Highest 2 Lowest is an old man’s movie, and I don’t mean that as a criticism. Spike Lee is 68 years old, and Denzel Washington is 70, and it’s fitting for them to ruminate on what they’ve accomplished and how they fit into a world that continues to change around them.

Thierry Frémaux surprised Denzel Washington with an honorary Palme d’Or before the premiere of ‘‘Highest 2 Lowest’’ on Monday night.