Do the Right Thing (1989)

Synopsis of Do the Right Thing

Director Spike Lee dives head-first into a maelstrom of racial and social ills, using as his springboard the hottest day of the year on one block in Brooklyn, NY. Three businesses dominate the block: a storefront radio station, where a smooth-talkin' deejay (Samuel L. Jackson) spins the platters that matter; a convenience store owned by a Korean couple; and Sal's Famous Pizzeria, the only white-operated business in the neighborhood. Sal (Danny Aiello) serves up slices with his two sons, genial Vito (Richard Edson) and angry, racist Pino (John Turturro). Sal has one black employee, Mookie (Spike Lee), who wants to "get paid" but lacks ambition. His sister Jade (Joie Lee, Spike's sister), who has a greater sense of purpose and a "real" job, wants Mookie to start dealing with his responsibilities, most notably his son with girlfriend Tina (Rosie Perez). Two of Mookie's best friends are Radio Raheem (Bill Nunn), a monolith of a man who rarely speaks, preferring to blast Public Enemy's rap song Fight The Power on his massive boom box; and Buggin' Out (Giancarlo Esposito), nicknamed for his coke-bottle glasses and habit of losing his cool. When Buggin' Out notes that Sal's "Wall of Fame," a photo gallery of famous Italian-Americans, includes no people of color, he eventually demands a neighborhood boycott, on a day when tensions are already running high, that incurs tragic consequences. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

120 mins

Director(s):

Spike Lee

Writer(s):

Spike Lee

Producer(s):

Jon Kilik

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Violence, Not For Children, Profanity, Sexual Situations)

• 1999 - Library of Congress - U.S. National Film Registry
• 1988 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Music Score
• 1988 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Picture
• 1988 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Director
• 1988 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Supporting Actor
• 1989 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Cinematography

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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