Do The Right Thing | Why Mookie Broke the Window

[@obi_dean]

I felt he had to do something after seeing his friend die but didnt want another person to die but still had to get that aggression out. And the ending showed that no one came out a winner in the end after that senseless violence. Kind of like a warning lesson for the viewer. This movie shows and says alot. It is a essential piece of cinema that deserves a watch from everyone. Thanks for the video!

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah your spot on. I think him doing this was probably the most natural thing in the film. He had anger and this was how he chose to exercise it. He wasn't thinking is this right or wrong, he was thinking about his friend being murdered. Definitely a timeless classic and no, I thank you for your interpreted and support! 🙏🏾

[@stevestarscream5182]

He shoulda took his aggression out on Gus Fring for starting unnecessary problems

[@itakeonmovies]

Lol love the Gus Fring reference. And I agree, the blame could be shifted in a multitude of areas. Who really did the right or wrong thing in the film? That's the age old question, regardless it gets us talking about it. To some people Gus had a valid point in claiming Sal should've been more understanding towards the wishes of the people who keep his business open, while others beleive Gus shoulda respected the fact its Sals business to do whatever he wants with. ✊🏾

[@Tubahater43]

Great movie, it's got that weirdly surreal Spike Lee feel to it. He's not my absolute favorite director of all-time, but this is definitely a A-tier movie. I actually always debated why he did that, but coming straight from Spike's mouth seals it. Grief will make you do some crazy things. Thanks for the video! This is definitely an underrated channel, but I see you taking off real soon!

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah I agree. I like Spike, he's not perfect, but this is a a near perfect film in my opinion. And again, I agree. I debated that as well, but that's the beauty of it, I feel like there are many ways it can be interpreted. And I really appreciate the words brother and I'm sticking with it so well see! 🙏🏾

[@maxmustermann-zx9yq]

it's highly ironic that this movie can be used as an argument for segregation/deportation/isolation policies as it the overall plot to a casual viewers can be summarized as "POC" aping out even though the director obviously didn't wanna film another "Birth of a Nation" propaganda piece

[@ramencurry6672]

I’m not really a Spike Lee guy. However I did see him speak at the Kamala Harris rally in Atlanta and he was very likable and a great pleasure to listen too.

[@thorjelly]

Spike Lee would often say that a black man never asked him if Mookie did the right thing. I don't think that's because Spike Lee thought it was obvious whether or not Mookie did the right thing. I think it is because that question is not, actually, central to the point of the film, as so many people claim. I think the point of the film is to highlight the fact that police brutality is so normalized in our society that we -- especially white people -- would rather talk about whether or not a white man's property damage was justified than talk about the fact that a black man was murdered. We think of police brutality as just a fact of life, like a natural disaster, as something that just happens and nobody can do anything about, as just a plot hook on the way of telling a story about something else, and that says waaaaay more about society than our interpretations of Mookie's actions ever could.

[@TheMovieSequelDude49]

Do the Right Thing is a truly iconic movie. One of the first films I watched that really felt like a honest discussion on race, instead of the superficial, ultra-simplistic version churned out by Hollywood. The opening scene, Radio Raheem's "LOVE-HATE" speech, the shouting slurs scene, and of course the iconic and ultimate gut punch of an ending. Fantastic video, man. Hope for further success from your channel. 😁

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah you got it exactly right. Do the Right Thing is a film that just just shows characters going through daily life. And daily life for many includes bits of happiness, sadness and racism for many. We get all of that here without it being beat into us. I love all those scenes as well, truly showed the Style that Spike would become known for. I can't thank you enough for the words and support! Only hoping to get better and provide more content for yall! 🙏🏾

[@christophermorris6152]

I would have gave this movie a 10, it really showed how some situations make it hard to Do the right thing

[@itakeonmovies]

Thats exactly it! And you're probably right it should be a 10. I'm just really tough grader unfortunately smh. This did receive the highest rating out of all the film's I've done so far if that helps? 😬

[@kurimiaisukurimu]

Mfs really forgetting why Urahara is considered one of the 5 Special War Threats by Yhwach himself.

[@ramencurry6672]

I thought it was good but the acting was too cartoonish. 7 out of 10 or maybe an 8 if there are days when I’m thinking about it

[@KingWi11]

This is the perfect summer movie. The heat is just so palpable. It really shows off Spikes talent.

