Review of Do the Right Thing (1989) by Jason V — 07 Jun 2011
I will fully admit it: I don't understand Do the Right Thing. Well, let me rephrase: I understand what the movie is about and why it was controversial in 1989. I understand what it's saying and the positions of the characters.
But I don't understand how anyone in the film can think their actions are justified. No one respects anyone else, which then dovetails into violence shattering the peace of the street. Director Spike Lee is bold and brash, but unrefined here, seemingly more intent on the message than the story.
There seems, though, to be no real backstory for these people to behave they way they do. Who has the right to demand anything of someone else, especially when the demander does not own an establishment they want changed? That seems to be the the entire genesis of the film.
Yes, there are racial problems and issues, but this isn't a black/white/Asian/whatever movie. It's a respect movie. I think Lee misses that point.
This review of Do the Right Thing (1989) was written by Jason V on 07 Jun 2011.
Do the Right Thing has generally received very positive reviews.
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