A modern day adaptation of the ancient Greek play Lysistrata by Aristophanes, set against the backdrop of gang violence in Chicago.

Chi-Raq is as urgently topical and satisfyingly ambitious as it is wildly uneven -- and it contains some of Spike Lee's smartest, sharpest, and all-around entertaining late-period work.

'Chi-Raq' tackles gun violence, gang culture, and social justice in Chicago, inspired by 'Lysistrata'. The film blends satire, music, and vivid cinematography. Critics commend performances by Teyonah Parris, Samuel L. Jackson, and John Cusack. Some find the satire and tonal shifts problematic, diminishing the gravity of its themes. Others criticize it for cultural appropriation and oversimplifying social issues. Despite these concerns, 'Chi-Raq' is viewed as a daring commentary on urban violence and inequality.