Review of Do the Right Thing (1997) by Dougal S — 29 Mar 2011
A true ensemble masterpiece of American cinema, in Do the Right Thing Spike Lee creates a Brooklyn neighborhood on a terribly hot and sunny day. And as the temperature rises, so do the tensions between ethnicities.
What Lee has done here is not only make a political statement, but he's made one that is still as resonant today as it was when it was released in 1989. Does goodness and sanctity of life triumph over I'll-will and bigotry? Does racial injustice occur over both ends of the spectrum? Does distortion of mind bring about distortion of character? These are only a few of the questions that rise in this urban epic.
Of course, a good plot wouldn't do anybody any good without good cast members. The acting is top notch, not a single misstep was made. But what really caught my attention was the direction and cinematography.
This is a beautifully shot film, every color of every street corner is brought out in vivid detail. That is, of course, until the sun has beat down on the good citizens of Brooklyn for far too long. Then colors are distorted, camera shots are claustrophobic and uncomfortable, and the sounds become excruciating.
Do the right thing and see this film, not only is it entertaining but the messages that it conveys are very necessary for us to hear, now more than ever.
This review of Do the Right Thing (1997) was written by Dougal S on 29 Mar 2011.
Do the Right Thing has generally received very positive reviews.
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