[@itakeonmovies]

I watched this a week ago. During Winter and instantly felt like it was summer for a minute. Definitely Spikes Opus! ✊🏾

[@dr.christopherdiaz4473]

When I first saw this film as a child, I never thought that the title was a reference to whether or not Mookie should have broken the window. I always thought it was referring to every action taken by every character that day, and how they contributed (or didn't) to Radio Raheem's death by not doing "the right thing." When I grew up and saw people asking this question, I realized I probably misunderstood most of the films I saw as a kid.

[@cartier.hendrix5952]

This channel is so underrated, keep growing 💯

[@itakeonmovies]

I really appreciate you! Much more content on the way.

[@genaroestrada8743]

It’s so difficult to understand Mookie and the throwing the trash can when mookie spent the entire film slacking off. The pizza owner remarked the multiple times mookie showed up late and still keeps him on. Mookie even left the job mid shift to take a shower and come back while being paid for it all. He was treated overly nice at the store, besides the flirtatious remarks towards his sister but the sister is an Adult and can stand on her own. The violence was purely on the friends fault. He was purposely a public nuisance everywhere he went with his music, told repeatedly to lower it and finally the pizza owner snapped and broke it. Something everyone and probably the audience wanted to do since the beginning. His death was wrong without a doubt, but he was fighting through it the whole way. Black communities have justifiably rage, but the actions of this film makes the events the fault of the characters and not the fault of their surroundings

[@ramencurry6672]

Interesting points. At the end of the day, Mookie is human. The stress of the heat and other stress can make you lash out. At my job, there were days when the stress and long hours were unbearable and I would lash out in ways that’s totally out of my character

[@DelightLovesMovies]

Truly one of the best films ever made. Its so beautiful and perfect and has such a tragic ending..."Always do the right thing son."

[@itakeonmovies]

I agree 100% with everything you've said!

[@themensoguidetowar]

I agree! The question of why he did it precedes the question of whether it was right.

[@itakeonmovies]

Exactly. 🙏🏾

[@marquesjohnson6359]

I think this is spike Lee's best movie still powerful and sadly still very relevant I always felt mookie threw the garbage can through the window out of anger and frustration he just saw his best friend murdered and there was nothing he could do was it right that's one I'm still not sure I can definitely understand his frustration but that was the point of the whole movie I think not to provide answers but spark conversations

[@itakeonmovies]

You're 100 percent right here and I also think this is Spikes best film, easily. That's the beauty of this movie, there's no real right answer. It leaves it up to us. As a black man I can say I highly doubt Mookie really cared about right and wrong I that moment. Us the audience care and the debates are still going since the film came out. Thanks for your thoughts! 🙏🏾

[@inky4763]

I always thought he did it to channel his anger and everyone else's towards the shop in order to save Sal and his sons and despite what Lee may say, the editing certainly hints at that. Whatever the reasons, it's a great film.

[@itakeonmovies]

I used to think that too. It makes sense especially given the ending where he goes back to Sal to ask for his money, but that's what's so great of the film is that we may never know, but it has us talking about it still.

[@Shah-of-the-Shinebox]

I love how Spike Lee left things open for interpretations and let people decide for themselves. That'a when you know someone has made a great movie.

[@rollotomassi4768]

That's the point to discuss the situations.

[@ProduCiera]

Also,thank you for making this!!! I don't see nearly enough content on Spike's work!

[@itakeonmovies]

I appreciate that, and thank you for watching. I also, couldn't agree more. The lack of Spike Lee content around is baffling, but hey that's what I'm here for. To hopefully shine a light on some of these gems.

[@djinnmagik4817]

If Mookie didn't throw the trashcan through Sal's window, someone else was going to do it. I personally admire the two sentiments by Malcolm X & Martin Luther King 👑 at the end of the movie before they roll the credits.

[@teejitagupta]

definitely one of my top 10 movies, gotta give it another watch! love this video, so excited to see more

[@itakeonmovies]

Thank you and mine too. Watching it again for this video was both difficult and amazing at the same time. ✊🏾

[@teejitagupta]

@@itakeonmovies keep creating you’re doing great!!

[@itakeonmovies]

I appreciate you! 🙏🏾

[@cyrneco]

My favourite scene of the movie is actually the exchange between lee and turturro about Prince. I think lee was a genius in depicting with a few strokes the complexity of systemic and institutional racism versus the 'natural' instinctive mistrust towards those who look different from us. It's not the same thing and those who justify racism quoting anthropology are in bad faith or don't understand what they are talking about.

[@itakeonmovies]

That'd definitely a clever moment in the film. There are a lot of moments like that in the film. Subtle hints that show the true feelings of characters. Especially Pinos (Tuturos) scenes.

