Featuring an ensemble cast, Do the Right Thing is a who’s who of household names and celebrated actors, including Rosie Perez, Giancarlo Esposito, Bill Nunn and Frank Vincent. One particular standout is a dynamic performance from Samuel L. Jackson as neighbourhood radio DJ, Mister Señor Love Daddy. Oozing style and charisma, his narration is peppered throughout the film in The Warriors-esque fashion. Literally a man of many hats, Jackson’s radio host plays several roles within the community, from truth-teller to peacemaker, with his now signature cadence keeping the Bed-Stuy residents informed.
Review - Do The Right Thing
Spike Lee's seminal classic 36 years later
As part of our Iconic Sundays lineup, we screened the 4k restoration of Do the Right Thing. Produced, written, directed and starring Spike Lee, the Brooklyn raised auteur delivers a highly nuanced piece of personal filmmaking that is unfortunately as poignant today as it was in 1989.
Taking place over one day, Do the Right Thing follows Mookie as he delivers pizza for Sal’s Famous Pizzeria on the hottest day of the year. Navigating the streets of Brooklyn along with his relationships with friends, family and employer. The unbearable heat adds to rising tensions, resulting in arguments over gentrification, representation and global warming, all with no resolve. As the vibrant, saturated colours of the scorching hot day give way to the darkness and injustice of the night, grievances reach their boiling point and all hell breaks loose.
Not to forget Danny Aiello as Sal, whose performance as the pizzeria owner earned him an Academy Award nomination. The supposed friend of the community comes to life with Aiello’s portrayal as he talks about how proud he is of the business he’s built and how it services the neighbourhood, but when put under pressure he displays the same darker, more prejudiced view of the residents within it as his son Pino, expertly played by John Turturro, that leads to the climatic ending of the film. Playing both parts with equal credibility, Sal represents a part of America that is unfortunately still present today. Spike Lee also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Screenplay and it’s easy to see why, the depth and nuance he affords to characters like Sal shows a real understanding of the world around him and the boldness to put it on screen.
Showcasing his cinematic prowess, Lee pays homage to cult classics and masterpieces alike. In turn, Do the Right Thing has become an inspiration to others itself. Notably La Haine (1995) and City of God (2002), both of which we’ve recently screened at The Light. Spike Lee’s signature blend of strong stylistic choices, striking colours and provocative themes have helped shape the landscape of modern cinema.
This summer, Spike Lee returns to our screens with Highest 2 Lowest. Accompanied by his longtime collaborator, Denzel Washington, Lee’s remake of Akira Kurosawa’s classic has already gained acclaim from critics after being shown out of competition at Cannes film festival. Keep an eye on our website for more news!
Our Iconic Sundays season continues, as well as cult classics in Rewind, and independent cinema in Explore. Check out all our film strands below.
Written by Dom Smith, Team Member at The Light Walsall.
6 May 2025