I was 12 when the LA riots happened after Rodney King verdict.I did not live in LA but I remember hearing about the tensions between Black people and Korean people during that time(roof top koreans). Think alot was from them coming into the more poor areas and opening up their shops. Right before O Dogg shoots the store clerk he says "everytime I come in here you got something to say." Think people miss that part. It was not random, they had tensions before this day.O Dogg was short tempered and clerk just mouthed off to the wrong guy that day. Oh edit: him killing the crackhead also, he knew that guy for a while and was tired of him coming up short. He was not a random crackhead he killed, he knew him also and annoyed and made O Dogg mad. Great video! Hearing that Straight Up Menace song MC Eiht at the end! Now I got to hear it!
Very good points. I definitely agree that this was an ongoing issue between O Dog and the store owners and finally the last straw pushed him over the edge. He's definitely a dude I imagine has a short temper. Thanks a million for watching the video as well as the insight. Ps I had to listen to the whole soundtrack while I was making this video. Great film and great music!
There's more to the problems between Korean store owners and black people in L.A. in the early 90s. Look up the killing of Latasha Harlins. A teenage girl was shot by a store owner and after getting convicted of involuntary manslaughter got the sentence suspended and ended up with community service and fines as punishment. I believe the incident was caught on surveillance camera as well. It created a ton of tension and anger between the two communities and contributed to the L.A. riots. It was a big reason Korean owned parts of town were targeted.
@@kidomniman8635 There is definitely some tension there. I don't think it was a coincidence the directors used Koreans as the store owners in this film. Thank you for your input only helps show the subtleties within the film. 🙏🏽
@@kidomniman8635 Another reason why the L.A. riots happened towards Korean businesses was most definitely the media coverage. The news channels tried to direct the riots to Korean people instead of the police. The roof top Koreans formed because the police officers did not want the riots to happen against the police, therefore the police did not help prevent rioters and looters from destroying the Korean businesses. It’s sad to see how corrupt the whole situation was. The killing of Latasha Harlins was probably the biggest factor to why there was such a great amount of tension between the Korean and Black community in L.A. in the 90s. I know the tension is not as bad anymore, but I hope in the future that this tension will no longer be there at all. As a Korean man, I hope to see our communities unite. 🤝
Notice that when O-Dogg and Caine walk in they are smiling and talking with alot of joy in their voices. Once they are discriminated against their whole tone and mood changes. I think it was showing that even in a moment where they can be perceived as happy they are still perceived as a threat above all.
I definitely think that entire scene is played perfectly. It wasn't their first time in that liquor store or anywhere really where they've been discriminated against. A sad reality for many black people. 🙏🏾
@@itakeonmovies discriminated is a strong term. I mean, it's not like they were chilling respectfully. the area suffered from.past discrimination. but these fools walked in looking like the problem they actually were. Thats not discrimination. bad attitude, opening containers without paying, and thru live around the area so it's easy to see how the people around knew they weren't actually of age. they still sold the stuff to not have problem but the onky comment was, "I feel sorry for your mother". THOSE kids were a problem. and I stead of saying "you people " the clerk sympathized with the parental guardians. that's not discrimination. I'll fight all day against prejudices and discrimination but we gotta do better on what we try to label
I see your perspective. I do have to say the fact that they were discriminated against is exactly what led to the problems though in my opinion. Not sure if things wouldve ended up the way it did without the discrimination. They hadn't stolen anything, they hadn't even spoke to the store owners. They were judged the moment they walked in the door in my opinion.
@@itakeonmovies the thing is, I don't think the word discrimination works here. That's all I'm sayinf. Definitely if the guy said nothing it wouldn't have led to this, but discrimination is like seeing ANY black kid in the store and they are followed and sneered at. These kids were already a problem. This wasn't wasn't first time in the store or in the neighborhood. odog has a reputation. q is senior in school. Everyone in the hood knows them. they Definitely frequent this areas and this store. They knew exactly where to go, what to get and how much it cost. it's not discrimination whe. you see people that you know are a problem. it's one thing to see that a new black kid came to town, walked in and just happen to have a way of dressing up and being followed. that person has no history and you're judging them off nothing, thats discrimination. but even then, if theyr in that hood, dressing that way, come.in with that attitude, snapping open items this store owns until its properly paid for...then still trying trying say discrimination wheb they are exerting that mannerisms still is iffy. In this case, these were kids who already proved themselves to be a problem. thsts not discrimination. So uf we're going to say the clerk is at fault, we're saying the clerk is wrong for calling out bad people for being exactly tgat, bad people? Cause that's who they were. what your ereslly saying is "it's wrong to judge people". Thats a very elementary way of thinking when there are so many other nuances to the situation. These kids were judged on who they were in that area before that day even happened. ot discriminated against.Now, should the clerk had just shut up? Yes. Clerk should've kept his words to himself, but they, as store owners who dealt with these bad kids before, had the right to keep an eye on their merchandise. and being in that area seeing how these kids are running it down, had a right to their thoughts. just should've kept it to themselves
@@agonleed3841 it's not the store clerks job to call people out on thier demeanor it's his job to say something if they stole something or mabey if they had came in disrespecting the owner and his wife of top, none of that happened reputations or not the store owner had the right to refuse service soon as they came in if that's the case but it's irrefutable for that kind of decision to be made when nothing criminal hadn't been done up until the point when the wife of the clerk decides to rush them out the store after they had already begun shopping thier items, the clerk could of handled it differently without the ugly looks and disrespect they knew they were intimidated and decided to escalated the situation instead of just selling the items and letting them both go about their business, give o dog has a short temper it's apparent things would've ended differently without the store owner and wife becoming confrontational and demeaning from the start
@@joejoerunya8908 not really he was never gonna have a life he was gonna have a life remember Chauncey sent that liquor store tape to the police he was gonna get arrested sooner or later
This actually makes the ending very depressing. Caine is now deceased, O-Dog is now incarcerated (likely for life), and Ronnie is now traumatized. And since you mentioned the cycle, just imagine what Anthony would have been in the future as soon as he enters his late teens considering he was actually trying to emulate Caine.
Very depressing and real. Were thinking we're going to get a happy ending, but what makes the film so powerful is that we don't. Real life has consequences and this film showed the consequences of their actions. And I appreciate you mentioned Anthony. He is someone we tend to forget about, but his life is forever changed by this trauma now and were left wondering if he can escape the cycle. ✊🏾
@@itakeonmovies Absolutely and think about it it started the same way for Cain seeing the older dudes smoking weed and the traumatic realities he got exposed to it just continued the cycle. When do we break it ? Do we just leave glimmers of hope and maybe somehow it improves when somebody does something. Oh My God this is so tiring and pathetic and even now we see the sickening effects when its left untouched. Thais not an option. In retrospect look at crime ridden areas that can be gentrified and safe at the same damn time so its us not dealing with effective change and accountability. This is not a metaphor.
Yeah trauma may lead to more trauma, especially for others. Our kids, younger siblings etc. They see the things we do, so there does need to be accountability for our actions as adults. However, I can only imagine how hard it is for kids to escape that type of influence if that's all they know. They may just think that's how life is for them. The cycle is truly heartbreaking.
In the original movie script, A-Wax was meant to die in the drive-by shooting alongside Sharif and Caine. Anthony grows up to become a vengeful small-time gangster.
This movie is one of the best of all time. To say it’s just about toxic masculinity is really only looking at it at a surface level. It’s about how poverty, violence, drug abuse and psychological trauma can perpetuate for generations.
I agree..Toxic masculinity is a very small note I made in the video, to reduce this move down to just that would be doing it a disservice. It's about everything you mentioned and more. Can be interpreted in many ways. 🙏🏾
I definitely don't think that's what the video boiled it down to. It was a small section of it. It delved deeper into societal conditions and persnal choices that derive from that mental state the conditions leave you in.
Half of the things your parents teach you are expressions of intergenerational oppression, where they are teaching you to fear the things for the sake of survival.
We all know a Caine, someone you know has the smarts and ability to leave but is afraid to step out of his comfort zone. Scared to start somewhere new where he doesn’t have anyone to rely upon, hence why he hesitated on going to Kansas with Sharif.
Love this becasue it's absolutely true. We all know a Caine. The sad part of Menace is that while we think it should've been easy for him to pack up in leave, we understand why he was hesitant. Hard to leave everything you know like that.
Yes true we as a community tend to glorify the problems rather than rectify the solutions as if the only choice is death. What I 've never seen is a movie where young black men fight together to get out against the odds and build a rallying point to live and not die.
I always thought that when ODog asked the store clerk to “give my homeboy his change” Larenz Tate delivered that line with such an expressive look of adolescent innocence. Then just seconds later when the clerk said something about ODog’s mama it was like a switch was flipped instantly and that innocent look was gone. In a split second Larenz Tate went from looking like his character on The Royal Family to America’s worst nightmare.
It's always cool to see hood movies get analyzed and dissected in a real and thoughtful way. Film TH-cam is pretty huge and there are lots of specific pockets dedicated to a lot of different kinds of movies, but I almost never see anyone even acknowledge these great classics that had such a big impact on so many black people growing up.
Yeah before I started this channel I swore to shine a light on these films that are great, yet somehow underrepresented in terms of commentary. I'm hopin I can continue spark discussion and debates on all films, but especially these ones that tell stories from the ethnic minorities perspective. I appreciate ya! 🙏🏾
Since the voice-over narration is Kaine telling the story in past tense, and since his last line is “Now it’s too late”, I’ve always understood this to be, Kaine got shot in the drive-by 1st, and the movie is his life is flashing before his eyes as he is dying.
That is a really solid point on it, I thought I recognized the full circle the movie had made especially when that tape was coming back - almost to remind us of the start of the movie
I don't condone O-Dog shooting up the store but the owner did himself in by telling them he didn't want any trouble and yet made that remark about O-Dog's mom.
The owner said that he felt sorry for his O-Dog's mom. He didn't say anything bad. It's not as if he called his mother a whore. O-Dog could have cursed him out or punched him in the face like ITOM mentioned. There is no excuse for killing anyone in cold blood. Like ITOM mentioned, O- Dog didn't care about his own life much less that of other people.
I read in a comment somewhere that saying "i feel sorry for your mother" is the translated version of a phrase that chinese elders say. In other words, when he said it, it had a different intented meaning than what they percieved
3:23 To Be Honest South Central, had a Happy Ending, cause both OG Bobby Johnson & Lil JRoc, survived, But All Films had their Sad 😢 Moments and They Ups&Downs of Growing up in the Hood and South Central & being from L.A. it hit on all Levels from All the Trauma we all been through and losing friends or even family to shyt like this is Relatable, Stay Blessed Good 👍🏽 Review and Breakdown of a Good Film 📽️🎥 Like Menace II Society,
These teachings are so difficult to avoid for some of our youth and the music reinforces the ideas to make them think this lifestyle is our path to success. Very thorough breakdown and the mental health points are huge. Do we care whether we live or die? Powerful. We see in Hiphop artist pridefully remain in spaces that allow their past to catch up with them. This content is quality and inspires me to touch on the mental health aspects of our music. 🔥
You're Spot on! I definitely think the earlier we can catch onto it the better chances we have of helping ourselves. The youth is where it starts! The music definitely plays a role, as you stated it can reinforce some pretty harmful concepts that the youth and even us as adults may take as gospel. However, do you think its fair to say some of these artists may be working out a form of trauma themselves and not even be aware of it? I think the hardest aspect of working on mental health is identifying when something needs to be worked on to begin with. As a mentor, I have no doubts in my mind you're doing your part to bring light to these issues however you can! ✊🏾 Thanks so much for the words and checking the video out man can't tell you how much it means.
