Racial tensions have long been brewing for decades upon generations of time. For me, this movie is one of (if not the) best that tackles it. What I love most about this movie is that each character isn't all good or all evil. They’re just people with flaws and quirks that make them feel so real. And it helps to get the message across that tackling issues with our emotions and prejudices always leads to conflict and disaster. Now obviously, some acts committed within the movie can never be justified or undone, but what this movie shows is that the only reason that things get as ugly as they do is because people just refuse to use their logic and their reasoning to hash out issues. We’re all human. We’re all deserving of love and respect. It’s time we do the right thing and recognize that!

Director: Spike Lee Starring: Spike Lee, Giancarlo Esposito, Danny Aiello, Rosie Perez Story: On The hottest day of the summer, a Pizzeria‘a Wall Of Fame featuring only Italian celebrities in a predominantly black neighborhood becomes the subject of much controversy. Pros: - Powerful and important social commentary about race relations - Emotionally impactful - Stunningly shot - The use of a heat lamp to create the look of a hot day was genius - Great performances - Lots of well crafted characters - Great use of music Cons: - Some pacing issues

Nearly 35 years since this release and it seems like this could've happened yesterday. A moment in time where cultures overlap, a community exists, and tempers flare - fueled by the summer heat, passionate ideas, and racism. There's so much to take in from Giancarlo Esposito and John Turturro causing problems to Ossie Davis as the Mayor and Samuel L Jackson spreading love. Mookie (Lee) has the best arc attempting to toe the line between forces while trying to balance life, love, and the pursuit of more money. Everyone has a breaking point, and this brings his to the forefront where enough is enough. Lee has a lot of fun coming around to a serious emotional ending, and the quickness that things turn is what is scary. I didn't think this would hit me so emotionally, but it did and I love this movie. Do yourself a favor and watch. This movie made me think of the video of Kimberly Jones from a few years ago. 58/500 movies & tv for 2024