Detailed Summary
Introduction to Bed-Stuy and Its Residents
On the hottest day of the summer, we are introduced to the vibrant and diverse neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Mookie (Spike Lee) works as a delivery man for Sal’s Famous Pizzeria, owned by Sal (Danny Aiello) and managed by his sons, Pino (John Turturro) and Vito (Richard Edson). The community is alive with characters like Radio Raheem (Bill Nunn), Buggin’ Out (Giancarlo Esposito), and Da Mayor (Ossie Davis).
Tensions Begin to Rise
Tensions simmer under the surface as Mookie navigates his responsibilities at work and his relationships with his girlfriend Tina (Rosie Perez) and sister Jade (Joie Lee). Buggin’ Out becomes upset when he notices that Sal’s pizzeria only has pictures of famous Italian-Americans on the wall and demands they include black celebrities, reflecting the neighborhood’s demographic.
Conflict at Sal’s Pizzeria
Buggin’ Out’s call for a boycott of Sal’s escalates tensions. Radio Raheem, known for blasting Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” on his boombox, joins Buggin’ Out in confronting Sal. The confrontation turns violent as Sal destroys Raheem’s boombox with a baseball bat, leading to a physical fight.
The Riot
The fight spills out into the street, attracting a crowd. The police arrive, and in the chaos, they choke Radio Raheem to death. The crowd, enraged by Raheem’s death, turns on Sal’s pizzeria, with Mookie throwing a trash can through the window, inciting a riot that results in the pizzeria being set on fire.
The Aftermath
The next morning, the neighborhood is in disarray. Mookie and Sal have a tense but reflective conversation about the events. The film ends with quotes from Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, offering differing perspectives on violence and its place in the fight for justice.
Movie Ending
The film concludes with a scene of reconciliation between Mookie and Sal, highlighting the complex nature of their relationship amidst the racial tensions. The final quotes from Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X present the audience with contrasting views on violence and nonviolence, leaving viewers to ponder the best course of action in the fight against racial injustice.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Do the Right Thing” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
This film is a dramatic comedy that tackles serious themes of race, prejudice, and community through a blend of humor, tension, and powerful social commentary.
Cast
- Spike Lee as Mookie
- Danny Aiello as Sal
- Ossie Davis as Da Mayor
- Ruby Dee as Mother Sister
- Giancarlo Esposito as Buggin’ Out
- Bill Nunn as Radio Raheem
- John Turturro as Pino
- Rosie Perez as Tina
- Richard Edson as Vito
- Joie Lee as Jade
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score is composed by Bill Lee, Spike Lee’s father. Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” is prominently featured, becoming an anthem for the film’s themes of resistance and empowerment.
Filming Locations
- Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn: The film was shot on Stuyvesant Avenue, adding authenticity to the depiction of the neighborhood. The real-life setting enhances the film’s raw and realistic portrayal of urban life.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Danny Aiello) and Best Original Screenplay.
- Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Original Song.
- Cannes Film Festival: Won the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury and was nominated for the Palme d’Or.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Spike Lee wrote the script in just two weeks.
- The temperature on set was often extremely high to reflect the heatwave portrayed in the film.
- Rosie Perez’s dance sequence in the opening credits was her film debut and remains iconic.
Inspirations and References
- Real-Life Events: The film draws inspiration from the Howard Beach incident and other racially motivated crimes.
- Spike Lee’s Personal Experiences: Lee’s own experiences in Brooklyn informed the film’s setting and characters.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no significant alternate endings or deleted scenes for this film. The ending was intentionally crafted to provoke thought and discussion.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film is not based on a book but has inspired numerous academic discussions and writings about its themes and impact.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Radio Raheem’s Monologue: Radio Raheem’s “love and hate” monologue with his brass knuckles.
- Sal’s Destruction of the Boombox: The pivotal moment that escalates into the riot.
- Mookie Throws the Trash Can: The act that sparks the riot and symbolizes the breaking point of racial tensions.
Iconic Quotes
- “Always do the right thing.” – Da Mayor
- “That’s the double truth, Ruth.” – Mister Señor Love Daddy
- “Fight the power.” – Radio Raheem
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film’s use of color (red, yellow, and orange) intensifies the feeling of heat and tension.
- The “love and hate” brass knuckles are a reference to the 1955 film “The Night of the Hunter.”
Trivia
- Spike Lee’s dog, Cyrus, appears in the film.
- Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” was written specifically for the film.
- The film was added to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 1999.
Why Watch?
“Do the Right Thing” is a powerful exploration of racial tensions, humanizes its characters, and provides no easy answers. Its blend of humor, drama, and social commentary makes it a timeless and thought-provoking film.
Director’s Other Movies
- She’s Gotta Have It (1986)
- Malcolm X (1992)
- 25th Hour (2002)
- Inside Man (2006)
- BlacKkKlansman (2018)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Boyz n the Hood (1991)
- Fruitvale Station (2013)
- Selma (2014)
- Get Out (2017)
- The Hate U Give (2018)