@@itakeonmovies Definitely I love hearing quality articulations of the black plight so this was very enjoyable. I would like to see more but don’t box yourself in 💯
Yeah man, there's millions of movies out there to review and analyze and I will. But I'm definitely going to make sure I save plenty of space for black film. And more is on the way forsure! 💪🏾
I remember when I graduated from high school from Gary, IN I told myself I did not want to become a static so I went to the military. The main problem I faced and still face is coming across a mate who could understand the struggles I overcame to even be where I am today. I'm only a government employee and a homeowner, but these folks think that it was just given to me
Sounds like hard work to me. Not just the success you've accomplished, but overcoming that of being a statistic. That's a win all on its own. No shame in working for the county either! Stay true my brother. ✊🏾
Damn. Great video, review and analysis. Just finished the film and the part of the movie that has stuck with me the most has been the conversation between Caine and Pernell near the end of the film. The level of empathy that Pernell displays even after he realizes Caine started hanging with Ronny while he’s in prison, an action the viewer would expect him to react violently towards with what’s been shown the whole movie, is astounding. Caine even sheds his only tear in the movie after this moment here, finally showing the vulnerability he’s been working so hard to conceal. The most gut wrenching part tho is that the two men can’t even embrace, let alone touch due to the barriers constructed between them
Thank you! And that's definitely an amazing connection made by you as well. I've always thought that was a scene that's gotten overlooked by some. It's forces us to look past our own stereotypes because we are expecting an argument to ensue, instead were met either one of the more heart touching scenes in the film. It shows Pernell has matured, but going along with the themes, also show his maturation came just a bit too late. Thanks again for your thoughts! ✊🏾
One detail from the ending drive by that I thought helped showed how o dog and Caine are different is how o dog tried to protect himself by backing away from everyone and trying to find cover while shooting Caine ran after Anthony to shield him with his own body and I think this difference happens because of the people in Caine’s life telling him he could do more with his life whereas one can assume o dog doesn’t hence his don’t give af attitude it’s just really touching that even tho caine was so close to leaving his old life behind for a better one he instead chose to sacrifice his life to protect Anthony
Yeah O Dog without a doubt is someone who really only cared for himself. I think in his environment that's all he knows how to do. O Dog I think would kill for you, but not risk his life for you and i think that applied to Anthony. He also didn't have any relationship or care for the kid whereas that was practically Caines kid. Great observations! ✊🏾
That's a Mount Rushmore I cannot argue with. They definitely are amongst the most important and or influential hood movies there are. Exactly why we still talk about them til this day. And they without a doubt launched a lot of careers. ✊🏾
I really like the theory of O-dog not being real... Like after Caine witnessed the murder when he was a kid, it was so traumatic he created another identity that would protect him and fit in perfectly in this world of violence .. So at the end it's like the good in Caine dies, he's all O-dog now..
I was 17 when this film dropped. I remember going to the movies to see it and it broke me down. Not just the film itself, but all the reactions that came with it. Besides the ending, I was hearing a lot of clapping and cheering throughout some of the graphically violent scenes. This hurt my heart. To think that some people were pushing and applauding for the violence that was on full display. The film will always hold a special place in my heart and to this day, it still gives me chills. I was just hoping that this film and so many others like it would be taken as a cautionary tale of what not to do. 👍✌️💯
I have to admit, when I first saw it I thought aspects of it were cool myself. Second time I saw it, it started to click that maybe they shouldn't be doing all this. Now as an adult when I watch it, it breaks my heart. Not just the film, but because I know it mirrors the actions and mindsets of our young men in real life. Anyone who thinks this film glamourizes the hood life is mistaken in my opinion as I agree that its a cautionary tale. A convincing one might I add. Thank you for your sentiment! ✊🏾
I sparked up with my girl over the weekend and she never seen this before and I put it on and as the movie progressed I lowkey was getting embarrassed. Like my people were really whylin in this movie. It’s sad lowkey. Killings were very graphic. All the cursing. I still love this movie but now at 26 years old I see it differently
Definitely the key. The way I view this movie now in my 30s is completely different then I how I first viewed it as a kid. I enjoyed it then for completely different reasons than I enjoy it now. I think its okay to be embarrassed by aspects of it, to me that just shows the maturation and growth we've made as times gone forward. 🙏🏾
The story of Menace To Society is the thought provoking tale of a young boy's critical choice between the street life of violence, versus the opportunities to make a life that is productive in education and having a future that will bring an impact for a better life.
I saw M II S on release in Inglewood and was so floored, I had to go in again to the next screening to process/recover. It, for me, took the "moral/fable" approach of BOYZ IN THE HOOD, ripped it up and said, "Nah. This is the REAL." It was NWA after Run-DMC or something and made me love cinema and not feel alone. Great video/analysis.
Yeah exactly. They're both great films, but this I felt wasn't afraid to actually show even the main character can go. It was jarring, but thats real life sometimes. Definitely appreciate the 90s for allowing these stories to be adapted for the big screen. Thanks for sharing. 🙏🏾
This was dope. My favorite hood movie. The reason is because Kane could be anybody. He's a template to more easily show how someone ends up like any of the other characters we may see in this movie or others.
I agree with this fully! Someone commented on here that we all knew a Caine. And I think your comment touches on this too. Any of us who grew up in an environment even remotely close to this could've walked down this path. Thank you!
It’s always been one of my favorite movies. As many times as I’ve seen this movie I’ve never accepted that he died in the end. I was always like “nah he survived all those shots” lol.
Haha yeah I think we're hoping for a Boyz in Da Hood kind of ending where our main character makes it out. To me that's why Menace is so important because it was bold enough to show even the main guy can go. Lets us know our actions do catch up to us, regardless who we are. 🙏🏾
Everyone that cared about Caine tried to save him from himself. The movie played out exactly the way it was supposed to. I do however wish that after he was gunned down at the end of the movie that he would have had a flashback to the conversation he had with his Grandfather about whether he cared if he lived or died. He told him he didn’t know. He realized at that very moment, he indeed did know the answer. I appreciate this film not having a good ending because this is reality for a lot of Black Men and it was absolutely PERFECT.
Definitely agree with all of this. I think him mentioning the conversation with his grandfather worked, but they could've showed that conversation to make it more impactful, even with his voiceover, over it. Menace II Society held no punches and I believe that was the goal of the filmmakers, to show the harsh realities some of our brothers were and are going down. I appreciate the comment and support! ✊🏾
Such an excellent film w/ a very tragic story at the helm. I’d highly recommend everyone to watch this movie at least 3 times in your life b/c you’ll get a different message out of it each time - (1) teenager (14-16), (2) early/mid 20’s (21-24), (3) in your 30s/40s I can almost guarantee that you’ll get a different message from the movie each time you watch having understood more about life that these guys (and the real life people who inspired the characters) didn’t get a chance to.
I couldn't agree with this anymore. I definitely think it's a realistic cautionary tell with some pretty rich characters who deserved to be looked at as more than just thugs. Thank you! 🙏🏾
I definitely glorified alot of the behavior when I was a teen I was in love I was going through change and I had a learnt to learn now I look at alot of their ways very disturbing and saddening because of the lack of opportunity dey had and lack of resources
Exactly. Lack of resources can lead to some bad decision making. We've all done stuff as teens we aren't proud of, just fortunate enough to be here today to talk about it.
Your comment is on point. I was 26 when this movie came out and I am 55 now. For nostalgic reasons, the scene that I have been stuck on lately is Caine and Harold arriving at Doc’s for the party and Caine saying how all the homies were down for each other. Many of the homies I grew up with are no longer here and I certainly miss having them in my life because we were certainly down for each other growing up in my hood. In fact back in the day whenever something would go down, at least one of us would always say, “I’m down for y’all!”
This movie scared the hell out of me when I was 13. A few months before that, a good friend of mine from down the street asked me to hide a gun for him. I didn't know what to do, but I knew I couldn't let him take it to school. He had always stood up for me when I would get bullied with a fury like that of a big brother, so I had to get his back. I hid it in my SNES box in my closet. Thats how young we were. A few months later, he was charged with murdering a clerk during a robbery at the corner gas station. He didn't use the gun I hid for him, but suddenly I felt connected to a murder. I always felt guilty, as though I could have stopped him or helped him by being a better friend. These films can be a bit cheesy at times, but these stories are not as far fetched as they may seem. I didn't even think I was from a bad neighborhood. Now that Im a parent, I can't believe the environment I normalized as a child out of necessity.
I like to think most of these movies are drawn from real life experiences. You can attest to this yourself, as what you experienced sounds like it could be straight from a movie, when in reality this is daily life for some. I appreciate you sharing this, much respect to you! ✊🏾
It's sad that Anthony will never have a solid father figure to teach him to be a man. 1.) His real father is rotting in prison. 2.) If Caine didn't get killed, he woulda wound up in prison because of Chauncey snitching on him. Anthony will wind up another one of those emotional femenized dudes cause he was brought up by his overbearing mother. What a shame.
Even if Anthony would be solely raised by his mom, he would still be influenced by his friends in the future, but at least he wouldn't have to grow up and end up the way Pernell and Caine did. However, there are some kids with overbearing parents who can grow up to be rebellious and be exposed to toxic influences.
I agree. Are are all often influenced by who we are around frequently. So it makes sense that if those are his influences, he develops some traits. This isn't always the case, but can be.
Ultimately this is a cycle of dust perpetuated by absentee abusive fathers and masculine mammies for mothers. We need enough of us to turn the tide and do better. Lol we all crazy and got mental health issues, how could we not? We descended from exploitation, pain and enslavement. But at some point we have to do better. Breaking generational curses isn't just a trendy slogan to tout around on social media, it should be a lifestyle.
💯. I think the stigma around mental health and trauma hinders a lot of the progress that could be made, especially in black and other ethnically oppressed groups. Noticing it is important, but I'd love to see my people take the steps to deal with our inner battles. No matter how big or small. Love your comment. 🙏🏾
It's etched in mine too. The opening scene is one of the best in a film period. The movie ends the way it begins, with death. Such an emotional and well made movie.
Thank you! And yeah there's a reason the director chose this as his first scene I beleive. It's not just shocking, but tells you so much about the two main characters right away. ✊🏾
Nice video analysis. I consider it part of my "Big 3" Hood movies, the other 2 being Boys in the Hood and Juice. All 3 carry something more than what is just on the surface for me and good on you bringing it out. Caine and O-dog represent the levels of indifference with their lives and the people around them. With Caine it's like there are sparks of wanting to change but is just stuck in the contemplation. O-dog is pretty much psychopathic but is all but beyond hope because he even gets candid when in front of Caine's grandfather.
Nice. I love all 3 of these movies too. And they are all deeper than just being a "hood movie" and Menace definitely shines the light on how damaging growing up in a neglectful, non-resourseful environment can be. And I think you're right. O dog may have been too far gone, and even Caine despite something in him clicking that maybe this shouldn't be the life he chooses. Thank you for this! ✊🏾
I never saw Menace, but do work in the mental health field and it is riddled with trauma. When people devalue life and are disconnected from remorse, that absolutely results from trauma. People can be traumatized from seeing the devaluing of life, like domestic violence or murder. People can be traumatized from having their lives devalued, like through abuse, neglect, or violence. People who are traumatized in this way, especially when they have no ability to exit that trauma, have an emotional disconnect from self and others. Also to regain a sense of control in these "out of control" situations, the traumatized mirror the actions of their traumatizers, as if to outgrow being the victims and become those they perceive with power and control, the victimizers. If I had to guess O-Dogg's reasons for the murder, the bringing up of his mother was a trigger for some horrific traumatic event related to the mother. When traumatized people are triggered in the clinical sense, they detach from themselves, their emotions, and from their connection to others, much like they had to during the traumatic event they survived. Also, the consistent discrimination / devaluing from the staff triggered O-Dogg to return emotionally to the times when he was devalued, vulnerable and harmed. When people who are traumatized do not heal from that trauma, there is a need to respond to current triggering situations as if they are the same as the traumatizing situations. Maybe it was violence and murder for O-Dogg that initially stopped the trauma to him and his family, and there were no new ways of addressing trauma, like leaving the traumatic situations. Regarding Caine, when there is a lack of desire to leave a horrible situation and there is a lack of understanding whether one's self wants to live or die, that speaks to major trauma. A person is disconnected from ones self, ones emotions, and ones self-value when they have been traumatized and are forced to survive life, rather than thrive in it. That is why "reckless and dangerous" behavior is an officially recognized symptom of Post-Truamatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I never saw Menace II Society, but I want to watch it ASAP. Another "hood" movie I recommend is a HBO series called the Corner. It shows a community and family in Baltimore that are consumed by the open-air drug marker there.
