Spike Lee’s influential drama “Do the Right Thing,” a major entry on Pedro Pascal favorite films on Netflix expiring soon, will soon be unavailable for streaming, giving viewers a limited window to watch this powerful story. Actors Pedro Pascal and Ethan Hawke, both respected for their socially conscious roles, count the film among their personal favorites, highlighting its ongoing relevance in American cinema.
A Groundbreaking Story of Conflict and Community
For over four decades, Spike Lee has been an essential force in American film, but “Do the Right Thing” stands out as his most powerful commentary on race relations. When Lee, only 32 at the time, directed this film, he transformed from a budding student filmmaker into a bold artist unafraid to shine a light on the struggles of black performers in Hollywood. Lee’s film is recognized by prominent directors, including Steve McQueen, as “iconic” for its enduring impact.
The resonance of “Do the Right Thing” extends beyond any single group. Pedro Pascal, widely known for his roles in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” and other projects, lists it as his third favorite film on Letterboxd. Ethan Hawke, an actor celebrated for his nuanced performances, goes further and ranks it as his top choice, describing the Oscar-nominated work as
“an incredibly meaningful movie in my life.”
—Ethan Hawke, Actor. The vision of cinematographer Ernest Dickerson, combined with Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” echoing through Radio Raheem’s boombox, constructs an unforgettable experience that stays with audiences long after the credits roll.
The Tensions that Shape ‘Do the Right Thing’
“Do the Right Thing” is set during a sweltering day in Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy neighborhood, where tempers flare around Mookie, portrayed by Spike Lee, who works as a pizza delivery man for Sal, played by Danny Aiello. The pizzeria acts as a focal point for underlying conflicts, with Mookie in frequent dispute with Sal’s son, played by John Turturro, whose bigoted attitudes fuel the unrest. Sal, meanwhile, tries to uphold his Italian-American traditions in a community that is predominantly black, leading to persistent friction. Tensions escalate into violence when Buggin’ Out, played by Giancarlo Esposito, leads a call for the pizzeria to display pictures of black celebrities.
This film emerged during a significant shift in Hollywood. While comedy icons like Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy had been dominating the early 1980s, a new era of African American filmmakers began to use cinema as a platform for both humor and unflinching social observation. Pioneers such as Robert Townsend, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Charles Lane, and Spike Lee crafted films that reflected the real-life challenges of African American communities. With “Do the Right Thing,” Lee reached a creative high point, tackling systemic bias with vibrant energy and authenticity that set the movie apart from anything before it.
The Lasting Cultural Impact and Moral Complexity
One of the key strengths of “Do the Right Thing” is its refusal to offer simple answers or divide its characters into clear categories of right and wrong. The film’s portrayal of Sal—devoted to his Italian-American heritage, as reflected in his décor choices with figures like Frank Sinatra—brings out the tension between holding to tradition and responding to the demands of a community seeking representation and respect. Lee’s screenplay goes beyond issuing pronouncements, opting instead to confront viewers with direct, fourth wall-breaking moments, challenging them to examine their own positions and prejudices.
At the time of its release, the United States looked to be making progress in race relations, with figures like Michael Jackson, Magic Johnson, Oprah Winfrey, and even shows like “The Cosby Show” dominating media. Yet, “Do the Right Thing” shattered the optimistic façade, revealing the deep-seated divisions that persisted in neighborhoods like Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy. The movie captured a reality that mainstream media largely avoided, exposing the tensions that—then and now—threaten to boil over.
Ethan Hawke’s admiration for the film is linked to the complexity it shares with his own work. For instance, his role alongside Denzel Washington in “Training Day” explores similar themes—examining a country in moral conflict and testing viewers’ perceptions of their own comfort zones. Pedro Pascal, in turn, gravitates towards projects with social relevance, as seen in “Narcos,” “Prospect,” and “We Can Be Heroes.” Through these connections, the enduring influence of “Do the Right Thing” remains evident as it continues to inspire later generations, reinforcing its role as a classic.
Limited Time to Watch on Netflix
With “Do the Right Thing” set to leave Netflix in the United States shortly, this is a rare opportunity for audiences to experience a film that has both reflected and shaped conversations on race, community, and injustice for decades. Whether discovered for the first time or revisited by longtime fans of Lee, Pascal, or Hawke, the film’s powerful message and artistry ensure it will remain significant long after its streaming run ends.
