Spike Lee's iconic urban film Do the Right Thing is a gritty look at the undercurrent of racism that was being dealt with, all over America, really back in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Some of the most visible incidents that come to mind include Howard Beach in 1986, the Tawana Brawley rape in 1987, and later the death of 16 year-old Yusef Hawkins in Bensonhurst in 1989.
The film has one of the mothers of all ensemble casts. Let me just ramble off some of the notable names and solid performers: Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, Danny Aiello, Giancarlo Esposito, Rosie Perez, Samuel Jackson, John Turturro, and the list goes on.
One of the things I've always loved about the movie is that it comes across as an embodiment and portrait of the NYC environment of the time. I think Spike Lee provides a provocative time capsule look with just enough comic relief from time to time to keep the film from becoming oppressive. The film works even now as a conversation piece to re-consider the dialogue about racial issues in this modern era. Throw in the fact that this features so many strong individual performances and it really is a modern classic that would eventually open up an entirely new genre in many ways, paving the way for more films that would provide an even closer look at modern social issues like this.
Some might also enjoy noting the many nods the film has received in popular culture, whether it is in the form or any number of shows like Futurama or King of the Hill to In Living Color or Martin, the film touched a nerve strongly enough to remain poignant even today.
5 Sal's slices out of 5
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