Do The Right ThingThis is a movie about racism. Well, not just about racism. Perhaps it’s not about racism, but just about misunderstandings. Or cross-cultural communication. Or is it just about a neighborhood? But wait, it is certainly about violence. I know that. I think.
To be honest, I think it has to do with dealing with conflict and the assumption of oppression. Is there oppression or isn’t there? There is certainly prejudice, but who has it worst? And it deals with the tension of race relations that MLK Jr. and Malcolm X dealt with—should violence be used to obtain freedom? And what kinds of freedoms should we demand?
I know a great movie when I see it. This is a great movie. The questions it leaves me with proves it. I just have a hard time describing what is so great about it. I need to see this again.
Technical—5/5—Spike Lee is a master filmmaker and knows the excellent people for every aspect of his films.
Interest—4/5—The first half of the film seemed pretty rambling and confused at first, until it all comes together in the second half, which is riveting.
Tension—4/5—An immense amount of tension, especially as tempers explode in the last half hour.
Emotional—4/5—I’m angry with some of the characters and angry at some of the characters, and saddened by the whole situation. Played me perfectly.
Characters—3/5—There were too many times I asked myself, “Would this character do that?” The “Mayor” of the neighborhood who was supposed to be a drunk, but he never acted drunk. Was that on purpose? The radio deejay who sat there stunned as the riot happened. Mookie—would he really have thrown that chair? Why? But these questions just deepen the idea that I need to know these characters better. Perhaps it is accepting the assumptions, the subtexts the surroundings give me, that cause misunderstandings. Maybe if I saw the consistency in these characters, I would know better what they would do.
Theme—5/5—Communication and conflict, and how race relations intensifies that.
Ethics—5/5—This is less of a moral tale and more of a case study. There are no easy answers provided by the movie, but lots to chew on.
Personal—3/5—I have never dealt with these racial issues in such an intense situation before. But I recognize the cultural conflict in my own community and wonder how long before it breaks into open violence.
My overall impression is confused. Certainly this film is great, important, well made and thoughtful. But did I LIKE it? I don’t know. I really don’t. I’m just throwing it on my list, but it will certainly be in a different place after the next time I experience it.
1. In America
2. Amelie
3. Princess Mononoke
4. The Dark Knight
5. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
6. Tideland
7. The Brothers Bloom
8. I [Heart] Huckabees
9. District 9
10. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
11. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl
12. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring
13. The Son (2003)
14. Raising Arizona
15. Do The Right Thing
16. Adaptation
17. Three Kings
18. The Science of Sleep
19. Mister Roberts