Review of Do the Right Thing (1997) by Thomas O — 27 Aug 2009

Without a doubt Spike Lee's best and most groundbreaking film. If there's any film that touches on the topic of racism so thoroughly and with no strings attached, "Do the Right Thing" is that one film (sorry "Crash").

Even after 20 years since its first release in theaters, Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" still packs the whallop with revealing his intake on our racial and cultural divide in a 'unified' country.

The script is tightly and wonderfully well-written, the acting ensemble is all-around very good, and the selection of music (especially the aural motif that is Public Enemy's 'Fight the Power') fits into this story smoothly, but it's the theme of inequality and bigotry that really makes this film so engaging and unforgettable to watch.

Even in this one Brooklyn neighborhood setting, there are constant conflicts among the many characters that keeps the film going, which makes Brooklyn more universal in scope. And even within this one block in the neighborhood, Spike Lee manages to breath life into the inhabitants, with each having their own personal motive and their own personal story to tell, and it all blends beautifully even beyond the shocking outcome.

The ending of the film is what truly makes this film a brave piece of work, and even though I still don't think of Spike Lee in high regard as I used to, this is definitely a classic American film.

It's a required viewing, so go watch it, fool!