[@cyrneco]

@@itakeonmovies as a young Italian (in Italy) it was an eyeopener for me. It took years of mulling about it , our institutional racism is different from the USA and, I believe, much less ferocious, but still it helped me to draw parallels. That scene and the one in jungle fever where snipes and sciorra are 'approached' by the police are two of the most important scenes in cinema I think.

[@itakeonmovies]

I appreciate this a lot. I think it's showing that even though we all come from different places with different perspectives film has the ability to show us different sides. And I think that's one thing Spike Lee always makes an effort to do in his films, is show different perspectives.

[@mikecarroll3538]

First saw this when I was 19 as a naive white kid that thought racism was a thing of the past, but my take away at the time was being upset with Mookie for inciting the riot that destroyed Sal’s I think I even used the phrase it wasn’t fair, watching it today I realize I completely missed the point I like the cops were valuing someone’s property more then their life.

[@NaikaVideo]

I seriously need to rewatch this movie. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this!!! Hope you keep growing.

[@itakeonmovies]

Yes watching it again for this video was a great move. And thank you for the kind words and support. 🙏🏾

[@ProduCiera]

This is one of my favorite movies that I don't like to watch 😂 it's an amazing film and I tried to watch it again about a year ago but I just ended up becoming angry. It's triggering in a different way for me now. Watching it as a kid I really didn't have anything to relate it to in my real life. Now I have too much to relate it to.

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah I totally understand that. It's a film that has this undercurrent of tension just swelling and before you know it, you're being punched in the gut metaphorically. It all happens so quick just as it does in real life. Sad films like these are still as relevant as ever 30 years later. 🙏🏾

[@ProduCiera]

@@itakeonmovies Exactly! I want to watch it because I love Spike and his work and up until the end it's just a good movie and for me,a 30 year old black woman, it's kind of nostalgic. New York??? The 90's??? That's a whole aesthetic, it's a whole mood! And then....police brutality 😂😩

[@itakeonmovies]

Lol hey I completely understand. Spike definitely set it up that way purposely with the slow build. I think if the whole film was intense the impact of the ending wouldn't have been the same. But maybe just watch til that point in the film and enjoy the visuals, becasue you're spot on with the aesthetic. ✊🏾

[@matthewlong3710]

1) YES, Mookie did the right thing... 2) When all is said & done, DTRT is one of the greatest films... ever made, full stop.

[@itakeonmovies]

I think I agree on both of these accounts.!

[@dallasgarvin4116]

It’s interesting to see how the film mirrors the beating of Rodney King by police. Even the killing of Latasha Harlins. I was shocked when I realized the film came out a couple of years before the L.A (uprising) riot. Now that’s something. This analysis was well done.

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah man that's the nature of this film. Speaking about issues that have and will continue to happen. It's almost prophetic in that way. Exactly why it's still relevant today. Thank you for your thoughts! ✊🏾

[@khazermashkes2316]

I came here from Fiq. Great analysis!

[@itakeonmovies]

Thank you! More to come. 🙏🏾

[@sir_greendown]

I could watch these characters stand around and talk to each other for at least ten more hours

[@itakeonmovies]

You and me both. I feel like the dialogue isn't written extremely well, but it is raw and authentic. Its stuff you would here a group of people saying to each other in real life.

[@Y20XTongvaLand]

I want to put in my two cents before continuing the video, stopping at when you ask the question: Did he do the right thing? I want to clarify that I'm not Black, but of very dark Brown skin. I'm of Salvadoran descent, and in the Brown community, there's a lot of anti Blackness. Ask any other dark-skinned brown folk, or even the lighter skinned ones, we grow up with the adults telling us "Don't go in the sun. You'll get dark(er)." I don't know what it's like to be a Black man, but I have had the prejudice thrown my way because some assume me to be Black. With that clarified, there's this unbelievable feeling of freedom, shackles broken, of weightlessness when Mookie throws the trashcan through the window. That physical exertion of rebellion, of communicating "I'm mad, I've been mad, and I've had it." The moment has never been about doing the right thing. It's not about justice, it's not about righteousness. Look at Mookie's eyes. They're basically dead and unfeeling. He's almost a robot, and that's what we are without emotions. Our body are basically computers that, if we didn't have this self-awareness, would just do what they need to survive. To me, that's what the scene is. It's just Mookie surviving, because if he doesn't break that window, what's going on inside will break him down. I've had those moments of rebellion against the law, sometimes, I was in the wrong, sometimes, I believe I was in the right, and other times, I felt I was within my humn rights to rebel, although within the context, maybe there were better decisions I could've acted on. Asking if it was the right thing to do is different from asking why Mookie did it, and I believe they are completely separate. To conclude, he wasn't thinking about right or wrong. He needed to do something, not necessarily break that window, but something to survive. It just happens that this is what ended up happening.

