Do the Right Thing (1989)
Right now, it’s more crucial than ever to listen to black voices and hear their stories and experiences. One way we can amplify black voices is by promoting black art, and on theme with this blog, watching movies that educate us on the circumstances of being black in America. I recently rewatched Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing, and I was reminded of the intense power that this film holds.
Do the Right Thing takes place in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn on the hottest day of the year. The film looks at life in a neighborhood that’s racial demographics have changed in the past few decades, and is now mostly composed of African Americans and Hispanics. A staple of the neighborhood is the pizzeria owned by an Italian american man, Sal Fragione (Danny Aiello). Sal runs the pizzeria with the help of his sons, Pino (John Turturro) and Vito (John Edson) and delivery man Mookie (Spike Lee). Conflict arises when a customer, Buggin’ Out (Giancarlo Esposito), complains that the wall inside the pizza shop only has photos of Italian-American actors, when the pizzeria’s customers are mostly black. Tensions quickly rise and everyone’s hostility and prejudice escalates into violence.
Not only is this movie excellent, it’s an excellent film to watch that educates you on racism, protest, and police brutality. The killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and Elijah McClain, have once again brought attention to the urgent need for racial justice in America. We need to be having conversations about our country’s history of racial injustice and the ongoing fight for racial equality. As a nation, we need to educate ourselves on the everlasting consequences of slavery, and there are many incredible books, movies, tv shows, and other medias that we can learn from. Do the Right Thing just gets it right. It asks the right questions, captures the right themes, and ends in the right way. The film finishes in a moment of unsettled tension, further inciting that racial injustice is not something that has a quick fix, an easy answer. Do yourself a favor and watch it if you haven't already. It’s streaming on Amazon Prime, iTunes, VUDU, Youtube, Google Play, and Fandango Now.
