High & Low The Worst

Shigeaki Kubo's 2019 Japanese film covers a fight between the students of two rival schools. On one side is a school known for street fighting, on the other a school run by a strict hierarchy; a small incident sets the two groups against each other. The film joins an action series to a manga universe. The narrative is not interested in character depth; the fight sequences are detailed as choreography and most of the running time is given to them. None of the fights is tied to a purpose. Honour, standing and group belonging are the only reasons; the film does not question this and presents violence as an order without outcome. The cast is large and the introductions passed over quickly. Who it's for: those who like Japanese action cinema and fight choreography. Who it's not for: viewers unfamiliar with the series; the film uses many characters without explanation.