[@itakeonmovies]

Once again with some great insight and I agree with you 100 percent. All I make these points towards the end of the video as well. Why Mookie threw the trashcan is more important sure, but whether or not it was right is important too becasue it sparks conversation. However you are right in the sense that the answer to question ultimately has no right or wrong answer. It hopefully gets people to look at "why" instead. Whether or not it was the right thing is ultimately irrelevant. But by asking if it was the right thing, and why I beleive Spike Lee used this as the title, is becasue it would be on people's minds when that scene occurs. But could also serve for did the police do the right thing? Did RadioShack Raheem do the right thing? Did Sal do the right thing? Etc. Let me know what you thinknwhen you finish. ✊🏾

[@itakeonmovies]

Also, I think you as an ethnic minority, especially of a darker skim tone, understand the plight more than most would. You're perspective is appreciated!

[@Y20XTongvaLand]

@@itakeonmovies ... so I want to kind of correct or rethink when I said that Mookie would've been broken down from the inside of he hadn't let out some of that anger. Now that I think more, there are multiple levels to breaking down, and I do believe he broke down a little bit, enough that that anger came through and he breaks the window. In all honesty, I think this scene and the scene in Boyz n the Hood where Tre encounters the self-hating cop are similar. The way Tre breaks down could've easily been the way Mookie broke down. I don't know how Mookie grew up, which I think is interesting that we're not shown this, but we know how Tre grew up. He's one of the straightest arrows in the neighborhood, maybe only second to Ricky. Not being prone to violence, he goes home with all this anger built up, and he just lets loose on nothing. I think that was intentional, and with that in mind, maybe we can assume some of the way that Mookie was raised. It's very obvious in the movie that Mookie is no punk, despite not slanging or being involved with gang activity the way Caine was in Menace II Society. As to the importance of the conversation surrounding the scene, in a vacuum, no the answers are not important. In the grander scheme of things, the answers are directly important to building a plan for uprisings and civil disobedience. If one community comes together and discusses this, then they agree that no, what Mookie did was wrong, then they know how they want to avoid dealing with frustration. The answers they get from asking these questions can also help them gauge and understand where their community members' heads are at. These answers are not important, but only at the first stage of discussion, which is confined to the movie itself. However, you have to continue the discussion past the movie and use the foundation the movie has provided and build on top of that.

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah I think Lee purposely leaves a lot of Mookies backstory out of the film. I think this is done because a black man or minority in this country upbringing doesn't always matter I'm terms of injustice. You can be a rich minority or a poor minority and in certain I stances be treated exactly the same. Mookie reacting the way he did is what you pointed out just pent up anger from the scenario, one he's probably seen multiple times. And I absolutely agree with everything else you've pointed out. DTRT is a great conversation starter. Still til this day, and I think Lee was kinda clairvoyant in the sense he knew it still would be. Why is it almost 35 years later most of us automatically know why he threw the trash can? 🙏🏾

[@jo4550]

Great video-you got a new subscriber!

[@itakeonmovies]

Can't thank you enough! 🙏🏾

[@ramoduff9399]

Another great analysis!

[@tajbullard1653]

Please do a video on " Boyz in the hood " , " juice " , " poetic justice " , " Friday " , " clockers" , " crooklyn" , " set it off " and " jungle fever" : sidenote : good videos they're interesting

[@itakeonmovies]

Noted. Most of these are on my list! Hoping to get them out in the near future. ✊🏾

[@theotheoth]

I remember clearly holding several perspectives on this question just after I originally saw the film (back in 1989) -- a film that I probably watched more times than any other -- that is, I did think Mookie was distracting the mob away from an eye-for-an-eye physical attack on Sal and his family (whether he himself fully realised that or not), but I also saw it as Mookie needing to vent his anger and frustration, while realising that he could no longer walk this tightrope between black and white and had to 'be a man' (as his baby mother kept saying) and take a firm stance, and so sever his dubious ties to his adopted father figure (Sal). Frankly, I was disappointed when Spike decided to clear things up. I believe a great work of art should not need its creator to pop up and inform us how to interpret it.

[@theotheoth]

Btw, I don't think you mentioned -- I recall hearing it was precisely this moment of the film (that it was Mookie who broke the window), that lost Spike the Oscar. I think the judges felt that it nullified the film's only good role model. (Disappointingly, Wim Wenders was one of the more vocal judges on that panel.)

