Do the Right Thing
2 Oscar Nominations·AFI #96·BFI #24·National Film Registry
Rent/Purchase
Sal is the Italian owner of a pizzeria in Brooklyn. A neighborhood local, Buggin' Out, becomes upset when he sees that the pizzeria's Wall of Fame exhibits only Italian actors. Buggin' Out believes a pizzeria in a black neighborhood should showcase black actors, but Sal disagrees. The wall becomes a symbol of racism and hate to Buggin' Out and to other people in the neighborhood, and tensions rise.
What critics thought
Now regarded as one of the essential American films of its era, Spike Lee's portrait of a single sweltering day in Brooklyn was sharply divisive on release — most critics hailed its unflinching examination of race as vital and immediate, while a minority found it incoherent and morally muddled. The passage of time has settled the argument decisively in the film's favor, with its urgency feeling undiminished decades later.
“a spiritual documentary that shows racial joy, hatred and confusion at every turn”
Gene Siskel·Chicago Tribune
“a bold expression of love and frustration and care and anger that is so vivid and expressive it feels like it exists in the here and now”
Kambole Campbell·Little White Lies
“If Lee is saying that racism is profoundly painful, frustrating and confusing, no one will argue. But this film states the case without offering any insight.”
Ralph Novak·People
“seeing violence as a liberating symbol rather than a debasing reality”
Dave Kehr·Chicago Tribune
Genres
Comedy, Drama
Cast & Crew
DirectorSpike Lee
StarringDanny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson, Giancarlo Esposito
ComposerBill Lee
Do the Right Thing
2 Oscar Nominations·AFI #96·BFI #24·National Film Registry
Sal is the Italian owner of a pizzeria in Brooklyn. A neighborhood local, Buggin' Out, becomes upset when he sees that the pizzeria's Wall of Fame exhibits only Italian actors. Buggin' Out believes a pizzeria in a black neighborhood should showcase black actors, but Sal disagrees. The wall becomes a symbol of racism and hate to Buggin' Out and to other people in the neighborhood, and tensions rise.
What critics thought
Now regarded as one of the essential American films of its era, Spike Lee's portrait of a single sweltering day in Brooklyn was sharply divisive on release — most critics hailed its unflinching examination of race as vital and immediate, while a minority found it incoherent and morally muddled. The passage of time has settled the argument decisively in the film's favor, with its urgency feeling undiminished decades later.
“a spiritual documentary that shows racial joy, hatred and confusion at every turn”
Gene Siskel·Chicago Tribune
“a bold expression of love and frustration and care and anger that is so vivid and expressive it feels like it exists in the here and now”
Kambole Campbell·Little White Lies
“If Lee is saying that racism is profoundly painful, frustrating and confusing, no one will argue. But this film states the case without offering any insight.”
Ralph Novak·People
“seeing violence as a liberating symbol rather than a debasing reality”
Dave Kehr·Chicago Tribune
Genres
Comedy, Drama
Cast & Crew
DirectorSpike Lee
StarringDanny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson, Giancarlo Esposito
ComposerBill Lee
Rent/Purchase