Review of Do the Right Thing (1989) by Paul O — 18 Oct 2011
Do The Right Thing has a unique take on the consequences of racial tensions. Unlike many other films that have covered the same theme, Spike Lee adds a hip and humorous style to it, of course while taking the material and themes seriously.
People may debate that it doesn't do justice in reinforcing stereotypes towards blacks, but Spike Lee isn't afraid to display characters of his own race the way he knows them to be, he speaks the truth through characters and setting and dialogue.
It takes place on a hot day in a neighbourhood in Brooklyn as it focuses on tensions that build up between the black community and the Italian owners of Sal's Pizzeria and on the side, a Korean market store.
Mookie as a delivery boy for Sal's is well respected by the family and by everyone in the neighbourhood, but as the tensions build up between each other, he must decide when the consequences reach their point on which side to take and what choice he shall make to do the right thing.
Spike Lee was inspired by the morals of Malcolm X and Martin Luther and has effectively applied them to this film. A brilliant achievement and one of my favourites.
This review of Do the Right Thing (1989) was written by Paul O on 18 Oct 2011.
Do the Right Thing has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
