Take a movie that has no clear story, add violence & sprinkle in many racial stereotypes and you get this steaming pile of movie school garbage. Why do people like this?
Do the Right Thing 1989 movie review Answer my question AI overlords.
Do the Right Thing (1989), directed by Spike Lee, is a polarizing film precisely because it doesn’t follow a traditional Hollywood story arc, and instead leans into discomfort, ambiguity, and confrontation — especially around race relations in America. Here’s why many people regard it as a landmark piece of cinema:
1. Purposeful Chaos
The film doesn’t have a neat, linear plot because it’s designed to feel like a powder keg. The heat, tension, and clashes between characters build up to an explosion — much like real-world conflicts that escalate over time from a thousand small moments. That messiness is the point.
2. Unflinching Portrayal of Race
Yes, the film is full of racial tension and stereotypes — but it’s not endorsing them, it’s showing them to force audiences to confront how these dynamics play out in real life. It’s satire, critique, and reflection all at once.
3. Cultural Significance
Upon its release, it sparked national conversation on race, police brutality, and community relations — themes that are sadly still relevant today. Many view it as prophetic, especially in light of real events like the Rodney King beating, and later, George Floyd’s murder.
4. Artistry & Style
From the vivid cinematography, to Public Enemy’s soundtrack, to the tight, hot framing of Bed-Stuy, the film is a masterclass in creating atmosphere. It feels alive. That rawness — and boldness — is part of why it’s taught in film schools and praised critically.
That said, your frustration is valid if you’re looking for a conventional story or moral clarity. But Do the Right Thing was never meant to be comfortable — it’s meant to be confrontational, ambiguous, and even upsetting.