This is a great post brother. And I agree. I've gotten a lot of people who claim my video is about excusing the actions of "gangsters" or utilizing this "victimhood mentality" when all im simply stating is that sometimes if all you know is trauma, ones life may simply bring more of it. Its not to excuse their actions, but show that instead of writing off people as products of their environment, lets look at what's wrong with the environment. In society today many people fail to realize that most of societies issues can be linked back to some historical event, and the events that led to the creation of the hood or a ghetto, is probably one of the greatest examples of this. It was designed to break people, specifically people of color or socially and economically poor people. So by failing to acknowledge that, your failing to acknowledge histories role in taking, black fathers away from the household because they were victims of racially based murders, or incarceration. Your failing to acknowledge histories role in not allowing black families to receive a good education and get a good job, or buy a home. So in return what were some fathers, brothers or kids left to do to survive, for many whatever they could. In short the whole pick yourself up by the bootstraps mentality is insensitive because while it does make sense logically, your telling it to a group of people who have historically been denied equal resources for illogical reasons. Its like me in the game, but giving me -25 points to start with. Now with this being said I do think choices matter, but like you point out, what type of position would one be in to make sound judgments when all they know is generational trauma? Some can get through it, while it may be too much for others. Caine is definitely an example of someone who just thinks the life he is living is normal and that's what's so heartbreaking, but also realistic about the film. We know people personally who couldn't even phantom anything other than the life they currently live. Let me know what you think once you watch it. And you know what I've actually seen the corner, but back when it came out. I'd love to revisit again now that im older. I was like 13 when I first saw it lol. Hope all is well with you family! ✊🏾
As someone who went through emotional abuse plus physical as a child and is currently healing, acknowledging that I’m experiencing what I am because I was traumatized and abused was honestly hard. Subconsciously because I was conditioned to always put others needs before mine even at my own expense, I ended up minimizing my own pain. So have the abusers in my life. I minimized my pain because they did first. But because I can finally acknowledge that I was traumatized and deserved better and still do, I’m finally in a place where I can feel like I can move on. Another thing I’ve started to do is distance myself from my abusers. Unfortunately I have to live in the same house as them, but speaking to them is optional.
One of my favorite movies of all time.. I remember way back in the day, a friend of mine made a dub. I lost count of how many times I've seen it....subbed sir
Mine too. I appreciate it even more everytime I watch it! And can't let you know how much the sub means to me. Don't hesitate to throw out any suggestions for movies. Always looking for stuff to analyze and watch!
When this movie came out I was living in a Toronto suburb going to a Christian private school...I was like 6 or 7...I had NO idea there was this seedier side in the United States...I didn't even know anything about rap or hood culture...when I moved to Tampa at 12 it all changed...I instantly felt the segregation and racial tension...I had some issues myself...I went to a pretty hood middle school for a year and it was shocking...I was just thrown into this crazy culture I had no idea about, especially the violence...the US has a lot of racial issues...hopefully one day people from this era will finally find peace.
Thanks for sharing all of this. I can only imagine how that must've felt being trusted into a completely different world, both geographically and socially. I've lived in California all my life so unfortunately a lot of this was pretty common, the violence and racial tension especially in the 90s. The west coast I imagine is probably a lot less racially charged than some southern states so I wonder how that had to have been in Tampa. It's sadly a part of our world, but I love the hope and really hope your right when saying peace hopefully will come one day. Thanks for sharing 🙏🏾
I think some people think talking about our feelings is soft because ppl feel like they have their own problems and things on their mind so they don’t want to hear someone else’s problems because it wears on them that much more just listening to it. That goes for people who aren’t in the hood as well. Some people simply aren’t caring enough to want to listen. They expect you to deal with it within yourself.
I can see this being very true. Or you've tried and were made fun of or brushed off and that feeling of neglect made you feel like you never wanted to talk about your feelings again. There are a lot of reasons people, especially men, don't like to express feelings or emotions. I do wish it became less of a stigma however. Thanks for your thoughts! 🙏🏾
Where their is a problem there is a better solution and work to be done its not soft and fluffy you have heard of kicking the can down the road ? its what happens when you dont. Yet we seem to be able to live with that.
There is a pattern in this movie the main character Cain was how to use a gun by I think Pernell and Cain taught Anthony the same thing. Also, Anthony sees death and violence at a very young age just like Cain. We also see how they joke around about trauma and don't really address is when Cain dies they joke about the heavy emotions displayed when Cain was near death, as if it were not a manly thing to show emotions when your friend could potentially die. We also see there is a lot of ego involved, where you are called a bitch if you don't retaliate or flee from danger i.e. when Cain's father killed that one guy. The guy could've paid up or ran away or did something to save his life, but instead he wanted to act hard as if 5 years in prison stops bullets. In my day and my area the young guys try to mimic rappers and gangsters are their role models. We also see how bad parentings plays a role i.e. gangster father who kills people and got killed, drug addicted motherhood and single motherhood. This movie hit extremely close to home because I know for a fact it can really be like that and I've seen it with my own two eyes in real life. It gives me mixed feelings about black culture.
This was a great video, I really appreciate the amount of effort you put in this video and your points breaking this movie down. I am trying to major in film and I wrote about this film for my college application, which is probably why this hopped in my recommended and I’m really glad it did. Keep doing your thing!
I appreciate that a lot! Definitely a movie I'm pretty passionate about due to how real it's themes are. I already you know your essay was well received as well. 🙏🏽
Heartbreaking and depressing definitely fits this movie. Your take at the very end describe this movie very well. You did a good job with this analysis.
O Dogg was a very scary individual and in my opinion, he is one of the most violent and scary gangster movie or TV show characters of all time. I put him in the class of my top 5 with Tommy Desimone from Goodfellas, and Nicky Santoro from Casino, Ralphie from The Sopranos, Toco Salamanca from Breaking Bad. Studying how these characters all act and the choices they all make during their time in their franchises is a very perfect character study for violent individuals like them in real life. It makes me believe that they are natural psychopaths who really don’t have empathy for their victims or the regular people around them that are not apart of their world. They gloat about their murders and even joke about some of the victims that they killed last words. The actors who all played these characters definitely deserve respect because they really portrayed very scary and unpredictable characters that you would never want to find yourself in an altercation with.
I agree with a lot of your interpretation. In the case of O-dog he's definitely an unhinged gangster. However, I don't know if I can go full blown psychopath becasue I do think he exerts emotion albeit very selective, like towards his friends passing away etc. You very well could be right though. You have in some good company for movie/TV crime villains. Those are all legendary characters. ✊🏾
I agree. I think alot of them are undiagnosed sociopaths and or narcissist. Also I would add two characters. -From the movie :tales from the hood, there was "Krazy K" & -From the movie: City Of God there's "Little Ze" All of them have such a low regard for life almost as if they kill for sport at times. And not so much O'Dogg ,but the rest of them feel they are superior or more important than the people they cross paths with
Yep. All of these characters exhibit similar qualities. And they all very well could have those similar issues. However it's important to note they all vote from similar, disadvantageous, oppressed backgrounds and cycles. Definitely products of their environments. 🙏🏾
@@dc7236 Yes!! How could I have forgotten Lil Ze from City of God, he was a maniac since he was a little kid. Krazy K didn’t have too much backstory, only the highlights of the killings he had done in the name of his gang. Lil’ Ze is definitely worse, especially after his best friend got killed at the party. He totally lost his crutch or his kinda moral center that kept him from making too many senseless killings or bad business moves. Now that I think about it, I need to definitely put Dutch Van Der Linde on my list from Red Dead Redemption 1 and 2.
One one my favorite films due to my dad watching it with me young exposing things to me .. at 8 years old. I've learned alot about enemies and friends. I could have been caught up in some of these situations but had to walk away many times
Same here. Having thay exposure can help, shows you who's who and what's what. I was one of the lucky ones to have elders and friends steer me the other way. Or else this could've been me forsure. Think about it all the time. ✊🏾
I’m so glad you did this video! Menace ll Society was not only a great movie, but one of the best movies I’ve ever seen in my life! You hit the nail on the head with so many points in this video. Out of all the so-called “hood movies,” this one was the best, and Boyz-N-The-Hood was the runner-up. I was not a big fan of all the other ones, although New Jack City definitely had a cult following, and was a pretty decent movie. The thing about so-called “hood movies,” is they have to be relatable, good story and good acting in my opinion. This movie was so relatable to me because I grew up in the streets of North Philadelphia as a kid back in the 80s. The first time I watch this movie I was so amazed, because I felt like I was watching parts of my life experiences play out on the screen. This movie definitely stands the test of time, and I can watch it, even to this very day, from beginning to end, and enjoy it the same way I did the first time I ever seen it! Definitely a classic in my opinion!
Thank you for the kind words! I think being able to relate to the film even from Philly shows just how connected a lot of us really are. Things may look and sound a little different, but in reality the hood is the hood and the struggles are often very similar. Hood movies represent a demographic that is often forgot about, but the really good ones make you think and question things. That's exactly what this film does! Thanks for the comment. 🙏🏾
The Korean guy fealt sorry for the dishonor O Dogg's behavior brought upon his mother.(honor is taken very seriously in Asian culture.) To Black folks "Yo Mama" is Fighting Words. so it was just wrong place at the wrong time.
Definitely a clash of ideas, cultures sprinkled with a bit of prejudice. Definitely understand the store owner/Asian perspective however he does know nothing about O-Dog, let alone his relationship with his mother. Just a muddy situation all the way around. 🙏🏾
I agree everything this man said.. Menace of society is the best out of all the good movies that been out.. the fact that this is the first good movie I watch when I was young. I can keep watching this back to back and not get bored whatsoever..
It was one of a few Hood movies that were popular back in the early to mid 90's. There were lighter hearted takes on the genre such as 'White Men Can't Jump' and 'Friday' and then the more darker/deeper takes such as this and Boyz N The Hood. For me, this movie was showing the predicament that a lot of young back men find themselves in (and still do to this day) i.e. an intergenerational cycle of violence and poverty/lack of opportunity where they struggle to get out of it even if they want to and don't see themselves as having anything of value to offer mainstream society. Race is a dynamic although it ultimately comes down to economics. It shows how confused they are such as with Sharif who was supposed to be one of these black power Nation of Islam types blaming everything on whites but was getting away by moving to one of the whitest/Christian/conservative pats of America you can get - Kansas. Another example of this was the teacher teasing him over his secret desire for white girls and the implication that rather than seeing himself as superior, he actually feels inferior and has turned to his belief system as a way to cope. This movie is more complex than how it was received on release and it's only looking back that you can see all the little nuances and messages.
