Sal is the Italian owner of a pizzeria in Brooklyn. A neighborhood local, Buggin' Out, becomes upset when he sees that the pizzeria's Wall of Fame exhibits only Italian actors. Buggin' Out believes a pizzeria in a black neighborhood should showcase black actors, but Sal disagrees. The wall becomes a symbol of racism and hate to Buggin' Out and to other people in the neighborhood, and tensions rise.

Smart, vibrant, and urgent without being didactic, Do the Right Thing is one of Spike Lee's most fully realized efforts -- and one of the most important films of the 1980s.

'Do the Right Thing' delivers a thought-provoking examination of racial tensions through masterful direction and an excellent ensemble cast that builds dramatic tension throughout. The film's powerful social commentary remains timely and relevant, sparking crucial discussions decades later. However, opinions divide on the writing's depth and the film's engagement level, with some finding it mesmerizing while others feel unaffected by its confrontational approach and ambiguous conclusions.