Review of Do the Right Thing - The Criterion Collection

A truly quintessential race relations film not only because of its ambition and importance, but also for the fact that it is so, so good. Do the Right Thing harnesses more energy than a THOUSAND D-volt batteries (you'll understand once you see it) and holds its audience captive every step of the way. One gets the sense that Spike Lee sincerely loves his characters, despite their flaws, and it's that starting point that allows him to truly give them life. There is a very passionate and involved social message at the heart of this film that will leave audiences reacting, thinking, and discussing, and the expert writing, direction, and storytelling behind it makes it all the more effective. No matter what your race or where your social-political beliefs lie it would be difficult not to recognize Do the Right Thing as a shining example of the artistic and political force that film can be.