Some really great insight here. You touch on confusion and that's 100 percent in play here for these kids. They don't really have the guidance to know their moves aren't really making sense or are going to only end up harming them in the end. Everything you mention is why I felt it was important to make this video. Hood movies can be seen differently depending on a bevy of factors. Many see just an entertaining relateable hood story with some cool characters. I was guilty of this when I first saw it as a youngin. As an adult I began to look at it differently and realized it wasn't trying to glorify the hood life, in fact, it tried to quite literally do the opposite. It was a cautionary tale, but one that subtly posed the question, "why' is life like this for so many. In my opinion Boyz N The Hood hits the economic and societal factors on the head more blatantly with Larry Fishbourne breaking it down. Menace II was more subtle, lacking that true lead role model helped show just how alone and confused these kids are and can be. Then we see why, for example with Caines parents. We're seeing firsthand how a lack positive material conditions can influence a negative cycle or a path of bad decisions. Both films are great, but I've always felt Menace was the more unflinching in its message. Thank you for sharing!! ✊🏾
Larenz Tate had no business playing o-dog that well. This movie has so many messages but I truly wonder how do people from other countries that grew up in a neighborhood how do they view a movie like this I would love to hear from their perspective.
Peace Alistair heard my husband playing this and couldn’t believe it was someone we knew! 😯 Great voiceover voice. Your videos are so thorough and thoughtful! Keep it up!
Isali! I really appreciate that and this is exactly what I felt when I stumbled upon you guy's channel as well. You're both naturals and also give great advice. Not to mention your both entertaining as well. I'll definitely keep up with it and I look forward to seeing you guys continue as well!! ✊🏾🙏🏾
Great GREAT analysis… You know, I’d like you to Analyze 1995’s Classic, NEW JERSEY DRIVE! Similarities in dealing with circumstances and and the black environments we grew up in. Thanks brotha!!!
I wouold love to take a look at it. New Jersey Drive is one I haven't seen yet so that would be a bonus for me. And all thanks to you for the words an support, means a lot! 🙏🏾✊🏾
Thank you! Definitely one of my favorite films and Fresh is definitely a classic in its own right. I'd love to analyze it. Be sure to subscribe and be on the lookout for that one in the near future. ✊🏾
I love that movie for the message about decisions and the consequences Caine had potential and to quote A Bronx Tale: there's nothing worst than a wasted talent Caine was that wasted talent
Yep. That's exactly what makes the movie hit so hard for me. I knew many "Caines" and unfortunately, many of them ended up not being able to reach their potential either. The Hood is rough my brother!
The internal question. I grew up with a great set of parents who tried to steer me towards the right path, but understood that I was in control of my own destiny. I got it in the end, but damn I see how hard they worked for me to be the man I am now even when I fought against them.
I just came across your analysis of this movie and I think it's on point menace 2 society is my favorite "hood" movie but it's a great movie in general not happy or upbeat but real in depicting a certain reality I always felt it was a cautionary tale for anybody moving or thinking about moving like that that by the time you wanna change up get out it could be too late
I feel you 100%. Always felt like a movie that just showed you a side of life that's real for a lot of people. The message isn't all in your face, it's subtle. That's what makes the ending so powerful. Definitely a cautionary tale. 💯
Because he ain't put himself there, because Charles Dutton character actually told him, because his grandfather asked if he cared if he lived, and he didn't know. But what people never talk about is how the good dude died just by association.
Great analysis, this movie still holds up til this day. I remember watching this movie for the first time years ago when I was 11, I was shocked what I saw but had an overall message in the movie.
I agree fully. I watched it for the first time when u was 14. Definitely have a whole new appreciation for it as an adult. Great message, but solid filmmaking as well!
As a white looking male with 100 Colombian blood in me I’m always the gringo until I open my paisa mouth if I wanna mess with people.. I watched this last night and cried through out it and couldn’t believe how hard it hit on so many topics and how well it’s done one of the best movies made I would say when it comes to story
I really appreciate this perspective. I think the movie was made for everyone. People who can relate and those who can't. It shows what life is like for many, the obstacles they face etc. Thank you for sharing! No shame in crying becasue it is a Heartbreaking, real movie.
People say movies, shows, or games don’t teach you nothing. Maybe because they don’t observe and analyze stories and just enjoy the entertainment even with music.
I agree! I think art in general whether it be music, film, video games are some of the best teachers in life. Especially films like this, that translate real life to the big screen. ✊🏾
It wasn't just Rodney king that started the LA RIOTS. LATASHA HARLINS was the main focus of these riots. her murder was so senseless. and the Korean store owner only got a little bit of time for shoot this beautiful child in the back of the head. i think the opening was referencing that particulate event but I could be wrong. please remember Latasha. she was so innocent. and I feel its because of racism and the fact our lives mean nothing to most is why she ended up murdered like that. I still feel weird going into again stores. they really think all black people are thugs.
Generations and generations of discrimination will make other races feel that way towards us and when we begin to rise against were being non complicit. When in reality it's becasue we've been complicit with oppression for so long. Such a sad story and these boys in Menace II Society are only a small pocket of what the history can lead to. Thank you for your words. 🙏🏾
Like you said in your commentary it contributes to your mental health being subjugated to anti black racism. He might have feared he’d end up the same as that young sister if he didn’t defend himself from the continued actions of these store owners who have a long history of beating and killing their black patrons.
@@DjSpeccs Absolutely not. However, they're both cases of unjustified and senseless violence prompted by internal motives. Koreans (Raciam) and O-Dog (A combination of things). Definitely not saying toxic masculinity is the only reason he did what he did, but I do think its one of them.
@@DjSpeccs and to the point of him being scared. Not sure I agree with that one. The store owners didn't brandish any weapons, if anything they wanted them to leave. However, that's what's great about this movie, there's really no telling exactly what was going through O-Dogs mind at this point. You could very well be right that he felt threatened. But I'm having a hard time believing O-Dogs was scared of much of anything.
Both commentary tracks from the Hughes Brothers on the Criterion blu-ray of Menace make mention of O-Dog's mindset during his big scenes. Super informative!
BEFORE THEY WERE CALLED WIFE BEATERS WE CALLED THEM O DAWG SHIRTS. ON GOD. THAT SHIRT WAS NOT A FASHION STATEMENT UNTIL HE WORE IT IN THIS SCENE. PERIOD.
I think the person speaking about this movie is 90% correct about what he was saying. I thought the movie was amazing in terms of letting "other" people in and showing us the the sometimes tragic lifestyle of the inner city. That being said I want the narrator to know that other races grew up in the inner city. I grew up in Camden NJ and if you know anything about Camden you know it's no different than Compton or "name a bad city." I'm white. We finally left Camden in 1993 when I was 16. I was happy to leave but I was sad because of loosing some of my best friends (all black). I grew up in an environment where color, at least to me and my friends, was never an issue. And I also was taught by some of my friends grandparents (just like the movie) that you alone are responsible for your actions. I guess my point is that while it's true that some black people are dealt a crappy hand, so are some whites, asians, Hispanics, etc.. But ultimately it ends up being how you play your hand. God gave us free will to think for ourselves. Everyone knows wrong from right. Some of my friends from Camden are dead. But 2 of them were in my wedding party and are living amazing lives because of their choices. Not because their environment dictated their behavior. Bravo to the narrator. Well done sir.
I'm a Chinese immigrant who came to America as a kid and watched these movies as I'm learning English and learning American culture. Boyz N the Hood, Jungle Fever, Do the Right Thing, and Menace II Society. Man to watch these movies now I need a better context to really understand
Thats really cool. Im interedted to ask do you think these movies gave you a negative perspective on black culture.? I've always been fascinated to know what people around the world who happen to watch these movies think? No pressure to answer if you feel uncomfortable. I'm just genuinely curious. 🙏🏾
It's not so much negative opinion as the inability to understand why the violence is so pervasive. For example, Italian mob movies has a romanticized violence to it, but the black movies has violence that's indescribable. Not Just in mance to society, but in Do the Right Thing and Jungle Fever. I think the American context with drugs and guns makes American violence special.
Also i Must add the media that has black voices speaking are very limited. Only stories with Slavery, civil rights, and gang violence are made. So for an immigrant, i see black people as marginalized. Not mainstream. Which might explain why immigrants tend to move away from black neighborhood even as we both experience poverty and discrimination. I also get the sense that in order to watch moves about black experience there needs to be a level of social awareness about black lives in America. As an immigrant, i Went to school and my parents are relatively well educated to understand. But if they aren't, we see nothing but the violence without knowing why that's the case.
This was a wonderful breakdown and the music you used was great. Keep producing good content like this and your turn will come when your channel blows up.
Thankful for seeing this film at an early age. Unfortunately I went on tour with a band where the support from Portland who borrowed everyone's gear thought this film was a comedy.
I stumble on this. Through the algorithm or the ol' TH-cam rabbit hole experience. Mostly this kinda subject is done jokingly, especially with black hood movies. I like how you analyzed this piece of art. I will subscribe on the spot. This is from a black guy living in The Netherlands. Keep on going. I expect mastery... no pressure! I like this!!!
Tried to look at the film from a perspective many wouldn't. I really appreciate your support and can't promise mastery lol, but do promise I'll only get better! Sending peace to you out in the Netherlands from California! ✊🏾
Bruh all those films are heartbreaking! This, Boyz in da hood, juice, he got game, set it off, etc even don't be a menace is sad they just make light of the situation.
I completely agree. I just think so many people, myself included in the past view them as just hood movies, with cool characters. Not truly understanding how deep growing up in that kinda environment runs. ✊🏾
@@itakeonmovies This is true, I was a youngen when I watched Boyz in da hood, and thought cool movie. Until the L.A riots for Rodney King, then I realised this shit is real. A shame though because it doesn't have to be this way.
I was 12 when the LA riots happened after Rodney King verdict.I did not live in LA but I remember hearing about the tensions between Black people and Korean people during that time(roof top koreans). Think alot was from them coming into the more poor areas and opening up their shops. Right before O Dogg shoots the store clerk he says "everytime I come in here you got something to say." Think people miss that part. It was not random, they had tensions before this day.O Dogg was short tempered and clerk just mouthed off to the wrong guy that day. Oh edit: him killing the crackhead also, he knew that guy for a while and was tired of him coming up short. He was not a random crackhead he killed, he knew him also and annoyed and made O Dogg mad. Great video! Hearing that Straight Up Menace song MC Eiht at the end! Now I got to hear it!
Very good points. I definitely agree that this was an ongoing issue between O Dog and the store owners and finally the last straw pushed him over the edge. He's definitely a dude I imagine has a short temper. Thanks a million for watching the video as well as the insight.
Ps I had to listen to the whole soundtrack while I was making this video. Great film and great music!
There's more to the problems between Korean store owners and black people in L.A. in the early 90s.
Look up the killing of Latasha Harlins. A teenage girl was shot by a store owner and after getting convicted of involuntary manslaughter got the sentence suspended and ended up with community service and fines as punishment. I believe the incident was caught on surveillance camera as well. It created a ton of tension and anger between the two communities and contributed to the L.A. riots. It was a big reason Korean owned parts of town were targeted.
@@kidomniman8635 There is definitely some tension there. I don't think it was a coincidence the directors used Koreans as the store owners in this film. Thank you for your input only helps show the subtleties within the film. 🙏🏽
@@kidomniman8635 Another reason why the L.A. riots happened towards Korean businesses was most definitely the media coverage. The news channels tried to direct the riots to Korean people instead of the police. The roof top Koreans formed because the police officers did not want the riots to happen against the police, therefore the police did not help prevent rioters and looters from destroying the Korean businesses. It’s sad to see how corrupt the whole situation was. The killing of Latasha Harlins was probably the biggest factor to why there was such a great amount of tension between the Korean and Black community in L.A. in the 90s. I know the tension is not as bad anymore, but I hope in the future that this tension will no longer be there at all. As a Korean man, I hope to see our communities unite. 🤝
@@yungyellowfellow cool ass username bro
Notice that when O-Dogg and Caine walk in they are smiling and talking with alot of joy in their voices. Once they are discriminated against their whole tone and mood changes. I think it was showing that even in a moment where they can be perceived as happy they are still perceived as a threat above all.
