Once again, the completion of a film by Akira Kurosawa, and once again, satisfaction for the millions of fans demanding more! more! more! from the talented hands of Kurosawa, director and artist. The basic criminal theme in "High and Low" was borrowed from Ed McBaine's "King's Ransom." But although the crime portrayed is kidnapping and the structure of the film is police investigation, the underlying theme is man's sense of right and wrong the decision of a successful businessman to sacrifice everything to save the life of another human being. Award-winning actor Toshiro Mifune brilliantly plays Gondo, the man who must decide. Clearly stated as the motive for the crime is envy--the basis of conflict between the "haves" and the "have-nots." Thus, the title of the picture. Particularly interesting in "High and Low" is the manner in which the police track down and eventually catch the criminal. So thorough is the investigation that even the genuine Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department marveled at the methodry employed and the rewarding results. Tatsuya Nakadai, considered one of the most talented actors in the world today, a familiar face to those who saw Kurosawa's "Yojimbo" and "Sanjuro", is superb in the role of Detective Tokura. Not to be overlooked is the excellent performance delivered by Tsutomu Yamozaki, the young Toho actor who plays the criminal, a warped intern working in a second-class hospital. Follow him with the police as they track him through the almost unbelievable filth and horror of Yokohama dope dens. Kurosawa, who avoids speaking about his own work, lets his pictures speak for themselves. As a result, his films consistently attain perfection. In "High and Low," as always, director Kurosawa employs many new and original photographic and directional techniques. For example, in a scene depicting object degeneracy in a steaming, smokey all-night Yokohama saloon, five cameras were employed. The finished product is significantly amazing. After five months of continual photography, this, Kurosawa's greatest work, was accomplished.