[@NameHere2243]

He had to clear it up because the film isn't about Mookie saving Sal and people didn't get that. Mookies act and its significance makes far more sense when re-reading the MLK and X quotes and Lees intention was clear. Spike Lee does leave the message of the film open when considering it from this angle, its why people are still talking about it.

[@theotheoth]

@@NameHere2243 Lees "intention was clear" and he "does leave the message of the film open," yet "people didn't get" it and are "still arguing about it," even though he "had to clear it up"? Well, thanks so much for clearing up the confusion.

[@andykaufman7620]

Now, what if the Window were made of Plexiglass and the trash can bounced right off and knocked Mookie right the F Out. People Gather and look down on him stone cold knocked out laying there. Most of the people gathered are black, and one of the black people says 'Stupid (insert N-word") which is a term of endearment one black person says to another, or in this case, a derogatory term about the choices the black man made. The N-word is like the term Smurf that can be used interchangeably 'What up Smurf" 'Get Smurfy with it', 'I'm a real Smurf' 'Damn Smurf, you be rolling right, you know you got funky fresh style.'

[@kj21]

You can tell he threw it in the window because he was mad because he screams "Hate" right before doing it a call back to radio's speech about the hate hand and love hand

[@zacharythomason7359]

Great video I was about 13, 14 years old when I saw the movie one of my favorite movies of all time imo can't wait for you to do Jungle Fever & many others✊✊✊

[@itakeonmovies]

Definitely one of my favorites too. And I'd love to do Jungle Fever one of these days too. Some pretty interesting commentary with that film as well. I really appreciate you and the support. More to come!! 🙏🏾

[@zacharythomason7359]

@@itakeonmovies Thanks keep up the great work 😎😎😎💎💎💎

[@bgoodnow]

Algorithm boost comment! Thanks for the video, I’ll have to go back and rewatch this film!👍

[@RommelsAsparagus]

What's interesting is the Da Mayor yelled at Mookie not to throw the trashcan, but Mother Sister wanted the place burned down. I'm with Mookie, not like he had a job to go back to anyway. Maybe it wasn't a purposeful diversion, but it likely saved a ton of bloodshed.

[@eazybuxafew]

10/10 Do the Right thing is all about perspective. Love this movie as a child, love this movie TILL THIS DAY!!! Sal really should have heard what Buggin’ was saying. Sal profits off of the patronage of the hood. As a member of the community he should reflect SOME of his patrons. Without the neighborhood, there’s no Sal.

[@eazybuxafew]

Would love to hear your thoughts on Clockers

[@itakeonmovies]

Exactly, I get the whole his business his rules angle, but do think taking into consideration of the very people keeping you in business could've been a good move for him. And this makes two of us I liked the movies when I was younger, but as an adult and someone whos learned a lot about film, I appreciate it that much more. It's a classic and always will be. ✊🏾

[@itakeonmovies]

Love Clockers and would love to take a deeper look into it one of these days. Thanks for the suggestion. 🙏🏾

[@FoxEyes]

I believe he was cloned after filming do the right thing. Mostly because his screen charisma and creativity fell way way off after💯. I believe he broke the window because he realized how normalized he and his people was towards the occupation of other business owners in their communities. He also ingeniously showed the suble anger and frustration of the youths compared to the older ones. I can't begin to tell you how covertly spike told our struggle as a occupied nation of people.

[@itakeonmovies]

That's definitely an interesting theory. I do think Spike had some films that were hit or miss after this. Also appreciate your interpretation on why he broke the window. There are definitely some undertones of the frustration that comes with predominantly black neighborhoods being ran by everyone but them, from a business standpoint.

[@Eli-R]

loved the movie, loved your analysis. thank you for this

[@itakeonmovies]

No, Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the analysis. More on the way!✊🏾

[@MountedDragoon]

I saw this movie not long after having seen Car Wash for the first time, and it really struck me how similar the two films are. Both films take place mostly over a single day in a small area with shifting perspectives and lots of characters. Both films end with racialized violence that's left unresolved. Even the guy on the radio is similar. I haven't looked into it, but I'm certain it's intentional. And it's the ending that seems to change the message of each movie. In Car Wash, Abdullah is convinced not to destroy his boss' business, but in Do the Right Thing, Mookie does (partly) destroy his boss' business. Does this show a difference in what was considered culturally acceptable in films of the time? Did Abdullah have to be one lone angry Black man consoled by the kind and lovable father figure to make the film more palatable to white audiences in the 70s? Does the film make its themes more comfortable by acknowledging America's racial problems yet refraining from depicting a Black man taking decisive action, or is Abdullah's ultimate lack of agency itself a critique of racial dynamics in America? This is made more complicated by the fact Car Wash was written by Joel Schumacher, a white guy, and then significantly rewritten by director Michael Schultz, who is Black. On the other hand, Mookie does take decisive action, which is more uncomfortable, but the exchange with Sal after the restaurant's destruction ends amicably enough, which may also serve to soften the blow of the thematic material to white audiences. Either way, I think comparing Mookie breaking the window to Abdullah attempting to rob the car wash is fertile ground for exploring how racial segregation, oppression, and violence have changed in America and how depictions of the same in media have also changed. It also makes me curious how a film in the same pattern as Car Wash and Do the Right Thing made in 2022 would handle the same narrative climax.