I definitely think that entire scene is played perfectly. It wasn't their first time in that liquor store or anywhere really where they've been discriminated against. A sad reality for many black people. 🙏🏾
@@itakeonmovies discriminated is a strong term. I mean, it's not like they were chilling respectfully.
the area suffered from.past discrimination. but these fools walked in looking like the problem they actually were. Thats not discrimination.
bad attitude, opening containers without paying, and thru live around the area so it's easy to see how the people around knew they weren't actually of age. they still sold the stuff to not have problem but the onky comment was, "I feel sorry for your mother". THOSE kids were a problem. and I stead of saying "you people " the clerk sympathized with the parental guardians. that's not discrimination.
I'll fight all day against prejudices and discrimination but we gotta do better on what we try to label
I see your perspective. I do have to say the fact that they were discriminated against is exactly what led to the problems though in my opinion. Not sure if things wouldve ended up the way it did without the discrimination. They hadn't stolen anything, they hadn't even spoke to the store owners. They were judged the moment they walked in the door in my opinion.
@@itakeonmovies the thing is, I don't think the word discrimination works here. That's all I'm sayinf. Definitely if the guy said nothing it wouldn't have led to this, but discrimination is like seeing ANY black kid in the store and they are followed and sneered at.
These kids were already a problem. This wasn't wasn't first time in the store or in the neighborhood. odog has a reputation. q is senior in school. Everyone in the hood knows them. they Definitely frequent this areas and this store. They knew exactly where to go, what to get and how much it cost.
it's not discrimination whe. you see people that you know are a problem.
it's one thing to see that a new black kid came to town, walked in and just happen to have a way of dressing up and being followed.
that person has no history and you're judging them off nothing, thats discrimination. but even then, if theyr in that hood, dressing that way, come.in with that attitude, snapping open items this store owns until its properly paid for...then still trying trying say discrimination wheb they are exerting that mannerisms still is iffy.
In this case, these were kids who already proved themselves to be a problem. thsts not discrimination.
So uf we're going to say the clerk is at fault, we're saying the clerk is wrong for calling out bad people for being exactly tgat, bad people? Cause that's who they were.
what your ereslly saying is "it's wrong to judge people".
Thats a very elementary way of thinking when there are so many other nuances to the situation.
These kids were judged on who they were in that area before that day even happened. ot discriminated against.Now, should the clerk had just shut up? Yes.
Clerk should've kept his words to himself, but they, as store owners who dealt with these bad kids before, had the right to keep an eye on their merchandise. and being in that area seeing how these kids are running it down, had a right to their thoughts. just should've kept it to themselves
@@agonleed3841 it's not the store clerks job to call people out on thier demeanor it's his job to say something if they stole something or mabey if they had came in disrespecting the owner and his wife of top, none of that happened reputations or not the store owner had the right to refuse service soon as they came in if that's the case but it's irrefutable for that kind of decision to be made when nothing criminal hadn't been done up until the point when the wife of the clerk decides to rush them out the store after they had already begun shopping thier items, the clerk could of handled it differently without the ugly looks and disrespect they knew they were intimidated and decided to escalated the situation instead of just selling the items and letting them both go about their business, give o dog has a short temper it's apparent things would've ended differently without the store owner and wife becoming confrontational and demeaning from the start
Whats craziest was that O dogg wasnt even an adult yet in the movie, he was still a minor
Great point! I think it makes the film that much more Heartbreaking. A lot of their lives are over before they really even begin.😔
Larenz Tate should have gotten a best supporting actor nod at the Oscars.
Which means his path was only gonna get worse after he turned 18
@@joejoerunya8908 not really he was never gonna have a life he was gonna have a life remember Chauncey sent that liquor store tape to the police he was gonna get arrested sooner or later
@@isaiah5034 Chauncey 😆 he was mad hurt
What broke me was that Sharif got killed to, and he was the nicest one of the main cast
I agree. Just a victim of his environment. But I guess that's the themes of choice?
@@itakeonmovies happens too much even nowadays in the la area
Yeah man, not much has changed and I think that's the coldest part of this movie. It's a pretty relevant story til this day.
What I took from Sharif being killed is that even him being a "good" person....he still associated with criminals.
Exactly. ✊🏾
This actually makes the ending very depressing. Caine is now deceased, O-Dog is now incarcerated (likely for life), and Ronnie is now traumatized. And since you mentioned the cycle, just imagine what Anthony would have been in the future as soon as he enters his late teens considering he was actually trying to emulate Caine.
Very depressing and real. Were thinking we're going to get a happy ending, but what makes the film so powerful is that we don't. Real life has consequences and this film showed the consequences of their actions. And I appreciate you mentioned Anthony. He is someone we tend to forget about, but his life is forever changed by this trauma now and were left wondering if he can escape the cycle. ✊🏾
@@itakeonmovies Absolutely and think about it it started the same way for Cain seeing the older dudes smoking weed and the traumatic realities he got exposed to it just continued the cycle. When do we break it ? Do we just leave glimmers of hope and maybe somehow it improves when somebody does something. Oh My God this is so tiring and pathetic and even now we see the sickening effects when its left untouched. Thais not an option. In retrospect look at crime ridden areas that can be gentrified and safe at the same damn time so its us not dealing with effective change and accountability. This is not a metaphor.
Yeah trauma may lead to more trauma, especially for others. Our kids, younger siblings etc. They see the things we do, so there does need to be accountability for our actions as adults. However, I can only imagine how hard it is for kids to escape that type of influence if that's all they know. They may just think that's how life is for them. The cycle is truly heartbreaking.
@@itakeonmoviesit was a happy ending....for the Korean shop owners, the crackhead , and all the others that these two fools destroyed..
In the original movie script, A-Wax was meant to die in the drive-by shooting alongside Sharif and Caine. Anthony grows up to become a vengeful small-time gangster.
Its a classic, Larenz Tate should have been nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar. It was well written and acted.
I agree. He definitely got snubbed! Great performance.
Facts!
Those stuffy white people in the academy weren't touching this movie with a ten-foot pole LOL
@@chiarosuburekeni9325 🤣🤣🤣
Nominated and won it… idk who won for BSA that year but guarantee Larenz destroyed em.
This movie is one of the best of all time. To say it’s just about toxic masculinity is really only looking at it at a surface level. It’s about how poverty, violence, drug abuse and psychological trauma can perpetuate for generations.
I agree..Toxic masculinity is a very small note I made in the video, to reduce this move down to just that would be doing it a disservice. It's about everything you mentioned and more. Can be interpreted in many ways. 🙏🏾
I definitely don't think that's what the video boiled it down to. It was a small section of it. It delved deeper into societal conditions and persnal choices that derive from that mental state the conditions leave you in.
🙏🏾
Half of the things your parents teach you are expressions of intergenerational oppression, where they are teaching you to fear the things for the sake of survival.
We all know a Caine, someone you know has the smarts and ability to leave but is afraid to step out of his comfort zone. Scared to start somewhere new where he doesn’t have anyone to rely upon, hence why he hesitated on going to Kansas with Sharif.
Love this becasue it's absolutely true. We all know a Caine. The sad part of Menace is that while we think it should've been easy for him to pack up in leave, we understand why he was hesitant. Hard to leave everything you know like that.
I pretty much am Caine, just in a very different environment.
Yes true we as a community tend to glorify the problems rather than rectify the solutions as if the only choice is death. What I 've never seen is a movie where young black men fight together to get out against the odds and build a rallying point to live and not die.
I always thought that when ODog asked the store clerk to “give my homeboy his change” Larenz Tate delivered that line with such an expressive look of adolescent innocence. Then just seconds later when the clerk said something about ODog’s mama it was like a switch was flipped instantly and that innocent look was gone. In a split second Larenz Tate went from looking like his character on The Royal Family to America’s worst nightmare.
It's always cool to see hood movies get analyzed and dissected in a real and thoughtful way. Film TH-cam is pretty huge and there are lots of specific pockets dedicated to a lot of different kinds of movies, but I almost never see anyone even acknowledge these great classics that had such a big impact on so many black people growing up.
Yeah before I started this channel I swore to shine a light on these films that are great, yet somehow underrepresented in terms of commentary. I'm hopin I can continue spark discussion and debates on all films, but especially these ones that tell stories from the ethnic minorities perspective. I appreciate ya! 🙏🏾
Since the voice-over narration is Kaine telling the story in past tense, and since his last line is “Now it’s too late”, I’ve always understood this to be, Kaine got shot in the drive-by 1st, and the movie is his life is flashing before his eyes as he is dying.
This could very well be possible. Seeing a playback of all the moments that led up to that outcome. Powerful! ✊🏾
That’s deep
That is a really solid point on it, I thought I recognized the full circle the movie had made especially when that tape was coming back - almost to remind us of the start of the movie
I don't condone O-Dog shooting up the store but the owner did himself in by telling them he didn't want any trouble and yet made that remark about O-Dog's mom.
You don’t talk about nobody mama. He def solidified his demise
Yeah owner definitely could've just said nothing and went on about his business.
I was looking for this comment. 💯 Facts
The owner said that he felt sorry for his O-Dog's mom. He didn't say anything bad. It's not as if he called his mother a whore. O-Dog could have cursed him out or punched him in the face like ITOM mentioned. There is no excuse for killing anyone in cold blood. Like ITOM mentioned, O- Dog didn't care about his own life much less that of other people.
I read in a comment somewhere that saying "i feel sorry for your mother" is the translated version of a phrase that chinese elders say. In other words, when he said it, it had a different intented meaning than what they percieved
It an unpopular opinion, but this movie was low key even more sad than Boyz in the Hood
Yeah I agree. Both sad films, but this one hits different for some reason. 🙏🏾
3:23 To Be Honest South Central, had a Happy Ending, cause both OG Bobby Johnson & Lil JRoc, survived,
But All Films had their Sad 😢 Moments and They Ups&Downs of Growing up in the Hood and South Central & being from L.A. it hit on all Levels from All the Trauma we all been through and losing friends or even family to shyt like this is Relatable, Stay Blessed Good 👍🏽 Review and Breakdown of a Good Film 📽️🎥 Like Menace II Society,
Of course this movie is heartbreaking. The history of black America itself is heartbreaking.
If I could like this comment more than once I would! ✊🏾
Someone said Kane was speaking from the grave the entire time. It was an interesting perspective and made me want to take another look at the movie.
These teachings are so difficult to avoid for some of our youth and the music reinforces the ideas to make them think this lifestyle is our path to success. Very thorough breakdown and the mental health points are huge. Do we care whether we live or die? Powerful. We see in Hiphop artist pridefully remain in spaces that allow their past to catch up with them. This content is quality and inspires me to touch on the mental health aspects of our music. 🔥
You're Spot on! I definitely think the earlier we can catch onto it the better chances we have of helping ourselves. The youth is where it starts! The music definitely plays a role, as you stated it can reinforce some pretty harmful concepts that the youth and even us as adults may take as gospel. However, do you think its fair to say some of these artists may be working out a form of trauma themselves and not even be aware of it? I think the hardest aspect of working on mental health is identifying when something needs to be worked on to begin with. As a mentor, I have no doubts in my mind you're doing your part to bring light to these issues however you can! ✊🏾
Thanks so much for the words and checking the video out man can't tell you how much it means.
