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The 1989 film Do The Right Thing, directed, written, and produced by Spike Lee, depicts the daily expressions and occurrences experienced by a diverse community that occupies a portion of Brooklyn, New York. Unlike many movies that have a few main characters, Do The Right Thing analyzes the community as a whole, acknowledging the individuality of each character, as well as the cultural dynamic of those who live and embody the streets of this small Brooklyn suburb. One of the leading elements of the film is the apparent presence of racism and the oppressive sentiments that inevitably curate divisive aggression within the community. Three characters who are especially critical to the community’s oppressive angst and perpetuation of racism are Sal, a passionate Italian, and his two sons Pino and Vito. The three Italians make up a few of the distinguished Caucasians who own businesses in a town largely occupied by African Americans. Despite having owned owed a Pizza shop in the community for over 25 years, on a particularly hot summer day, Sal’s Pizzeria becomes the center of conflict as his rage and racism culminates and ultimately reaches its tipping point, showcasing police brutality and the unmistakable impact that racism has on a community.
When assessing the social justice recognized in the film, the main factors include socioeconomic status, racism, pride, ignorance, and cultural division. Specifically, the small Brooklyn suburb is racially divided between the black and white race. However, Sal’s pizza shop is representative of a bridge that forges a connection between the white business owners and the African American patrons. Initially, the viewer is led to believe that Sal is a genuinely caring business owner who also prides himself in his work and ability to be an integral part of the community. However, due to repetitive confrontation, Sal’s patience and composure deteriorate, and eventually, he reveals his true racist colors. Similar to a tea kettle, with enough heat and energy, it will eventually erupt. Although it could be argued that violence cannot equate to justice, as a result of Sal’s aggression towards two African American patrons, in particular, one of them, known as Radio Raheem, played by Bill Nunn, dies from the repercussion of police brutality. Amidst the confrontation, Sal becomes the victim of his own actions as his pizza shop is vandalized, looted, and ultimately set on fire. However, no action can compensate for the death of Radio Raheem. Ultimately, Sal and becomes the victim of his own prejudice views.
When comparing Do The Right Thing to The Great Dictator by Charlie Chaplin, a fundamental similarity I can identify is the strength of the public/community and their devotion to each other and freedom. Specifically, in The Great Dictator, the country of Tomania is oppressed by a dictatorship, while in Do The Right Thing, the community is subjected to racism by police, Sal, and his oldest son Pino. However, despite the fact that both films present oppressive situations that curate intense adversity, pain, and suffrage, inevitably, virtue prevails, illustrating the strength and preservation of the country of Tomania and the Brooklyn community.
When analyzing the historical context of Do The Right Thing, the presence and influence of popular culture are overwhelmingly prevalent. For example, based on the music, clothing, devices, and attitudes embraced by the different characters in the film, the viewer is able to recognize the era the movie is portraying. For example, Buggin Out’s (Giancarlo Esposito) Air Jordans shoes, Radio Raheem’s boombox, and the music he plays, recognized as public enemy’s acclaimed hit, Fight The Power, released in 1989. Another distinct example that adds historical context to the film is the price of pizza at Sal’s. Instead of handing over fist fulls of cash at the register, customers are seen paying for a slice with change, a monetary statement that is reflective of the last ’80s.
A specific cinematic device utilized through the film that is very distinct to Do The Right Thing is the usage of audience interaction through specific camera angles. While blog-style videography has become increasingly popular in modern media, I cannot think of another movie in which the actors talk directly into the camera as if they are communicating intimately with the audience.
Overall, despite the fact that Do The Right Thing is labeled as a comedy, I think the film is more reflective of an authentic drama that includes characters that are innately comical, as opposed to a scripted comedy that is curated through deliberate action and communication. This film culturally relevant, showcasing police brutality and cultural division that remains relevant in modern America. I truly enjoyed this film and believe it showcases a portion of history that everyone can appreciate and learn from.
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| Additional DVD options | Edition | Discs | Price | New from | Used from |
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January 10, 2012 "Please retry" | DVD | 1 | $7.49 | $3.89 |
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February 20, 2001 "Please retry" | The Criterion Collection | 2 | $9.22 | $3.49 |
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Well it's a Spike Lee movie and he always does his movies amazingly I love this classic movie recommend it to anyone who loves Spike Lee
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2025
- Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2025
- Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2011
Top reviews from other countries
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MikaReviewed in Germany on January 14, 2022
Der Film ist einfach ein Muss
Der Film ist einfach ein Meisterwerk. Im Film werden viele Blickwinkel der dort lebenden Menschen gezeigt und man muss sich auf den Film einlassen können.MikaDer Film ist einfach ein Muss
Reviewed in Germany on January 14, 2022
Filme von Spike Lee wie Crooklyn, Nola Darling, Spiel des Lebens - He Got Game, Mo Better Blues, Clockers, Love&Basketball usw. sind nur ein paar seiner mega Filme die man sich ebenfalls anschauen sollte.
Die Bildqualität von „Do The Right Thing“ ist toll und der Sound ist ebenfalls top. .
Die deutsche, als auch die englische Tonspur ist vorhanden (siehe Foto).
Die Blu Ray gabs im Angebot für 15€ ist aber auch den Vollpreis mehr als wert.
Die Lieferung von Amazon erfolgte wie immer super schnell.
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