When was High and Low released in the Philippines?

TMDB data lists a Philippine screening on February 25, 2005, at the Manila Eiga Sai Japanese film festival. The film originally premiered in Japan on March 1, 1963.

Where can I watch High and Low in the Philippines?

Streaming and rental options for the Philippines are not yet listed in TMDB/JustWatch data as of October 24, 2026.

Who is in the cast of High and Low?

Toshirō Mifune stars as Kingo Gondo and Tatsuya Nakadai plays Chief Detective Tokura. They are joined by Kyōko Kagawa, Tatsuya Mihashi, Isao Kimura, Kenjirō Ishiyama, Takeshi Katō, Takashi Shimura, Jun Tazaki and Nobuo Nakamura.

What is the plot of High and Low?

Kidnappers target a Yokohama shoe executive's family but take his chauffeur's son by mistake. They still demand the ransom from the executive, which forces him into a hard moral choice while police investigate.

How long is High and Low, and what language is it in?

High and Low runs 142 minutes. It is a Japanese-language film directed by Akira Kurosawa.

High and Low (1963): Plot, Cast & Where to Watch in PH

High and Low Plot: What the Story Is About

Shōwa-era Yokohama is the setting for this tense Japanese crime drama. Kingo Gondo (Toshirō Mifune) is a powerful manager at National Shoes, a man with money, status and a comfortable home. Then a kidnapping changes everything. The criminals meant to grab Gondo’s child, but the boy they actually took is the son of his chauffeur. The mistake doesn’t stop them. They still want the ransom, and they still want it from Gondo.

The demand puts Gondo in an agonising position. Should a wealthy executive hand over a fortune to save a child who isn’t his own? What does he owe the man who drives his car? As Gondo weighs his conscience against his own interests, police detectives led by Chief Detective Tokura (Tatsuya Nakadai) begin a methodical criminal investigation, trying to track down the people behind the blackmail.

The film looks at class relations in Japanese society. It sets the lives of those at the top against the lives of those far below, and it builds a frantic, anxious mood in classic film noir style.

High and Low — Mood illustration, not a still from the film — Mood illustration, not a still from the film

What Makes High and Low Notable

Director and writers: Akira Kurosawa directed the film. He co-wrote the screenplay with Hideo Oguni, Ryuzo Kikushima and Eijiro Hisaita.
Cast: Toshirō Mifune leads as Kingo Gondo, and Tatsuya Nakadai plays Chief Detective Tokura. The supporting cast includes:
- Kyōko Kagawa as Reiko Gondo
- Tatsuya Mihashi as Gondo’s secretary Kawanishi
- Isao Kimura as Detective Arai
- Kenjirō Ishiyama as Chief Detective ‘Bos’n’ Taguchi
- Takeshi Katō as Detective Nakao
- Takashi Shimura as the Chief of the Investigation Section
- Jun Tazaki and Nobuo Nakamura as National Shoes executives
Genre and style: The film blends drama, crime, thriller and mystery. It is a black-and-white Japanese noir.
Origin: It was produced in Japan by TOHO and Kurosawa Production. The original title is 天国と地獄. The film is in Japanese and runs 142 minutes.
Tagline: The original marketing promised “Stark, intense drama almost beyond belief!”

If you are looking for a High and Low review score, the Drama4U Score is shown separately on this page.

Who Will Enjoy High and Low

Fans of Akira Kurosawa and Toshirō Mifune who want to explore beyond samurai films
Viewers who love police procedurals and kidnapping thrillers
Film noir and classic black-and-white cinema enthusiasts
Audiences interested in stories about class, morality and Japanese society
Anyone who enjoys a slow-burning, suspense-driven mystery

High and Low Release Date in the Philippines & Where to Watch

Original release: High and Low first premiered in Japan on March 1, 1963.

Philippine release: According to TMDB data, the film was screened in the Philippines on February 25, 2005, as part of the Manila Eiga Sai, the Japanese film festival in Manila.

Streaming in the Philippines: Streaming and rental options are not yet listed in TMDB/JustWatch data as of October 24, 2026. Check back for updates on Philippine platforms.

Trailer: A trailer is available, so you can preview the film’s tone and black-and-white style.

Trailer

Cast

Toshirō Mifuneas Kingo Gondo
Tatsuya Nakadaias Chief Detective Tokura
Kyōko Kagawaas Reiko Gondo
Tatsuya Mihashias Kawanishi, Gondo's secretary
Isao Kimuraas Detective Arai
Kenjirō Ishiyamaas Chief Detective 'Bos'n' Taguchi
Takeshi Katōas Detective Nakao
Takashi Shimuraas Chief of Investigation SectionSee credits →

Photo: TMDB

FAQ

When was High and Low released in the Philippines?: TMDB data lists a Philippine screening on February 25, 2005, at the Manila Eiga Sai Japanese film festival. The film originally premiered in Japan on March 1, 1963.
Where can I watch High and Low in the Philippines?: Streaming and rental options for the Philippines are not yet listed in TMDB/JustWatch data as of October 24, 2026.
Who is in the cast of High and Low?: Toshirō Mifune stars as Kingo Gondo and Tatsuya Nakadai plays Chief Detective Tokura. They are joined by Kyōko Kagawa, Tatsuya Mihashi, Isao Kimura, Kenjirō Ishiyama, Takeshi Katō, Takashi Shimura, Jun Tazaki and Nobuo Nakamura.
What is the plot of High and Low?: Kidnappers target a Yokohama shoe executive's family but take his chauffeur's son by mistake. They still demand the ransom from the executive, which forces him into a hard moral choice while police investigate.
How long is High and Low, and what language is it in?: High and Low runs 142 minutes. It is a Japanese-language film directed by Akira Kurosawa.

Sources

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