@@itakeonmovies Definitely I love hearing quality articulations of the black plight so this was very enjoyable. I would like to see more but don’t box yourself in 💯
Yeah man, there's millions of movies out there to review and analyze and I will. But I'm definitely going to make sure I save plenty of space for black film. And more is on the way forsure! 💪🏾
I remember when I graduated from high school from Gary, IN I told myself I did not want to become a static so I went to the military.
The main problem I faced and still face is coming across a mate who could understand the struggles I overcame to even be where I am today. I'm only a government employee and a homeowner, but these folks think that it was just given to me
Sounds like hard work to me. Not just the success you've accomplished, but overcoming that of being a statistic. That's a win all on its own. No shame in working for the county either! Stay true my brother. ✊🏾
Jackson 5
This entire paragraph is my life, wow.
Shout out my fellow Gary, In brother! Salute to you.
Damn. Great video, review and analysis. Just finished the film and the part of the movie that has stuck with me the most has been the conversation between Caine and Pernell near the end of the film. The level of empathy that Pernell displays even after he realizes Caine started hanging with Ronny while he’s in prison, an action the viewer would expect him to react violently towards with what’s been shown the whole movie, is astounding. Caine even sheds his only tear in the movie after this moment here, finally showing the vulnerability he’s been working so hard to conceal. The most gut wrenching part tho is that the two men can’t even embrace, let alone touch due to the barriers constructed between them
Thank you! And that's definitely an amazing connection made by you as well. I've always thought that was a scene that's gotten overlooked by some. It's forces us to look past our own stereotypes because we are expecting an argument to ensue, instead were met either one of the more heart touching scenes in the film. It shows Pernell has matured, but going along with the themes, also show his maturation came just a bit too late. Thanks again for your thoughts! ✊🏾
One detail from the ending drive by that I thought helped showed how o dog and Caine are different is how o dog tried to protect himself by backing away from everyone and trying to find cover while shooting Caine ran after Anthony to shield him with his own body and I think this difference happens because of the people in Caine’s life telling him he could do more with his life whereas one can assume o dog doesn’t hence his don’t give af attitude it’s just really touching that even tho caine was so close to leaving his old life behind for a better one he instead chose to sacrifice his life to protect Anthony
Yeah O Dog without a doubt is someone who really only cared for himself. I think in his environment that's all he knows how to do. O Dog I think would kill for you, but not risk his life for you and i think that applied to Anthony. He also didn't have any relationship or care for the kid whereas that was practically Caines kid. Great observations! ✊🏾
This, New Jack City, Boyz N Da Hood & Juice is the Mount Rushmore of hood classics. They taught us life lessons & launched a lot of careers.
That's a Mount Rushmore I cannot argue with. They definitely are amongst the most important and or influential hood movies there are. Exactly why we still talk about them til this day. And they without a doubt launched a lot of careers. ✊🏾
They truly are and each one will always be important to watch and to discuss.
paid in full too
@@gnsramdadonno
New Jersey Drive
I really like the theory of O-dog not being real... Like after Caine witnessed the murder when he was a kid, it was so traumatic he created another identity that would protect him and fit in perfectly in this world of violence ..
So at the end it's like the good in Caine dies, he's all O-dog now..
I was 17 when this film dropped. I remember going to the movies to see it and it broke me down. Not just the film itself, but all the reactions that came with it. Besides the ending, I was hearing a lot of clapping and cheering throughout some of the graphically violent scenes. This hurt my heart. To think that some people were pushing and applauding for the violence that was on full display. The film will always hold a special place in my heart and to this day, it still gives me chills. I was just hoping that this film and so many others like it would be taken as a cautionary tale of what not to do. 👍✌️💯
I have to admit, when I first saw it I thought aspects of it were cool myself. Second time I saw it, it started to click that maybe they shouldn't be doing all this. Now as an adult when I watch it, it breaks my heart. Not just the film, but because I know it mirrors the actions and mindsets of our young men in real life. Anyone who thinks this film glamourizes the hood life is mistaken in my opinion as I agree that its a cautionary tale. A convincing one might I add. Thank you for your sentiment! ✊🏾
I sparked up with my girl over the weekend and she never seen this before and I put it on and as the movie progressed I lowkey was getting embarrassed. Like my people were really whylin in this movie. It’s sad lowkey. Killings were very graphic. All the cursing. I still love this movie but now at 26 years old I see it differently
Definitely the key. The way I view this movie now in my 30s is completely different then I how I first viewed it as a kid. I enjoyed it then for completely different reasons than I enjoy it now. I think its okay to be embarrassed by aspects of it, to me that just shows the maturation and growth we've made as times gone forward. 🙏🏾
@@RedRanger_ Was she white or something?
You're supposed to be quiet during the movie.
The story of Menace To Society is the thought provoking tale of a young boy's critical choice between the street life of violence, versus the opportunities to make a life that is productive in education and having a future that will bring an impact for a better life.
I saw M II S on release in Inglewood and was so floored, I had to go in again to the next screening to process/recover. It, for me, took the "moral/fable" approach of BOYZ IN THE HOOD, ripped it up and said, "Nah. This is the REAL." It was NWA after Run-DMC or something and made me love cinema and not feel alone. Great video/analysis.
Yeah exactly. They're both great films, but this I felt wasn't afraid to actually show even the main character can go. It was jarring, but thats real life sometimes. Definitely appreciate the 90s for allowing these stories to be adapted for the big screen. Thanks for sharing. 🙏🏾
This was dope. My favorite hood movie. The reason is because Kane could be anybody. He's a template to more easily show how someone ends up like any of the other characters we may see in this movie or others.
I agree with this fully! Someone commented on here that we all knew a Caine. And I think your comment touches on this too. Any of us who grew up in an environment even remotely close to this could've walked down this path. Thank you!
Caines Apathy to the world and his life in general is tragic he was a kid that never got to truly understand or grasp the potential he had in life.
100 percent correct. He was dealt a tough hand and had no one to teach em how to play it the safe and honest way. Sad story. 🙏🏾
It’s always been one of my favorite movies. As many times as I’ve seen this movie I’ve never accepted that he died in the end. I was always like “nah he survived all those shots” lol.
Haha yeah I think we're hoping for a Boyz in Da Hood kind of ending where our main character makes it out. To me that's why Menace is so important because it was bold enough to show even the main guy can go. Lets us know our actions do catch up to us, regardless who we are. 🙏🏾
I know same 😢😢😢
Scarface: You should've snorted some yeyo mang.... Look how many bullets I survived until I was shot from behind mang.
Everyone that cared about Caine tried to save him from himself. The movie played out exactly the way it was supposed to. I do however wish that after he was gunned down at the end of the movie that he would have had a flashback to the conversation he had with his Grandfather about whether he cared if he lived or died. He told him he didn’t know. He realized at that very moment, he indeed did know the answer. I appreciate this film not having a good ending because this is reality for a lot of Black Men and it was absolutely PERFECT.
Definitely agree with all of this. I think him mentioning the conversation with his grandfather worked, but they could've showed that conversation to make it more impactful, even with his voiceover, over it. Menace II Society held no punches and I believe that was the goal of the filmmakers, to show the harsh realities some of our brothers were and are going down.
I appreciate the comment and support! ✊🏾
Such an excellent film w/ a very tragic story at the helm. I’d highly recommend everyone to watch this movie at least 3 times in your life b/c you’ll get a different message out of it each time - (1) teenager (14-16), (2) early/mid 20’s (21-24), (3) in your 30s/40s
I can almost guarantee that you’ll get a different message from the movie each time you watch having understood more about life that these guys (and the real life people who inspired the characters) didn’t get a chance to.
I couldn't agree with this anymore. I definitely think it's a realistic cautionary tell with some pretty rich characters who deserved to be looked at as more than just thugs. Thank you! 🙏🏾
I definitely glorified alot of the behavior when I was a teen I was in love I was going through change and I had a learnt to learn now I look at alot of their ways very disturbing and saddening because of the lack of opportunity dey had and lack of resources
Exactly. Lack of resources can lead to some bad decision making. We've all done stuff as teens we aren't proud of, just fortunate enough to be here today to talk about it.
Your comment is on point. I was 26 when this movie came out and I am 55 now. For nostalgic reasons, the scene that I have been stuck on lately is Caine and Harold arriving at Doc’s for the party and Caine saying how all the homies were down for each other. Many of the homies I grew up with are no longer here and I certainly miss having them in my life because we were certainly down for each other growing up in my hood. In fact back in the day whenever something would go down, at least one of us would always say, “I’m down for y’all!”
This movie is a thought provoking message toward young boys in the areas where street violence and gangs, are highly active.
It most definitely is!
This movie scared the hell out of me when I was 13.
A few months before that, a good friend of mine from down the street asked me to hide a gun for him. I didn't know what to do, but I knew I couldn't let him take it to school. He had always stood up for me when I would get bullied with a fury like that of a big brother, so I had to get his back. I hid it in my SNES box in my closet. Thats how young we were.
A few months later, he was charged with murdering a clerk during a robbery at the corner gas station. He didn't use the gun I hid for him, but suddenly I felt connected to a murder.
I always felt guilty, as though I could have stopped him or helped him by being a better friend. These films can be a bit cheesy at times, but these stories are not as far fetched as they may seem. I didn't even think I was from a bad neighborhood. Now that Im a parent, I can't believe the environment I normalized as a child out of necessity.
I like to think most of these movies are drawn from real life experiences. You can attest to this yourself, as what you experienced sounds like it could be straight from a movie, when in reality this is daily life for some. I appreciate you sharing this, much respect to you! ✊🏾
Very heartbreaking. Caine was living too fast. There was only death or prison for him. He never thought he could do any better
He was given many chances a lot of young men in his situation aren't lucky enough to get. Just took too long to realize it. 🙏🏾
It's sad that Anthony will never have a solid father figure to teach him to be a man.
1.) His real father is rotting in prison.
2.) If Caine didn't get killed, he woulda wound up in prison because of Chauncey snitching on him.
Anthony will wind up another one of those emotional femenized dudes cause he was brought up by his overbearing mother.
What a shame.
Never thought of it like that daaayum true dat
Toxic masculinity right here.
Even if Anthony would be solely raised by his mom, he would still be influenced by his friends in the future, but at least he wouldn't have to grow up and end up the way Pernell and Caine did.
However, there are some kids with overbearing parents who can grow up to be rebellious and be exposed to toxic influences.
I agree. Are are all often influenced by who we are around frequently. So it makes sense that if those are his influences, he develops some traits. This isn't always the case, but can be.
Ultimately this is a cycle of dust perpetuated by absentee abusive fathers and masculine mammies for mothers. We need enough of us to turn the tide and do better. Lol we all crazy and got mental health issues, how could we not? We descended from exploitation, pain and enslavement. But at some point we have to do better. Breaking generational curses isn't just a trendy slogan to tout around on social media, it should be a lifestyle.
💯. I think the stigma around mental health and trauma hinders a lot of the progress that could be made, especially in black and other ethnically oppressed groups. Noticing it is important, but I'd love to see my people take the steps to deal with our inner battles. No matter how big or small. Love your comment. 🙏🏾
Yes we been traumatized but we gotta heal ourselves cause nobody else will do it.
Word. Definitely shouldn't rely on anyone to do it for us.
Loved this video! The opening and ending scenes is what instantly comes to my mind when I think of this movie. That tricycle is etched in my brain
It's etched in mine too. The opening scene is one of the best in a film period. The movie ends the way it begins, with death. Such an emotional and well made movie.
yooo that’s an intelligent version of Primm’s Hood Cinema 😭😭😭🤣🤣
But shit fire ngl 🔥🔥🔥
🤣🤣🤣 Primm is a legend! I appreciate you checking me out as well! ✊🏾
@@itakeonmovies he a all-star
Easily an all-star!
