Do The Right Thing (1989)

Introduction

Few films capture the urgency of a social moment and translate it into enduring cinema quite like Do the Right Thing. Released in 1989, Spike Lee’s landmark film is more than just a slice-of-life tale set on a sweltering summer day in Brooklyn—it’s an electrifying, provocative, and poignant exploration of race relations in America that still resonates decades later. Its raw emotional power, vibrant aesthetic, and layered storytelling make it one of the most vital American films of the 20th century.

Plot Overview

The film is set over the course of one blisteringly hot day in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighbourhood of Brooklyn. We follow Mookie (played by Spike Lee), a young Black pizza delivery man working for Sal’s Famous Pizzeria, an Italian-American owned establishment in a predominantly Black neighbourhood. As the heat intensifies, so do the simmering racial tensions among the community’s residents.

Mookie interacts with a cast of richly drawn characters: Sal (Danny Aiello), the pizzeria’s proud but paternalistic owner; his hot-headed son Pino (John Turturro), who harbours racist views; and his younger brother Vito (Richard Edson), who sympathizes more with Mookie. There’s also Radio Raheem (Bill Nunn), who blasts Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” from his boombox, and Buggin’ Out (Giancarlo Esposito), who starts a protest over the lack of Black figures on Sal’s “Wall of Fame.”

Tensions reach a boiling point by nightfall, culminating in a violent confrontation that ends with the police killing Radio Raheem and Mookie throwing a trash can through the pizzeria window—an act that sparks a riot.

Themes and Social Commentary

Do the Right Thing is a masterclass in exploring complex social dynamics. It refuses to offer easy answers, instead challenging viewers to sit with the discomfort of racial tension, police brutality, economic disparity, and identity.

One of the film’s most powerful qualities is its moral ambiguity. The title itself poses a question that remains unresolved. Did Mookie do the right thing by inciting the destruction of Sal’s pizzeria? Was Sal’s refusal to accommodate the community’s cultural identity an act of defiance or prejudice? Lee doesn’t tell us—he invites us to wrestle with it.

The inclusion of two contrasting quotes at the film’s conclusion—from Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X—underscores the complexity of the situation. One advocates nonviolence; the other, self-defence. Lee’s refusal to moralize is what gives the film its intellectual and emotional weight.

Performances

The ensemble cast is uniformly excellent. Danny Aiello received an Oscar nomination for his performance as Sal, portraying a man caught between pride, tradition, and a shifting cultural landscape. Spike Lee delivers a subtle, grounded performance as Mookie, who serves as the audience’s guide and conscience. Bill Nunn is unforgettable as Radio Raheem, and Giancarlo Esposito’s portrayal of Buggin’ Out is fiery and passionate.

Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis bring wisdom and gravitas as Mother Sister and Da Mayor, the neighbourhood’s elder figures, while John Turturro’s Pino represents a painfully honest portrait of inherited bigotry.

Cinematography and Style

Shot by Ernest Dickerson, the cinematography is bold and expressionistic. The use of warm, saturated colours mirrors the oppressive heat and rising tension. The camera work—often featuring low-angle shots and exaggerated perspectives—adds to the intensity and surreal quality of the day’s progression.

The production design and costume choices are vibrant and distinct, giving each character a unique identity. Spike Lee's visual direction is unapologetically stylized but always grounded in emotional realism.

Music and Sound

Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” is not just the film’s anthem—it’s its heartbeat. Played repeatedly through Radio Raheem’s boombox, the song becomes a symbol of resistance and identity. The score, composed by Bill Lee (Spike’s father), blends jazz, soul, and ambient street sounds, further immersing the audience in the world of Bed-Stuy.

Cultural Impact

Do the Right Thing was both celebrated and controversial upon its release. Critics like Roger Ebert praised its boldness and truthfulness, while others feared it would incite violence—ironically echoing the very racial anxieties the film examines. Its release marked a turning point in American cinema, challenging Hollywood’s reluctance to confront racial issues head-on.

The film has since become a staple of film studies curricula, cited as a key work in American social realism and independent filmmaking. In 1999, it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

Legacy and Relevance

Three decades later, Do the Right Thing remains chillingly relevant. Its themes of police brutality, systemic racism, and cultural division continue to reverberate in the wake of real-world tragedies and movements like Black Lives Matter. The film doesn’t feel like a relic of its time—it feels like a prophecy, a mirror, and a challenge.

In today’s climate, its impact is perhaps even more profound. Lee's film doesn’t just reflect the world—it demands engagement, empathy, and, most importantly, action.

Final Thoughts

Do the Right Thing is a cinematic triumph—raw, beautiful, infuriating, and unforgettable. Spike Lee’s bold vision, combined with stellar performances, striking visuals, and fearless commentary, make this a film that not only stands the test of time but grows in importance with each passing year. It’s not just a film you watch—it’s a film you absorb, question, and remember.

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