Do the Right Thing
A sweltering drama that simmers with kinetic energy and vibrant colors, capturing a Brooklyn neighborhood's racial tensions on the hottest day of the summer. It culminates in a tragic explosion of violence, challenging viewers with the complex moral ambiguity of justice and anger.
Do the Right Thing
Do the Right Thing

"It's the hottest day of the summer. You can do nothing, you can do something, or you can..."

14 June 1989 United States of America 120 min ⭐ 7.8 (1,922)
Director: Spike Lee
Cast: Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson, Giancarlo Esposito
Drama
Racism and Intolerance Police Brutality and Justice Heat as a Catalyst Community vs. Individualism Gentrification and Economic Power
Budget: $6,500,000
Box Office: $37,300,000

Do the Right Thing - Easter Eggs & Hidden Details

Easter Eggs

Night of the Hunter Homage

Radio Raheem's 'Love/Hate' monologue is a direct recreation of Robert Mitchum's speech in the 1955 film The Night of the Hunter, linking Raheem to a cinematic history of moral duality.

Rosie Perez's Debut

This film marked the acting debut of Rosie Perez (Tina). Spike Lee discovered her at a dance club in Los Angeles.

Frank Vincent Cameo

Frank Vincent, known for mob roles in Scorsese films, appears briefly as the driver who gets wet from the fire hydrant, reinforcing the Italian-American tension.