Great perspective on this film. I shared a lot of the same feelings while watching but never noticed how deep the first opening scene actually was.
Thank you! And yeah there's a reason the director chose this as his first scene I beleive. It's not just shocking, but tells you so much about the two main characters right away. ✊🏾
Nice video analysis. I consider it part of my "Big 3" Hood movies, the other 2 being Boys in the Hood and Juice. All 3 carry something more than what is just on the surface for me and good on you bringing it out. Caine and O-dog represent the levels of indifference with their lives and the people around them. With Caine it's like there are sparks of wanting to change but is just stuck in the contemplation. O-dog is pretty much psychopathic but is all but beyond hope because he even gets candid when in front of Caine's grandfather.
Nice. I love all 3 of these movies too. And they are all deeper than just being a "hood movie" and Menace definitely shines the light on how damaging growing up in a neglectful, non-resourseful environment can be. And I think you're right. O dog may have been too far gone, and even Caine despite something in him clicking that maybe this shouldn't be the life he chooses. Thank you for this! ✊🏾
I never saw Menace, but do work in the mental health field and it is riddled with trauma. When people devalue life and are disconnected from remorse, that absolutely results from trauma. People can be traumatized from seeing the devaluing of life, like domestic violence or murder. People can be traumatized from having their lives devalued, like through abuse, neglect, or violence. People who are traumatized in this way, especially when they have no ability to exit that trauma, have an emotional disconnect from self and others. Also to regain a sense of control in these "out of control" situations, the traumatized mirror the actions of their traumatizers, as if to outgrow being the victims and become those they perceive with power and control, the victimizers.
If I had to guess O-Dogg's reasons for the murder, the bringing up of his mother was a trigger for some horrific traumatic event related to the mother. When traumatized people are triggered in the clinical sense, they detach from themselves, their emotions, and from their connection to others, much like they had to during the traumatic event they survived. Also, the consistent discrimination / devaluing from the staff triggered O-Dogg to return emotionally to the times when he was devalued, vulnerable and harmed. When people who are traumatized do not heal from that trauma, there is a need to respond to current triggering situations as if they are the same as the traumatizing situations. Maybe it was violence and murder for O-Dogg that initially stopped the trauma to him and his family, and there were no new ways of addressing trauma, like leaving the traumatic situations.
Regarding Caine, when there is a lack of desire to leave a horrible situation and there is a lack of understanding whether one's self wants to live or die, that speaks to major trauma. A person is disconnected from ones self, ones emotions, and ones self-value when they have been traumatized and are forced to survive life, rather than thrive in it. That is why "reckless and dangerous" behavior is an officially recognized symptom of Post-Truamatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
I never saw Menace II Society, but I want to watch it ASAP. Another "hood" movie I recommend is a HBO series called the Corner. It shows a community and family in Baltimore that are consumed by the open-air drug marker there.
This is a great post brother. And I agree. I've gotten a lot of people who claim my video is about excusing the actions of "gangsters" or utilizing this "victimhood mentality" when all im simply stating is that sometimes if all you know is trauma, ones life may simply bring more of it. Its not to excuse their actions, but show that instead of writing off people as products of their environment, lets look at what's wrong with the environment. In society today many people fail to realize that most of societies issues can be linked back to some historical event, and the events that led to the creation of the hood or a ghetto, is probably one of the greatest examples of this. It was designed to break people, specifically people of color or socially and economically poor people. So by failing to acknowledge that, your failing to acknowledge histories role in taking, black fathers away from the household because they were victims of racially based murders, or incarceration. Your failing to acknowledge histories role in not allowing black families to receive a good education and get a good job, or buy a home. So in return what were some fathers, brothers or kids left to do to survive, for many whatever they could.
In short the whole pick yourself up by the bootstraps mentality is insensitive because while it does make sense logically, your telling it to a group of people who have historically been denied equal resources for illogical reasons. Its like me in the game, but giving me -25 points to start with. Now with this being said I do think choices matter, but like you point out, what type of position would one be in to make sound judgments when all they know is generational trauma? Some can get through it, while it may be too much for others. Caine is definitely an example of someone who just thinks the life he is living is normal and that's what's so heartbreaking, but also realistic about the film. We know people personally who couldn't even phantom anything other than the life they currently live.
Let me know what you think once you watch it. And you know what I've actually seen the corner, but back when it came out. I'd love to revisit again now that im older. I was like 13 when I first saw it lol. Hope all is well with you family! ✊🏾
As someone who went through emotional abuse plus physical as a child and is currently healing, acknowledging that I’m experiencing what I am because I was traumatized and abused was honestly hard. Subconsciously because I was conditioned to always put others needs before mine even at my own expense, I ended up minimizing my own pain. So have the abusers in my life. I minimized my pain because they did first. But because I can finally acknowledge that I was traumatized and deserved better and still do, I’m finally in a place where I can feel like I can move on. Another thing I’ve started to do is distance myself from my abusers. Unfortunately I have to live in the same house as them, but speaking to them is optional.
I always thought it triggered something traumatic that happened to his mother well. Its just a small clue as to what his upbringing was.
One of my favorite movies of all time..
I remember way back in the day, a friend of mine made a dub. I lost count of how many times I've seen it....subbed sir
Mine too. I appreciate it even more everytime I watch it!
And can't let you know how much the sub means to me. Don't hesitate to throw out any suggestions for movies. Always looking for stuff to analyze and watch!
@@itakeonmovies word my guy, can't wait to see the chanel grow✌🏾
@@trainyourdog7351 ✊🏾
When this movie came out I was living in a Toronto suburb going to a Christian private school...I was like 6 or 7...I had NO idea there was this seedier side in the United States...I didn't even know anything about rap or hood culture...when I moved to Tampa at 12 it all changed...I instantly felt the segregation and racial tension...I had some issues myself...I went to a pretty hood middle school for a year and it was shocking...I was just thrown into this crazy culture I had no idea about, especially the violence...the US has a lot of racial issues...hopefully one day people from this era will finally find peace.
Thanks for sharing all of this. I can only imagine how that must've felt being trusted into a completely different world, both geographically and socially. I've lived in California all my life so unfortunately a lot of this was pretty common, the violence and racial tension especially in the 90s. The west coast I imagine is probably a lot less racially charged than some southern states so I wonder how that had to have been in Tampa.
It's sadly a part of our world, but I love the hope and really hope your right when saying peace hopefully will come one day. Thanks for sharing 🙏🏾
This content style is fire 🔥 This is quality
Thanks my brotha. I really appreciate that! It's only the beginning ✊🏾
I think some people think talking about our feelings is soft because ppl feel like they have their own problems and things on their mind so they don’t want to hear someone else’s problems because it wears on them that much more just listening to it. That goes for people who aren’t in the hood as well. Some people simply aren’t caring enough to want to listen. They expect you to deal with it within yourself.
I can see this being very true. Or you've tried and were made fun of or brushed off and that feeling of neglect made you feel like you never wanted to talk about your feelings again. There are a lot of reasons people, especially men, don't like to express feelings or emotions. I do wish it became less of a stigma however. Thanks for your thoughts! 🙏🏾
Where their is a problem there is a better solution and work to be done its not soft and fluffy you have heard of kicking the can down the road ? its what happens when you dont. Yet we seem to be able to live with that.
There is a pattern in this movie the main character Cain was how to use a gun by I think Pernell and Cain taught Anthony the same thing. Also, Anthony sees death and violence at a very young age just like Cain. We also see how they joke around about trauma and don't really address is when Cain dies they joke about the heavy emotions displayed when Cain was near death, as if it were not a manly thing to show emotions when your friend could potentially die. We also see there is a lot of ego involved, where you are called a bitch if you don't retaliate or flee from danger i.e. when Cain's father killed that one guy. The guy could've paid up or ran away or did something to save his life, but instead he wanted to act hard as if 5 years in prison stops bullets. In my day and my area the young guys try to mimic rappers and gangsters are their role models. We also see how bad parentings plays a role i.e. gangster father who kills people and got killed, drug addicted motherhood and single motherhood. This movie hit extremely close to home because I know for a fact it can really be like that and I've seen it with my own two eyes in real life. It gives me mixed feelings about black culture.
This was a great video, I really appreciate the amount of effort you put in this video and your points breaking this movie down. I am trying to major in film and I wrote about this film for my college application, which is probably why this hopped in my recommended and I’m really glad it did. Keep doing your thing!
I appreciate that a lot! Definitely a movie I'm pretty passionate about due to how real it's themes are. I already you know your essay was well received as well. 🙏🏽
Great analysis for a great movie. Thank you
I appreciate that and thank you! 🙏🏾
Heartbreaking and depressing definitely fits this movie. Your take at the very end describe this movie very well. You did a good job with this analysis.
I appreciate that l, thank you! 🙏🏾
I’m from a Hood in the 209, west side represent, but this shit hurt in a positive informative way, ty for your work.
I appreciate that man. Familiar with the 209 forsure as I'm from the 916. Stay safe out that way 🙏🏾
O Dogg was a very scary individual and in my opinion, he is one of the most violent and scary gangster movie or TV show characters of all time.
I put him in the class of my top 5 with Tommy Desimone from Goodfellas, and Nicky Santoro from Casino, Ralphie from The Sopranos, Toco Salamanca from Breaking Bad.
Studying how these characters all act and the choices they all make during their time in their franchises is a very perfect character study for violent individuals like them in real life.
It makes me believe that they are natural psychopaths who really don’t have empathy for their victims or the regular people around them that are not apart of their world.
They gloat about their murders and even joke about some of the victims that they killed last words.
The actors who all played these characters definitely deserve respect because they really portrayed very scary and unpredictable characters that you would never want to find yourself in an altercation with.
I agree with a lot of your interpretation. In the case of O-dog he's definitely an unhinged gangster. However, I don't know if I can go full blown psychopath becasue I do think he exerts emotion albeit very selective, like towards his friends passing away etc. You very well could be right though.
You have in some good company for movie/TV crime villains. Those are all legendary characters. ✊🏾
I agree. I think alot of them are undiagnosed sociopaths and or narcissist.
Also I would add two characters.
-From the movie :tales from the hood, there was "Krazy K" &
-From the movie: City Of God there's "Little Ze"
All of them have such a low regard for life almost as if they kill for sport at times. And not so much O'Dogg ,but the rest of them feel they are superior or more important than the people they cross paths with
Yep. All of these characters exhibit similar qualities. And they all very well could have those similar issues. However it's important to note they all vote from similar, disadvantageous, oppressed backgrounds and cycles. Definitely products of their environments. 🙏🏾
@@dc7236 Yes!!
How could I have forgotten Lil Ze from City of God, he was a maniac since he was a little kid.
Krazy K didn’t have too much backstory, only the highlights of the killings he had done in the name of his gang.
Lil’ Ze is definitely worse, especially after his best friend got killed at the party.
He totally lost his crutch or his kinda moral center that kept him from making too many senseless killings or bad business moves.
Now that I think about it, I need to definitely put Dutch Van Der Linde on my list from Red Dead Redemption 1 and 2.
Stay tuned, because City of God is on my list of films to analyze! Love your thoughts on those characters as well. 🙏🏾
O Dog is a complete 360 from Larenz Tate and that’s the crazy part… and the film still holds up!
