You can pick up hundreds of DVD's for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. Its never about quantity, its about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and justifying why I own the films... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em
#27 - Boyz N The Hood
Why did I buy it?
Originally, I watched this for the first time in Media Studies - or was it Film Studies - back in my New College days. I remember very little of that first viewing, but I did know the basic facts as to how it showed a side to America that I had not seen until that point - at the tender age of 16/17. I bought the film many years later as the special-edition was low in price and I am keen to explore more African-American cinema - though sadly, I have yet to get fully immersed. This one John Singleton film seems to be the only film I have watched of this genre - but, I swear, in due course, I will hunt down a Spike Lee boxset and really gte stuck in.
Originally, I watched this for the first time in Media Studies - or was it Film Studies - back in my New College days. I remember very little of that first viewing, but I did know the basic facts as to how it showed a side to America that I had not seen until that point - at the tender age of 16/17. I bought the film many years later as the special-edition was low in price and I am keen to explore more African-American cinema - though sadly, I have yet to get fully immersed. This one John Singleton film seems to be the only film I have watched of this genre - but, I swear, in due course, I will hunt down a Spike Lee boxset and really gte stuck in.
Why do I still own it?
Because the performances are, first off, incredible. Pre-Morpheus Lawrence Fishburne and Pre-Rat Race Cuba Gooding Jr... indeed, there was a time whereby he was a credible actor. Of course there is Pre-Three Kings Ice Cube too! The story is an exploration of an economically-deprived area in America and daily concerns that arrive - gang-culture and the difficulties in getting out of 'the hood'. Akin to Goodfellas we see the young boys as children as they hang about and see a dead-body in 'the hood' - and the pressure for the boys to become aggressive and defend themselves/protect themselves. This then graduates to show the same pupils in their late teens - all going separate ways. The inevitable consequence of Ice Cubes character - whilst Cuba Gooding Jr is conflicted.
I think, unfortunately, the same themes have been explored to a much deeper level in The Wire - especially Series 4. But, fact is, Boyz n the Hood broke new ground with its depiction and the performances are timeless.
But does The Wire overshadow it to a point that it serves little purpose now? Is it really worth keeping?
Because the performances are, first off, incredible. Pre-Morpheus Lawrence Fishburne and Pre-Rat Race Cuba Gooding Jr... indeed, there was a time whereby he was a credible actor. Of course there is Pre-Three Kings Ice Cube too! The story is an exploration of an economically-deprived area in America and daily concerns that arrive - gang-culture and the difficulties in getting out of 'the hood'. Akin to Goodfellas we see the young boys as children as they hang about and see a dead-body in 'the hood' - and the pressure for the boys to become aggressive and defend themselves/protect themselves. This then graduates to show the same pupils in their late teens - all going separate ways. The inevitable consequence of Ice Cubes character - whilst Cuba Gooding Jr is conflicted.
I think, unfortunately, the same themes have been explored to a much deeper level in The Wire - especially Series 4. But, fact is, Boyz n the Hood broke new ground with its depiction and the performances are timeless.
But does The Wire overshadow it to a point that it serves little purpose now? Is it really worth keeping?
Remember - you can always email The Simon and Jo Film Show directly using this email: simonandjoshow@gmail.com