[@itakeonmovies]

I cant tell you how informative this comment is especially for someone whos only seen Carwash once when I was too young to understand it. I'll definitely need to revisit that film to look at the parallels between the two characters. Aside from this I think its your looking at these films from the angle of how they are or should be received by white audiences is amazing. Its something we really think about. Had Mookie not had that conversation with Sal at the end, would it have been as well received? Some were already angry even with that scene included so I can only imagine how they would've felt if the film ended with the riot. To your point a film like Do the Right Thing may not have been made in the 70s or even in the 60s. Seems like each passing decade depictions of black anger or frustration in film has been "allowed" more liberties. Thanks your your thoughts! ✊🏾

[@dabarnes12]

The question of what is the right thing to do is not actually important and not the emphasis of the film. The question, if there is one, is only a vehicle to get the viewer to the message. Which is "yo! They're killing us out here!"

[@nicolesherman8974]

This is a suggestion, but I wonder if you would ever do a video contrasting the themes both John Singleton and Spike Lee convey in their films. Idk why that was a random thought in my mind, but it would be great discussion. I feel that in a sense John Singleton was inspired/influenced by Spike Lee but the settings on some of his movies obviously took place in the hood. Just a random thought.

[@itakeonmovies]

I think this would be a great idea for a movie. Both directors tackle a lot of rhe same issues, but in completely different ways, visually and writing wise. I think I can definitely work that out in the near future. Thank you for your suggestion. Hope it's not your last one! ✊🏾

[@EarthboundinAdrock]

Just subbed, thanks Fiq.

[@itakeonmovies]

Yes, thanks to Fiq and thanks to you for the support. 🙏🏾

[@EarthboundinAdrock]

@@itakeonmovies keep 'Em coming!!

[@LUCKYX3_13]

Hell no, he was just looking for any excuse to burn down something

[@itakeonmovies]

Maybe? I guess we'll never know forsure.

[@KPThomas82]

When I saw this in ‘96 at 14 years old, I thought “why did he do that, that’s obviously not the right thing” but now I’m able to embrace the complexity of it.

[@itakeonmovies]

Same here. I was a kid, but I thought he just did it becasue he was angry. I didn't even stop to think if it was the right thing or not til I remembered that was the name of the film. Then I had no idea. Such a great filmnto look back at as an adult. 🙏🏾

[@TheJadariusExperience]

My question has always been did Mookie do the right thing also this video has helped me answer that question.

[@itakeonmovies]

That is the age old question and I'm glad I provided some clarity! Thank you! 🙏🏾

[@Yankees91919191]

People should check out The Pitfalls of Liberalism by Kwame Ture. It’s a great essay on violence and explores some similar themes as the movie

[@alexm2136]

fantastic video

[@itakeonmovies]

I appreciate you! 🙏🏾

[@Goku22411]

Love the movie, great video

[@itakeonmovies]

One if the best. Thank you! 🙏🏾

[@thegadflygang5381]

Its a great film but Mookie starting off what would be the destruction of Sals pizza & possibly Sal is disappointing. They are all flawed characters but it is the one point in the movie i cant forgive and feels cowardly Buggin out is mixed and feels the need to act out to prove himself Radio is mostly a good guy who was wrong and manipulated by Buggin in the moment Sal is a good man who not only lost his temper but let it get the best of him Pino is the mirror image of Buggin. The Mayor and Love Daddy are voices of conscience and hope Everybodies action even when wrong is forgivable. Mookie throwing that can reads as a betrayal to me & he shows no remorse beyond his impulse

[@CoolGobyFish]

flawed characters? All I saw was a bunch of racist stereotypes. After watching this and School Daze, I am 100% convinced that Spike Lee has never seen regular black people in real life. Everyone is a racist cartoon character.

[@oriandon22]

I don't even know if the Right Thing exists here. Certainly, the Wrong Thing has already been done; how are you supposed to correctly react to your best friend being murdered by cops? I think Mookie was honest in his actions, and did what he felt he needed to do. Instead of arguing about it let's grab a broom and start cleaning up the aftermath, check up on the neighborhood, y'know?

