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Do the Right Thing
Metascore
91 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    It comes closer to reflecting the current state of race relations in America than any other movie of our time.
  2. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Gene Siskel
    100
    This is a sumptuous work, from its unconventional title sequence of a woman dancing hard in the streets to its provocative ending with conflicting quotes from Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr .[30 June 1989, Friday, p.A]
    All this critic's reviews
  3. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Judy Stone
    100
    Has more originality, nitty-gritty humor, spirit and spunk than all the summer blockbuster retreads combined. Underneath the jousting and jiving, there's a sharp, uncompromising look at the anatomy of a race riot in the movie. [30 June 1989, Daily Notebook, p.E3]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Mike Clark
    100
    This is a fascinating movie experience. [30 June 1989, Life, p.1D]
    All this critic's reviews
  5. Mr. Showbiz
    Reviewed by: Carmel Dagan
    100
    Witty portrait of a troubled community.
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Sheila Benson
    100
    Stirred up impassioned debate everywhere; it would seem the greatest compliment that could be paid a stunning entertainment. [30 June 1989, Calendar, p.6-1]
    All this critic's reviews
  7. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Vincent Canby
    100
    A remarkable piece of work. [30 June 1989]
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  8. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Desson Thomson
    100
    There's no doubt about the film's sheer power and taut originality.
  9. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Staff (not credited)
    90
    It is a subtle and humane entertainment with a refreshingly serious view of the world.
  10. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Hal Hinson
    90
    A movie made by filmmaker working in sync with his times -- an exciting, disturbing, provocative film.
  11. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
    Reviewed by: Rick Groen
    88
    Lee has forged a work of art in the classic sense -- art that delights and instructs.
  12. Variety
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not credited)
    80
    Combines a forceful statement on race relations with solid entertainment values.
  13. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Rosenbaum
    80
    This is a powerful and persuasive look at an ethnic community and what makes it tick.
  14. The New Republic
    Reviewed by: Stanley Kauffmann
    70
    There's a great deal in black America that has yet to reach the screen, and Lee is a prime candidate, in gift and gall, to help fill the gap. [July 3, 1989]
    All this critic's reviews
  15. Time
    Reviewed by: Richard Corliss
    60
    To accept the film, though, one must first understand its point of view, and that is maddeningly difficult. All we know for certain is that Do the Right Thing is not naturalistic. [July 3, 1989]
    All this critic's reviews
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 64 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 31
  3. Negative: 6 out of 31
  1. ohsnapkid
    10
    A masterpiece depicting the ambiguities of social and racial inequality, but filmed beautifully and realistically. Its message resonates very strongly even 20 years after the film's release - a testament to how incisive the issues expertly relayed by Lee remain. Do The Right Thing is a fundamentally abrasive film, and thus it would be unreasonable to expect that everyone who watches it appreciates the purpose, but overall that is a key reason why it is so good. A true classic.… Full Review »
  2. EltonT.
    1
    I was forced to watch this movie for a school assignment. I was excited to see it because of the reviews that it had. To say the least I was totally disappointed. I thought it was poorly written and directed. Worse yet the theme of the movie only encourages the rift between races.… Full Review »
  3. DA.
    9
    One of the most brilliantly made movies of our time. Balances the fine line between entertainment and art masterfully. THE definitive movie about race relations. This movie must be watched by all, as it is still relevant in the world today. And to viewers like Kaity M., go watch any of the crap Hollywood spews out on a regular basis. Im guessing this movie went straight over your head. It's not supposed to be an inspirational movie that makes you want to do something about racial activism. It's supposed to be about portraying race relations between those that wish to not understand each other, and act on stereotypical views that one holds in deep within themselves.… Full Review »
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