Menace II Society (1993)
- Starring:
- Tyrin Turner, Jada Pinkett Smith, (more)
- Director(s):
- Allen Hughes, Albert Hughes
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- R
- Category:
- Drama
My RatingTheatrical Release Information | See Details About All Versions
This debut offering from twin brothers Albert and Allen Hughes was one of the most critically-acclaimed urban crime films to appear in the wake of John Singleton's influential Boyz N the Hood. Set in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, the film is narrated by 18-year-old Caine (Tyrin Turner), a drug dealer and car thief who lives with his religious grandparents. After graduating from high school, Caine shows no ambition beyond hanging out with his friends, so his grandparents kick him out. Among his other troubles are his best friend O-Dog (Larenz Tate), a vicious thug hunted by the police, and the friends and family of the girl Caine got pregnant and then turned his back on. Perhaps the lone positive influence in his sphere is Ronnie (Jada Pinkett), a single parent struggling to raise her young son without the boy falling prey to the 'hood mentality. When their friendship becomes a love affair, Ronnie tries desperately to convince Caine to move with her to Atlanta; soon afterward, he is shot and nearly dies. After recovering, he accepts Ronnie's offer, but tragedy strikes as they pack their van in preparation to leave. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
- Theatrical Feature Running Time:
- 104 mins
Complete Cast:
- Tyrin Turner - Caine Lawson
- Vonte Sweet - Sharif
- Ryan Williams - Stacy
- Charles S. Dutton - Mr. Butler
- Bill Duke - Detective
- Christopher M. Brown - Lloyd
- Michael Kelly - Officer Gadd
- Saafir
- Toshi Toda - Grocery Store Man
- Nancy Cheryl Davis - Teacher
- Brandon Hammond - Five year old Caine
- Yo-Yo - Girl at Party
- James Pickens, Jr. - Man
- Clifton Gonzalez Gonzalez - Vato 2
- Marilyn Coleman - Grandmama
- Jada Pinkett Smith - Ronnie
- Larenz Tate - O-Dog
- Samuel L. Jackson - Tat Lawson
- Glenn Plummer - Pernell
- Khandi Alexander - Karen Lawson
- Anthony Johnson - Tony
- Tony Valentino - Vato3
- Chad Dowdell - White Guy in Street (uncredited)
- Rolando Molina - Vato 1
- Reginald Ballard - Clyde
- Eugene Lee - Man 1
- Clifton Powell - Chauncey
- Arnold Johnson - Grandpapa
- Robert Gonzales - Car Dealer
- Julian Roy Doster - Anthony
- Director(s):
- Allen Hughes, Albert Hughes
- Writer(s):
- Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes, Tyger Williams
- Producer(s):
- Darin Scott, Michael Bennett
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- R(Adult Situations, Not For Children, Substance Abuse (Alcohol, Drugs), Profanity, Strong Sexual Content, Graphic Violence)
- Categories:
- Drama
- Closed Captioning:
- Check All Versions
- Subtitles:
- Check All Versions
- 1993 - Menace II Society - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Cinematography






