Boonmee’s review published on Letterboxd:
This isn't really a review, so don't expect any special insights here, but I thought it was necessary to note that considering recent events in Ferguson, now is as good a time as any to revisit Do the Right Thing. I've never written anything substantial on the film. I think about it often and consider it a personal favorite, so I feel strongly about addressing such topics of fiction intersecting with reality and the circular nature of racial tensions in America. However, this viewing is not going to be the one to make that happen. I don't have the words or energy at the moment to do it justice, so I'll have to stick to my usual generic praises.
Spike Lee's film is just as powerful and relevant as ever. Colorful, smart, funny and tragic, it allows its characters' anger to boil over and play out in full, but has the level-headedness to admit the senselessness of their actions. At the same time, there are two schools of thought in Do the Right Thing and given our contemporary society, it's only fitting that Lee blur the line when it comes to which path is most satisfying (be it in the immediate sense or in the long term). I love the film and this will have to do for now, but the next time I see this (which probably won't be too far into the future), be on the lookout- something much more in depth will be in order.