🎥 Directed by the legendary Akira Kurosawa, High and Low (1963) is a gripping crime thriller that masterfully intertwines social commentary with a tense kidnapping plot . The film stars Toshiro Mifune as Kingo Gondo, a wealthy executive caught in a moral dilemma when his chauffeur’s son is kidnapped. With its intense narrative and profound themes, this cinematic gem remains a cornerstone of film studies.
Symbolism
Movie Scene Device Example Gondo’s House on the Hill Symbolizes his social status and detachment from the struggles of the lower class. The Kidnapper’s Hideout Represents the underbelly of society and the stark contrast to Gondo’s affluent life.
Irony
Movie Scene Device Example Kidnapper’s Mistake The kidnapper mistakenly kidnaps the chauffeur’s son instead of Gondo’s son. Gondo’s Decision Gondo, a ruthless businessman, must choose between money and a child’s life.
Foreshadowing
Movie Scene Device Example Gondo’s Ambitions Early discussions about Gondo’s career foreshadow the upcoming moral dilemma . TV Interview The broadcast hints at the public scrutiny Gondo will face.
Motif
Movie Scene Device Example Shoes Repeated imagery of shoes highlights themes of class and status. Windows Frequent shots through windows emphasize barriers and perspectives.
Metaphor
Movie Scene Device Example Gondo’s Home Metaphor for his fortress-like detachment from societal issues.Police Investigation Represents the systematic approach to justice and order.
Juxtaposition
Movie Scene Device Example Gondo’s Luxurious Home vs. Kidnapper’s Squalid Hideout Highlights class disparity. Boardroom Scenes vs. Police Station Scenes Contrasts corporate world with law enforcement.
Allusion
Movie Scene Device Example References to Japanese Society Alludes to post-war economic divides. Classical Music Alludes to cultural refinement amidst chaos.
Flashback
Movie Scene Device Example Kidnapper’s Backstory Provides insight into his motivations and past struggles. Gondo’s Career Reflections Reflects on his rise to power and ethical compromises.
Dialogue
Movie Scene Device Example Gondo’s Conversations with Wife Reveal his internal conflict and values. Police Interrogations Unveil different facets of the investigation and character motives.
Allegory
Movie Scene Device Example Gondo’s Moral Dilemma Represents broader societal issues of wealth and morality. The Kidnapping Plot Allegorizes the struggles between different social classes.
Kingo Gondo
Literary Device Explanation Symbolism Gondo’s luxurious home symbolizes his high social standing. Irony Gondo, initially portrayed as a ruthless businessman, reveals a compassionate side.
Takeuchi (The Kidnapper)
Literary Device Explanation Foreshadowing Early clues hint at his troubled background. Flashback His past is revealed, explaining his motives and desperation.
Chief Detective Tokura
Literary Device Explanation Dialogue His strategic conversations with Gondo highlight his methodical nature. Juxtaposition His grounded nature contrasts with Gondo’s high-stakes world.
Character Dynamics
Relationship Narrative Drive and Theme Gondo and the Kidnapper Their conflict underscores the theme of social disparity. Gondo and his Wife Their relationship reveals the personal cost of Gondo’s decisions. Gondo and Tokura Their collaboration highlights the intersection of personal and professional ethics.
Social Class Disparity
Literary Device Explanation Juxtaposition Contrasting the lives of Gondo and the kidnapper to highlight social inequality. Symbolism Gondo’s house on the hill as a symbol of social status.
Moral Dilemmas
Literary Device Explanation Irony Gondo, a businessman, faces a moral dilemma regarding money and human life. Dialogue Conversations between characters reveal the complexity of ethical decisions.
Justice and Retribution
Literary Device Explanation Allegory The kidnapping plot as a broader commentary on societal justice. Flashback The kidnapper’s past highlights themes of revenge and retribution.
Visual and Sound Techniques
Literary Device Technique Explanation Symbolism High-angle Shots Emphasize Gondo’s dominance and detachment. Foreshadowing Music Score Uses tension-building music to hint at upcoming events. Juxtaposition Lighting Contrasts light and dark to reflect moral and social contrasts. Irony Set Design Luxurious versus impoverished settings underscore ironic contrasts. Metaphor Visual Composition Uses framing to metaphorically represent characters’ situations.
Scene: The Kidnapping Call
Link: YouTube Link Breakdown: The tension-filled moment when Gondo receives the call, the use of close-ups and silence underscores the gravity of the situation.
Scene: Gondo’s Decision
Link: YouTube Link Breakdown: Gondo’s moral struggle is portrayed through tight shots and expressive dialogue , highlighting his internal conflict .
Scene: The Raid
Link: YouTube Link Breakdown: The coordinated police raid is depicted with dynamic camera movements and cross-cutting, enhancing the narrative tension.
Interactive Quiz
What does Gondo’s house symbolize in the film?
a) Wealth and status
b) Isolation
c) Both a and b
d) None of the above
Which literary device is used to contrast Gondo’s home and the kidnapper’s hideout?
How does Kurosawa use dialogue to reveal character traits?
a) Through casual conversations
b) Through strategic and revealing conversations
c) Through monologues
d) Through background chatter
What theme is highlighted by the kidnapper’s backstory?
a) Love
b) Justice and retribution
c) Wealth
d) Friendship
Which technique is used to enhance the symbolism of Gondo’s house?
a) Music
b) High-angle shots
c) Fast cuts
d) Sound effects
Feel free to reflect on these questions and revisit the analysis to see how well you’ve grasped the literary devices used in High and Low !
