Monday, October 25, 2010

Do the Right Thing

Racism in movies. Stanley Kramer introduced the subject matter; Spike Lee revolutionized it.

It's the hottest day of the year in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn and tensions are growing there, with the only local businesses being a Korean grocery and Sal's (Danny Aiello) Pizzeria. Sal's delivery boy Mookie (Lee) manages to always be at the center of the action.

The summer heat is a metaphor for the tensions shown throughout Do the Right Thing. As the temperature escalates, so does the hate between the characters.

Do the Right Thing has issues of racism amplified to a new level. It's the best introduction to Spike Lee for those unfamiliar to his work. It shows themes that are common in Lee's movies. Aiello gives a good performance, as does Lee. One of the best movies I have seen.

My Rating: *****

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