What is the Arrival of John Singleton's semi-autobiographical film Boyz 'n the Hood?

words of hope to save the world

The year after the film's release, a major incident will occur centered around South Central, where the film is set. This is what the world calls the "Los Angeles Riots."

The trigger was a murder incident between Africans and Asians. The incident shocked the black community to such an extent that rapper Ice Cube, who played Doughboy in the film, gave a performance that incited racial tensions. The Los Angeles riots, in which more than 10,000 people were arrested as a result of vandalism mainly by blacks and Hispanics, were the inspiration for director Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing, which depicts friction between ethnic minorities. It can be said that he turned ``The Thing'' into a strangely prophetic film. And, as expected, it also serves as a kind of recreation of the problems that Boyz 'n the Hood was concerned about.

“Do the Right Thing” trailer

Originally, both Asians and Africans were minorities in American society, and had been subjected to discrimination. If we channel our pent-up feelings into violence against fellow minorities, instead of improving the situation, we may end up creating further racial divisions and deepening prejudice against Africans in society.

Tre, one of the main characters in this film, was modeled after director Singleton himself. After all, he lived with his father in South Central as a boy, and ended up attending college. Just as Furious, played by Laurence Fishburne, was educated, the director was also able to carve out a future with the guidance of his father. In other words, director Singleton himself was a ghetto survivor. That's why this film reflects the overwhelming reality and truths that only someone with the experience of director Singleton can capture.

"Think better, brother."

Where should we direct our frustration and anger toward an unjust society, and what methods should we use to vent it? These words, which Furious directs to African Americans in this film, are a Arrival that can be applied to a wider range of people. The world would be a better place if more people kept this phrase in mind when they take action or when they feel like they are losing themselves in anger.

Text: Kei Onodera

A film critic who wanders around and writes for web media and magazines, aiming to become a movie hermit. We will convey the "deep" content of the movie in an easy-to-understand manner from various angles.

Twitter: @kmovie

Watch now

View work information

(c) Photofest / Getty Images