Review of Boyz n the Hood (1991) by Mike S — 22 Jul 2015

It's a quality movie. I'd seen it years ago and couldn't remember much about it other than I'd enjoyed it . . . well, maybe 'enjoyed' is a bad choice of word. It's based in a South-Central LA ghetto so it's not a lighthearted feelgood movie.

There is, however, lots to like about this film. It's well scripted - with no character being solely good or solely bad, just confused and trying to find their own paths. The acting is good, especially as there are a number of actors who are children or teenagers and, as you would expect, the soundtrack is awesome. The action sequences are realistic and shocking rather than glorifying the violence and it takes the 'gangsta' myth perpetuated by the likes of 'Fiddy Cent' and presents a much more real and stark impression of life.

Like so much of American film and literature, the film itself focuses on the idea of the American Dream and examines whether it is possible to succeed and avoid becoming embroiled in violence and crime. The success of the film is based upon whether you care enough about the characters doing so. Thankfully, it is so sensitively written and acted that the viewer cannot help investing in the characters and caring about them . . . I did any way.

Definitely one worth watching although you may find it slow if you're expecting lots of gang warfare.