[@itakeonmovies]

I agree with this. I think we get so hung up on why he did it or was it right or wrong and in reality I think the film could care less to answer that. What matters is a man was murdered. Let's talk about that. Such a good film! ✊🏾

[@voidstuffs2592]

Comment for the algorithm and blood for the blood god

[@itakeonmovies]

🙏🏾

[@davidtrujillo6420]

Im hard pressed to think of a film that isnt "Birth of a Nation" that makes the black community look worse than this film

[@horseyfacetheglorious]

The real thing we should be talking about: the murder of RR What we shouldn’t be talking about: The Hall of Fame

[@MrVictsan112]

why is everyone so wet and sweaty lmao

[@AnonymousAccount514]

agreed...this movie is timeless

[@itakeonmovies]

It really is. Crazy how relevant it still is and unfortunately probably always will be. ✊🏾

[@rollotomassi4768]

Who said Mookie considered Sal a friend. He worked there. Mookie didn't like how nice Sal was to his sister. Obviously, he didn't trust Sal.

[@itakeonmovies]

Nobody can say for certain. I think, like many things in this film, their relationship is complex. I saw enough evidence to suggest they had a friend-like and respectful relationship with one another. However, that's just my interpretation.

[@rex4755]

It’s. Alright do the boyz n the hood joint or above the rim

[@Dreman777]

Mookie did the right thing no matter which way you look at the situation you have a hot weather that was affecting everybody plus you have racial tension from everyone in different ways and now this incident if he hadn't thrown that trash can on that window into that pizza shop the situation would have turned 10 times worse then what it already is even though it did cost him and sal their friendship but mookie's actions did save him and his sons their lives their store might be gone but it can't be replaced and I'm very sure that sal has insurance on that place so eventually he would just collected the money and go somewhere else. The only thing that I saw that was wrong in this whole situation was that number one sal shouldn't have never let those kids into the store how do you did that this whole situation when it never happened in the first place it's understandable that sal was looking for he's customers even if he did let his customers in he should have locked the door and put the sign on there that says that store is closed it would have avoided the whole situation radio Raheem was in the wrong sal make it very clear to him not to play his music in his store and Raheem failed to do that and then you got this knucklehead over just making trouble just because he doesn't like the fact that sal has nothing but Italians people on his wall he wants to make a fuss about it at the end of the day people need to understand that this is Sal's place he has every right to put whatever he wants in his place that idiot's actions an ignorance is basically what caused the life of Raheem.

[@horseyfacetheglorious]

I agree, the only thing damaged is property & RR was killed, and in BS no black character owns anything in their own home

[@andykaufman7620]

What Spike Lee is really saying is that Mookie cannot overcome his Racial Solidarity mentality, which is deeply Racist, since if a white friend had been murdered Mookie, the same person, the same character would not have broken the window. He was being watched by all the other black members of the community and the pressure to side with 'his own kind' and not someone outside his racial community, which is what he'd be doing as he knew his black friend who got killed ultimately got himself killed in many ways as his own Attitude and un-necessarily aggressive nature got him killed. He could not just say 'Ok, cool, I'll take down about 15 notches'. If so, he'd be alive, but nope he didn't. The cops weren't racist, the black man was who took actions and made choices that led to his own death, and we could call it 'suicide by cop', but in this case that probably is not the essence of why he made those choices. If Mookie's friend had simply followed the advise of Humongous from The Road Warrior who said 'Just Walk Away" and that would be the end of it, but nope he didn't. Plus he attacked a man in his own establishment, and if the situation were reversed and Mookie's friend had owned a restaurant and a non-black younger man had done that same thing the movie would have portrayed that young man is in the wrong, or would it show the older black man is in the wrong, clearly so? Also once the garbage can is thrown and the window broken, all that follows is NOT the right thing, was not justified, all the looting and destruction, as none of that was connected to true Justice, which if we speak of the dead black man would not do anything to make it balanced and "just". It would just allow mostly racist black people to Act the Fool, be Hateful and participate in a Race Riot that lead to "Hella Damage" mass destruction, and yet Race Hustlers would paint as justified actions. So this movie, is a racist movie, a Race Hustling movie, just like later movies such as Get Out and Us are Racist AF movies, no less racist than Birth of a Nation. They are all told from a deeply racist point of view.

[@reynaldojohnson4792]

I hate that you didnt say why you think he did it. Literally the title of the video.

