Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” will be free online until June 29.
The 1989 film is also the American Film Institute’s choice this week for its Movie Club. It will be accompanied by a live chat with Lee on the AFI YouTube channel on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.
AFI has partnered with Universal Pictures to make “Do the Right Thing” available for free on a variety of streaming platforms, including Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play.
The film’s choice was undoubtedly influenced by the wave of national protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd, as it explores themes of racial injustice and inequality.
“Do The Right Thing” takes place during a single summer day in Brooklyn, New York, when racial tensions reach a boiling point, culminating in violence and death. It stars Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson, Giancarlo Esposito, Bill Nunn, John Turturro, Samuel L. Jackson, Martin Lawrence, Rosie Pérez, and Lee herself. He was nominated for two Academy Awards for his original screenplay and supporting actor for Aiello.
AFI’s live conversation with Lee will focus on the significant legacy of “Do the Right Thing” and how its social importance has become increasingly relevant.
“Spike Lee has always proven to be the voice of change we need now more than ever,” AFI wrote in a press release.
AFI Movie Club was created as a result of the coronavirus pandemic to unite movie lovers amid social estrangement. For each selected movie, AFI provides fun data, discussion points, and archived materials to enrich the viewing experience.
