Review of Do the Right Thing (1997) by Samuel D — 03 Oct 2009
Wonderful film about racial tensions in American society that still speaks volumes in 2009 as it did back in 1989 by influential actor, director and writer Spike Lee. This is probably the best portrayal of prejudice I've seen as it is developed intelligently by a young director, at the time, and a strong cast which includes Danny Aiello, who won an Oscar for his performance as the Italian-American pizzeria owner.
Trouble escalates during the hottest day of the year as the film intelligently examines prejudices of all kinds, but specifically racism. The film builds slowly towards the climatic end which sees the death of a well-liked black man at the hands of white police men, but because of Aiello's characters' instigation of the event (he wouldn't put photos of black men up on his shops wall because it was a store dedicated to Italian-Americans), he is subjected to the rage that boils over in the predominantly black community.
The beautiful scene towards the end which sees Spike Lees character save the life of Aiello's character is moving and brutal. Great film, all-in-all.
This review of Do the Right Thing (1997) was written by Samuel D on 03 Oct 2009.
Do the Right Thing has generally received very positive reviews.
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