Spike Lee’s Iconic ‘Do The Right Thing’ Just Hit Netflix — Don’t Miss It!

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With longer days and warmer weather on the horizon, Netflix is bringing a fitting movie to help welcome the changing seasons: Spike Lee’s iconic 1989 film, “Do The Right Thing,” which takes place during the sweltering heat of Brooklyn, will now be available for streaming starting March 1, 2025. This masterpiece, penned by none other than the director behind “She’s Gotta Have It,” was written in just under two weeks and serves as a heartfelt homage to Brooklyn while shedding light on the profound racial conflicts within New York City. Spike Lee himself takes on the role of Mookie, a character caught between his Italian-American boss and the Black community he belongs to.

The ’80s-style movie may appear to be a relic of the past, but its exploration of race relations in America’s multicultural mix remains strikingly relevant today. The film’s lasting impact is due in part to its unforgettable cast of characters, including Giancarlo Esposito as the passionate Buggin Out, John Turturro as the mischievous Pino, Rosie Perez as charming Tina, and Samuel L. Jackson as the entertaining radio host Mister Señor Love Daddy.

One viewer on Letterboxd concludes that regardless of whether you’re encountering the movie for the first time or revisiting it after some time, it remains worthy of your viewing time.

As a devoted cinephile, I’ve spent an entire year revisiting this masterpiece, and without a doubt, it’s secured a place among my top 10 favorites. There are scarcely any films that manipulate emotion with music as effectively as this one does. Upon second viewing, the movie feels like a completely different experience. The conversations brim with thought-provoking ideas that become even more profound when viewed in the context of the film’s entire narrative. It’s almost unfair to expect Spike Lee to create another film as critically acclaimed as this one – it’s simply a feat beyond comparison. This movie has deeply captured my heart.

Spike Lee Continues to Make History

Although the critic from Letterboxd makes a valid observation, none of Spike Lee’s movies have yet matched the influence and universal appeal of “Do The Right Thing.” However, this doesn’t diminish the fact that Spike Lee has consistently contributed to cinema history. He enjoys a close working relationship with one of our era’s finest actors, Denzel Washington, on many of his productions. Furthermore, Lee’s films have tackled significant historical subjects. For instance, “Malcolm X” and the documentary “4 Little Girls” provide powerful insights into the injustices prevalent during the Civil Rights movement.

Currently, Lee is aiming to create history on a wider scale as he readies his enigmatic adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s classic, “High and Low.” The original movie is a cherished noir that revolves around a Japanese businessman navigating through the ordeal of his family’s kidnapping. Although details about Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest” are scarce, Washington and A$AP Rocky are set to join forces in what could potentially mark another groundbreaking moment for Lee. For now, fans can reconnect with an ideal choice for the approaching warmer seasons – a timeless film that never fails to impress.

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2025-03-02 16:02