Review of Do the Right Thing (1997) by Collin B — 17 Jun 2012
Jaw-dropping. Shocking. Stunning. American landmark. Masterpiece. The previous terms are such that can only begin to describe Spike Lee's 1989 film, Do the Right Thing. When it comes to the subject of race relations in America, no film comes close to tackling the subject in such a profound, confrontational, disturbing, and even tragic manner as this film does.
How this film wasn't nominated nor won the Oscar for Best Picture of 1989 is beyond me. Well, actually it's not surprising. It was too ahead of it's time and too shocking and daring for the ho-hum Academy (hence why Driving Miss Daisy won).
In a year full of landmark, great films (Born on the Fourth of July, My Left Foot, Field of Dreams, Batman, The Little Mermaid, Glory, etc.) this film stood head and shoulders above them. Heck it stands head and shoulders of just about every American film that came out in the 1980's.
The ending is one of the most jaw-dropping and breath-taking endings ever for a film that really doesn't paint anyone or any racial group as being wrong. The violence and tragedy that ensues is ultimately caused by everyone and their distrust in one another, which is part of the brilliant message of the film.
No matter what racial group we belong to, no matter what country we're from, we're all human beings and we all are flawed. No one is any better or any worse than anyone, and without respect, trust, and understanding we can and will all destroy one another.
What an amazing film.
This review of Do the Right Thing (1997) was written by Collin B on 17 Jun 2012.
Do the Right Thing has generally received very positive reviews.
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