paying the ransom. Meanwhile, the National Shoe Company suffers a significant backlash and is boycotted by consumers.

9

Investigation into the Kidnapping

The police investigate and eventually discover the hideout where Shinichi was kept. They find the bodies of the kidnapper’s accomplices, who succumbed to an overdose of heroin, suggesting the kidnapper’s ruthlessness and manipulation.

Kidnapper's Hideout
10

Laying the Trap

To catch the kidnapper, the police fabricate a false report claiming the accomplices are still alive and request more drugs. The trick leads to the kidnapper's apprehension as he tries to fulfill the drug demand at the expense of others.

11

Recovery of Ransom Money

Most of the ransom money is eventually recovered after the kidnapper's arrest, but it arrives too late for Gondo to save his belongings from being auctioned off due to his debts. The financial repercussions are significant and irreversible.

12

Gondo Meets the Kidnapper

In prison, the kidnapper requests a meeting with Gondo. This confrontation reveals the kidnapper’s jealousy and the emotional turmoil stemming from his failed life, shedding light on the motives behind his desperate actions.

Prison
13

Gondo's New Job

After losing his position, Gondo finds employment with a rival shoe company. Although he earns less money, he relishes the autonomy this new role provides, allowing him to work without the pressures that once consumed him.

Rival Shoe Company
14

The Kidnapper's Breakdown

During their meeting, the kidnapper initially shows no remorse but gradually breaks down as he reflects on his life choices. This moment exposes the deep psychological issues that fueled his criminal behavior and envy towards Gondo's success.

Last Updated: January 19, 2025 at 18:49

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High and Low Summary

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High and Low Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in High and Low

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