[@itakeonmovies]

I apologize. I let Spikes interpretation speak for itself. I tried to imply that I agreed with him. He was angry his friend just died. It's that simple. He wasn't thinking just reacting to the pain he felt. Why do you thi k he did it?

[@reynaldojohnson4792]

@@itakeonmovies in a situation where his powerlessness was put on display, in a world where hes constantly made to accept powerlessness, he did something destructive bc that's the only power he had. Sal had the cops on his side and thought that was power, but the people had power too

[@itakeonmovies]

Very true. A lot of people who criticize rioters forget that maybe they're doing so becasue their voices and pleas go unheard. If the cops hurt and or arrested Sal too, maybe there is no window scene. However in that moment Mookie and the entire neighborhood got to see prejudice and privilege performed right in front of them.

[@alexmorado2182]

Mookie fucked up from jump street

[@RØSSETTØ.KUSTØM.MØPEDS]

This video didn't need to be made for minorities. We all get it even if we don't agree with him.

[@itakeonmovies]

As Spike said himself the only people who ask why he did it are not black. However, as I point out in the video I don't think why he broke the film is even the main focus of the movie, yet it's what many choose to focus on. ✊🏾

[@von2300]

RADIOO!!!

[@itakeonmovies]

✊🏾

[@DanielMazahreh]

Get your priorities straight by asking a more important question: Why did the police kill Radio Raheem? This is still happening decades later like George Floyd.

[@anonymousperson6119]

Oh so he doesn’t have his priorities straight bc he’s not bringing up the issue YOU want him to? It’s pretty obvious why they did; they were portrayed clearly as corrupt and racist whereas the reason isn’t clear to ppl why Mookie set off the destruction of a shop that employed him, owned by a man who treated him like a son, as if it somehow hurts the cops who killed Raheem. Hence more ppl are curious. You’re just deflecting to justify something wrong, it’s like telling a judge “ignore the robbery I committed bc the real issue is poverty. Get your priorities straight.”

[@DanielMazahreh]

@@anonymousperson6119 It is clear in the movie that after Radio Raheem was choked to death, look at Mookie’s face how he reacted. The movie disagrees with you confirming Mookie is sick and tired of the unfair systemic racism of his people. Killing a human being is far worse than destroying property. You are absolutely pathetic to prioritize valuing property over human life.

[@brynnieboer]

cause it was the right thing to do

[@itakeonmovies]

Was it? That's the age old question.

[@atiashaunbaker3792]

We have to consider a few other reasons why Mookie threw a trash can at the pizzeria. Lets take notice that there were other available targets like cars and Sal himself. But if we look over the course of events, Sal TOLERATED Mookie, tried to shoot his shot at his sister , Pino calling him a ni$$er to his face and the condescending remark about being " like family". Now i will point out Mookie wasnt a stellar employee as he would do the bare minimum to keep from getting fired . Mookie throwing the trash can could have been metaphoric to him rebelling against an Italian version of a plantation. Btw, Mookie never considered Sal a " friend". There are a few hints in the movie that points this out. Sal may have kept Mookie as an employee because he could use him a prop to keep a pseudo political image as a majority of his patrons were black american. Genius marketing ploy .

[@itakeonmovies]

I Definitely could see you're interpretation being the case. There's Definitely tension between Mookie and Pino, but I personally beleive Sal's feelings towards Mookie are genuine though. But I think the time the film took place and even still til this day racial tensions are high. And a lot of the stuff that on the surface appears to be pro black can just be a political/marketing ploy. So you very well could be right.

[@Biscuitdough]

Couldve been a better movie if he wouldve did the right thing

[@invisiblerevolution]

*HATE & EMBARRASSED* to admit this.... I'm 44 now and see the WORLD different. But back when the movie came out in 1989... I was only 12 years old, and I felt SORRY for the Italian family, and wasn't HAPPY they burned down the Pizza Store.

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah there is no reason to be embarrassed. We all see things differently as we grow. As an adult parts of me still feels bad Sal lost his Pizzeria, but I also understand why. And I also understand his Pizzeria is something he can get back, whereas Radio Raheem's family and friends lose him forever. I really appreciate ya sharing this! 🙏🏾

[@aidanfox8219]

He probably threw it just to save Sal from getting killed.

[@anonymousperson6119]

Nah Spike Lee said emphatically that wasn’t the reason. He also claims no Black person has ever asked him why Mookie did it which I find extremely hard to believe. Spike Lees done some great work but you ask me he’s a racist and constantly trying to justify it

[@aidanfox8219]

@@anonymousperson6119 His character Mookie was not even a good person, it took me so long to even realize it until a few moments later.