Boyz n the Hood (1991)

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Boyz n the Hood was released on July 12, 1991, in the USA. The American drama film was produced by Columbia Pictures. The movie storyline was written and directed by John Singleton. Through this movie, Singleton became the youngest and first African American to receive the best director nomination at the time[1]

Plot

Tre's mother has raised her kid since he's a baby. However, Tre starts to listen to his naughty friends instead of her. Therefore, she decides to send Tre to live with Furious, his father. Tre Styles (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) starts to live with his dad, Furious Styles (Laurence Fishburne), in the city at the age of ten. Furious Styles decides to raise his son with strict rules in making sure that he is raised well educated and self-respect despite the crime and drugs in their neighborhood. Tre befriends with half-brothers, Doughboy (Ice Cube) and his brother Ricky (Morris Chestnut). Seven years later, Tre has become a well-educated young man who wants to stay out of trouble while Doughboy goes in and out of jail several times. Although Ricky settles his dream to have a better life through a football scholarship as his way out. Despite that, violence changes their life and their future in an instant[2].

Ricky, Tre, and Doughboy in Boyz n the Hood[3]

Black Empowerment

The fight towards racism should be done with dignity and critical thinking which is shown when his neighborhood says "Imma shoot the muthafucka if he don't kill me first" and Furious states "you doin' exactly what they want you to do, you have to think young brother about your future"[4]. Furious explains how to fight racism, poverty, and regaining the black community through dignity, education, and thinking far ahead. All of these qualities are taught to Tre like when Tre is loaded with chores, Furious says that he was teaching him to be responsible. When Tre nears a gang-life as Doughboy goes to jail, Furious says "You’re my only son, and I’m not gonna lose you to no bullshit, you hear?". Still, the most memorable line in the movie is said by Furious in teaching him how to be a fully responsible guy “Any fool with a dick can make a baby, but only a real man can raise his children”[5].

References