Do the Right Thing

Set in the sweltering summer of 1983, 'Do the Right Thing' is a powerful and thought-provoking film directed by Spike Lee. The movie takes place in the heart of Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, which is predominantly African American. At the center of the story is Sal's Pizzeria, an Italian-owned eatery that has become a staple in the community. The pizzeria, affectionately referred to as Sal's, is where locals gather to socialize, share stories, and enjoy delicious slices of pizza. The film revolves around the character of Buggin' Out, a charismatic and passionate young man played by Giancarlo Esposito. Buggin' Out is a proud African American who feels a deep connection to his community. He is particularly upset when he notices that the Wall of Fame at Sal's Pizzeria features only Italian actors, while there are no black actors on display. In his mind, Sal's failure to recognize the contributions and presence of African Americans in the neighborhood is an egregious oversight. Buggin' Out's frustration is palpable, and he shares his concerns with Mookie, a laid-back and witty young man who works at Sal's (played by Spike Lee himself). Mookie is the voice of reason and tries to persuade Buggin' Out to drop the issue, but he is unable to do so. Buggin' Out's anger and disappointment boil over, and he demands that Sal add some African American actors to the Wall of Fame. Sal, however, is a stubborn and proud Italian who is reluctant to change his pizzeria's tradition. He views his Wall of Fame as a celebration of Italian culture and his connection to his homeland. Sal sees no problem with not featuring black actors, and he becomes increasingly hostile towards Buggin' Out's demands. The exchange between Sal and Buggin' Out sets off a chain reaction, and tensions between the two groups begin to escalate. As the day wears on, the heat in the neighborhood becomes almost unbearable. Sal's Pizzeria becomes a focal point for racial tensions, with African American customers increasingly feeling marginalized and disrespected. Buggin' Out rallies his friends and acquaintances, including Radio Raheem (played by Bill Nunn), Da Mayor (played by Ossie Davis), and Sister Hobart (played by Ruby Dee), to protest Sal's refusal to add African American actors to the Wall of Fame. Meanwhile, Mookie's relationship with his mother, Mother Sister (played by Rita Moreno), and his friends, Deebo (played by Roger Guenveur Smith) and Sonny (played by Slam Stewart), provides an intimate look into the lives of the community. These characters are multidimensional and add depth to the film, highlighting the complexities of urban life. The confrontation between the two groups reaches a boiling point as the day draws to a close. The atmosphere becomes increasingly charged, with Sal's temper flaring up and Buggin' Out's anger reaching a fever pitch. The tension culminates in a violent clash between the two groups, resulting in tragic consequences. Through 'Do the Right Thing,' Spike Lee sheds light on the complexities of racial tensions in urban America. The film is not about finger-pointing or labeling one group as good or bad, but rather about understanding the intricacies of human relationships and the ways in which we interact with one another. Lee's direction is masterful, weaving together a rich tapestry of characters, settings, and themes to create a powerful and thought-provoking film. The movie's exploration of racial politics and the experiences of African Americans in urban America remains relevant today, more than three decades after its release. The themes of identity, belonging, and community are timeless and continue to resonate with audiences. 'Do the Right Thing' is a landmark film that challenges viewers to confront their own biases and prejudices, encouraging empathy and understanding towards others.