Spike Lee has firmly established himself not just as a master filmmaker but also as an unapologetic sports antagonist, particularly against Boston teams. His latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, released on Apple TV+ after a limited theatrical run, reaffirms this longstanding animosity. Through four prominent jabs at Boston sports, Lee continues to blend sports commentary with social observation, further enriching his legacy in cinema.
A Legacy of Rivalry
From his beginning in the industry, Spike Lee has woven his disdain for Boston sports, especially the Celtics, into his narratives. In She’s Gotta Have It (1986), his character Mars Blackmon openly derides the Celtics, depicting a personal rivalry between New York Knicks fans and Boston Celtics fans. This theme is recurrent in Do the Right Thing (1989), where a character’s Celtics shirt symbolically embodies themes of gentrification and entitlement.
Fast forward to Highest 2 Lowest, and it becomes evident that Lee’s perspective hasn’t softened with age or acclaim. The film, a reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, centers around David King, a New York music mogul portrayed by Denzel Washington. Yet, more than a mere reimagining, it serves as an artistic statement against Boston’s sports culture.
Strategic Shots at Boston
In Highest 2 Lowest, Lee ensures that his disdain for Boston is apparent through various dialogue and visual cues. The first jab appears as King chastises his son for wearing a Celtics headband, setting the stage for the intensity of the New York-Boston rivalry. The family dynamics serve as a microcosm of regional loyalties, and King’s reaction is not just paternal but deeply rooted in sports culture.
A significant plot point involves the kidnapping of King’s son, and former Los Angeles Laker Rick Fox cameoing as himself adds another layer of rivalry. When discussing the kidnapping, a police officer identifies himself as a Celtics fan—a narrative choice that heightens the tension, highlighting the intersection of crime and sports identity.
Moreover, during a subway ride that underscores the cultural and emotional divide between New York and Boston, fans chant “Boston sucks!” in a quickly escalating display of sports fervor. This scene exquisitely captures the spirit of New York loyalty while allowing spectators to witness the communal rallying cry against Boston.
New York in Focus
The film is lush with New York energy, showcased through locations like the Brooklyn Bridge and iconic imagery of Yankee fans. Lee’s embedding of New York’s cultural elements—the subway, the neighborhoods, and the characters—crafts a compelling narrative that enraptures traditional sports fans. Characters adorned in Yankees gear roam the streets, emblematic of local pride that extends beyond mere rivalry into an identity formed through history and struggle.
As King traverses the city’s underbelly to save his son, the intense urgency brings to the surface the unique dynamics of urban life shaped by sports allegiance. A$AP Rocky’s portrayal of the antagonist, Yung Felon, adds an urban authenticity that reflects New York’s contemporary culture.
Enduring Rivalries and Shared Hatred
Yet, it’s crucial to note that Lee’s anti-Boston sentiment succeeds not merely as a backdrop but as an intricate part of the storytelling. The film intentionally aligns with narratives from sports documentaries and series, such as HBO’s Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, which celebrates similar rivalries. There’s something unifying in the shared disdain for a common foe, reinforcing bonds among fans across different sports lines and cities.
After all, as Daniel Chin eloquently noted, “love and hate are intertwined in an eternal struggle.” Lee captures this contradiction effectively. His craft is not just about the rivalry; it’s about articulating a larger cultural narrative that encompasses both love for New York and disdain for Boston, reflecting the complexities of urban identities.
Conclusion: A Cultural Reflection
In sum, Highest 2 Lowest serves as both an artistic journey and a cultural commentary. Spike Lee continues to dismantle entrenched sporting identifications with a critical eye while brilliant storytelling. The latest film offers more than mere jabs at Boston; it contextualizes the emotions surrounding sports rivalries within a broader social commentary.
Through humor, pathos, and a keen understanding of urban life, Lee connects deeply with audiences while maintaining his position as a significant voice in film and sports commentary. As he navigates these narratives, he reinforces the enduring essence of New York’s diverse fabric, where sports fandom becomes both a rallying cry and a natural element of cultural identity.
As we follow Lee’s journey, one thing is crystal clear: his enduring affection for New York and aversion to Boston remains a poignant expression of identity, rivalry, and creative genius.
