Boyz N The Hood- Review

In a world where hood drama appears to be novelty entertainment for rebellious youths and providing a quick hit of sex, drugs and violence, Boyz n the Hood washes away all of the glamour commonly associated with gang life and in some of the content expressed within music and gaming.

Behind a shocking and tragic story lies truth and acceptance. Words aren't able to describe the mark that this film will leave on its audience nor the everlasting legacy it has and will continue to have for many years to come. Directed by John Singleton, it features the talents of Cuba Gooding Jr, Ice Cube, Laurence Fishbourne and Morris Chestnut.

Beyond the stereotypes within the hood, this film deals with gang violence and discrimination. While in current society there is an ever growing problem of police brutality and racism between white and black people, this film only expresses the statistics and problems with one race. Having never seen this film before or knowing much of the context behind it, I assumed that it would be something that touched on the clashes between multiple races.

Throughout the film there is extensive use of the word 'brother' meaning that each man/ boy of the same race within the same community are essentially family and to hurt their 'brother' would be to hurt their own family. That's what makes the storytelling of this film so tragic.

The stories shared within this film begin in the year 1984, the time in which most of the people who grow up to bond together by gangs are still only boys. This later transitions into the year 1991, where all boys have now grown up and are finishing their schooling.

While made over 25 years ago, this film never fails to let the grip of the audience go and keeps its factual grounds relevant to today's society and culture particularly amongst youths. It is well worth the watch to explore the hard-hitting facts of life amidst gang life/ violence and the repercussions even the smallest of words and actions may have.

Score: 8/10.