180
Definitely only proved how good of an actor he is, especially at that age. 🙏🏾
@@kneesoxxx7902😂😂😂
One one my favorite films due to my dad watching it with me young exposing things to me .. at 8 years old. I've learned alot about enemies and friends. I could have been caught up in some of these situations but had to walk away many times
Same here. Having thay exposure can help, shows you who's who and what's what. I was one of the lucky ones to have elders and friends steer me the other way. Or else this could've been me forsure. Think about it all the time. ✊🏾
O-dog is Kane's alter ego personified, they are one in the same
Yeah a lot of people beleive that is the case. I can definitely understand the sort of split personality idea behind the theory. ✊🏾
I’m so glad you did this video! Menace ll Society was not only a great movie, but one of the best movies I’ve ever seen in my life! You hit the nail on the head with so many points in this video. Out of all the so-called “hood movies,” this one was the best, and Boyz-N-The-Hood was the runner-up. I was not a big fan of all the other ones, although New Jack City definitely had a cult following, and was a pretty decent movie.
The thing about so-called “hood movies,” is they have to be relatable, good story and good acting in my opinion. This movie was so relatable to me because I grew up in the streets of North Philadelphia as a kid back in the 80s. The first time I watch this movie I was so amazed, because I felt like I was watching parts of my life experiences play out on the screen.
This movie definitely stands the test of time, and I can watch it, even to this very day, from beginning to end, and enjoy it the same way I did the first time I ever seen it! Definitely a classic in my opinion!
Thank you for the kind words! I think being able to relate to the film even from Philly shows just how connected a lot of us really are. Things may look and sound a little different, but in reality the hood is the hood and the struggles are often very similar. Hood movies represent a demographic that is often forgot about, but the really good ones make you think and question things. That's exactly what this film does! Thanks for the comment. 🙏🏾
The Korean guy fealt sorry for the dishonor O Dogg's behavior brought upon his mother.(honor is taken very seriously in Asian culture.)
To Black folks "Yo Mama" is Fighting Words.
so it was just wrong place at the wrong time.
Definitely a clash of ideas, cultures sprinkled with a bit of prejudice. Definitely understand the store owner/Asian perspective however he does know nothing about O-Dog, let alone his relationship with his mother. Just a muddy situation all the way around. 🙏🏾
One of my favorite movies. Honestly unforgettable. Wasn’t till bout 99 my uncle let me watch it. And maaaan everybody was patna after that
Haha yeah I definitely think this movie helped popularize the lingo. And made everyone wish they were from the hood. Lol
I agree everything this man said.. Menace of society is the best out of all the good movies that been out.. the fact that this is the first good movie I watch when I was young. I can keep watching this back to back and not get bored whatsoever..
A truly great movie!
Finally I can go on TH-cam and find an analysis about this movie
I know it's really only one way to interpret the film, but glad you were able to find an analysis.! Thanks for watching. 🙏🏾
@@itakeonmovies keep blessing us with work you do
Always man! 🙏🏾
It was one of a few Hood movies that were popular back in the early to mid 90's. There were lighter hearted takes on the genre such as 'White Men Can't Jump' and 'Friday' and then the more darker/deeper takes such as this and Boyz N The Hood. For me, this movie was showing the predicament that a lot of young back men find themselves in (and still do to this day) i.e. an intergenerational cycle of violence and poverty/lack of opportunity where they struggle to get out of it even if they want to and don't see themselves as having anything of value to offer mainstream society. Race is a dynamic although it ultimately comes down to economics.
It shows how confused they are such as with Sharif who was supposed to be one of these black power Nation of Islam types blaming everything on whites but was getting away by moving to one of the whitest/Christian/conservative pats of America you can get - Kansas. Another example of this was the teacher teasing him over his secret desire for white girls and the implication that rather than seeing himself as superior, he actually feels inferior and has turned to his belief system as a way to cope.
This movie is more complex than how it was received on release and it's only looking back that you can see all the little nuances and messages.
Some really great insight here. You touch on confusion and that's 100 percent in play here for these kids. They don't really have the guidance to know their moves aren't really making sense or are going to only end up harming them in the end. Everything you mention is why I felt it was important to make this video. Hood movies can be seen differently depending on a bevy of factors. Many see just an entertaining relateable hood story with some cool characters. I was guilty of this when I first saw it as a youngin. As an adult I began to look at it differently and realized it wasn't trying to glorify the hood life, in fact, it tried to quite literally do the opposite. It was a cautionary tale, but one that subtly posed the question, "why' is life like this for so many.
In my opinion Boyz N The Hood hits the economic and societal factors on the head more blatantly with Larry Fishbourne breaking it down. Menace II was more subtle, lacking that true lead role model helped show just how alone and confused these kids are and can be. Then we see why, for example with Caines parents. We're seeing firsthand how a lack positive material conditions can influence a negative cycle or a path of bad decisions. Both films are great, but I've always felt Menace was the more unflinching in its message. Thank you for sharing!! ✊🏾
Best breakdown of this classic black 90’s film and awesome video!!! 🔥🔥🔥💯
I cant thank you enough for watching, and this comment!
Larenz Tate had no business playing o-dog that well. This movie has so many messages but I truly wonder how do people from other countries that grew up in a neighborhood how do they view a movie like this I would love to hear from their perspective.
He really showed out in this movie forsure. And that would be an interesting perspective to here from.
Peace Alistair heard my husband playing this and couldn’t believe it was someone we knew! 😯 Great voiceover voice. Your videos are so thorough and thoughtful! Keep it up!
Isali! I really appreciate that and this is exactly what I felt when I stumbled upon you guy's channel as well. You're both naturals and also give great advice. Not to mention your both entertaining as well. I'll definitely keep up with it and I look forward to seeing you guys continue as well!! ✊🏾🙏🏾
One of my favorite movies and you hit the nail on the head exactly!
Thank you! That means a lot.
Great GREAT analysis…
You know, I’d like you to Analyze 1995’s Classic, NEW JERSEY DRIVE!
Similarities in dealing with circumstances and and the black environments we grew up in.
Thanks brotha!!!
I wouold love to take a look at it. New Jersey Drive is one I haven't seen yet so that would be a bonus for me.
And all thanks to you for the words an support, means a lot! 🙏🏾✊🏾
Great analysis of a great film.
Maybe you could do the movie Fresh someday?
Thank you! Definitely one of my favorite films and Fresh is definitely a classic in its own right. I'd love to analyze it. Be sure to subscribe and be on the lookout for that one in the near future. ✊🏾
I love that movie for the message about decisions and the consequences
Caine had potential and to quote A Bronx Tale: there's nothing worst than a wasted talent
Caine was that wasted talent
Yep. That's exactly what makes the movie hit so hard for me. I knew many "Caines" and unfortunately, many of them ended up not being able to reach their potential either. The Hood is rough my brother!
The internal question. I grew up with a great set of parents who tried to steer me towards the right path, but understood that I was in control of my own destiny. I got it in the end, but damn I see how hard they worked for me to be the man I am now even when I fought against them.
I need to talk about things with my therapist about my challenges.
In the story-telling format about Character Archetype for Heroes, Villains, Tricksters, & Shadows.....O-Dog is a Shadow character.
I just saw this yesterday and both the beginning and ending had my heart beating fast
Gets me too everytime. Few movies accomplish that. 🙏🏾
This is probably one of your best videos. Very well thought!
Hey thank you! I think it may be too, a lot went into this one. Appreciate the kind words as always! 🙏🏾
I just came across your analysis of this movie and I think it's on point menace 2 society is my favorite "hood" movie but it's a great movie in general not happy or upbeat but real in depicting a certain reality I always felt it was a cautionary tale for anybody moving or thinking about moving like that that by the time you wanna change up get out it could be too late
I feel you 100%. Always felt like a movie that just showed you a side of life that's real for a lot of people. The message isn't all in your face, it's subtle. That's what makes the ending so powerful. Definitely a cautionary tale. 💯
Because he ain't put himself there, because Charles Dutton character actually told him, because his grandfather asked if he cared if he lived, and he didn't know. But what people never talk about is how the good dude died just by association.
Great analysis, this movie still holds up til this day. I remember watching this movie for the first time years ago when I was 11, I was shocked what I saw but had an overall message in the movie.
I agree fully. I watched it for the first time when u was 14. Definitely have a whole new appreciation for it as an adult. Great message, but solid filmmaking as well!
As a white looking male with 100 Colombian blood in me I’m always the gringo until I open my paisa mouth if I wanna mess with people.. I watched this last night and cried through out it and couldn’t believe how hard it hit on so many topics and how well it’s done one of the best movies made I would say when it comes to story
I really appreciate this perspective. I think the movie was made for everyone. People who can relate and those who can't. It shows what life is like for many, the obstacles they face etc. Thank you for sharing! No shame in crying becasue it is a Heartbreaking, real movie.
People say movies, shows, or games don’t teach you nothing. Maybe because they don’t observe and analyze stories and just enjoy the entertainment even with music.
I agree! I think art in general whether it be music, film, video games are some of the best teachers in life. Especially films like this, that translate real life to the big screen. ✊🏾
@@itakeonmovies thank you my dude, keep the contents rolling in!
Got some new stuff coming soon.
I was just watching this today. Love the break down. Great job !
Thank you! 🙏🏾
One of the five greatest movies ever...in my opinion.
I think I would have to agree with you on that.
Toxic masculinity nah LA in the 80s and 90s was grim check the murder count they’re living in a primal state how they operate is for survival
I agree, but what factors do you think drove city to being this way? And what factors do you think were needed to survive in that city?
@@itakeonmoviesWatch LA 92
It wasn't just Rodney king that started the LA RIOTS. LATASHA HARLINS was the main focus of these riots. her murder was so senseless. and the Korean store owner only got a little bit of time for shoot this beautiful child in the back of the head. i think the opening was referencing that particulate event but I could be wrong. please remember Latasha. she was so innocent. and I feel its because of racism and the fact our lives mean nothing to most is why she ended up murdered like that. I still feel weird going into again stores. they really think all black people are thugs.
Generations and generations of discrimination will make other races feel that way towards us and when we begin to rise against were being non complicit. When in reality it's becasue we've been complicit with oppression for so long. Such a sad story and these boys in Menace II Society are only a small pocket of what the history can lead to. Thank you for your words. 🙏🏾
That clerk received NO time. She was given probation and i think she was deported back to Korea. And that shop was burned down like a pile of leaves
As it should've been. ✊🏾
Lowkey was overthinking a little bit but I never seen regret in o dog eyes ever in my life lol 😂
It's an intense movie for sure. If you don't get, you're just entertained, if you do get the emotions hit you way before the violence.
As an adult watching this movie, its just heartbreaking. I used to find it entertaining and cool, but now its exactly what you said, just intense.
Hey that's me.
Lol yup. The legend himself.
Great Analysis... As Primm Hood Cinema said Sad Hood Movie 😭
"They're in the hood. They're sad. Sad hood movie" Primm is a legend lol
O Dog wasn’t displaying toxic masculinity in the store, he stood up against anti black racism from the store owners B1
Definitely, but do you think it warranted death? Or that severe of a retaliation?
@@itakeonmovies did the death of Latasha Harlins warrant death over a bottle of orange juice?
Like you said in your commentary it contributes to your mental health being subjugated to anti black racism. He might have feared he’d end up the same as that young sister if he didn’t defend himself from the continued actions of these store owners who have a long history of beating and killing their black patrons.
@@DjSpeccs Absolutely not. However, they're both cases of unjustified and senseless violence prompted by internal motives. Koreans (Raciam) and O-Dog (A combination of things). Definitely not saying toxic masculinity is the only reason he did what he did, but I do think its one of them.
@@DjSpeccs and to the point of him being scared. Not sure I agree with that one. The store owners didn't brandish any weapons, if anything they wanted them to leave. However, that's what's great about this movie, there's really no telling exactly what was going through O-Dogs mind at this point. You could very well be right that he felt threatened. But I'm having a hard time believing O-Dogs was scared of much of anything.
That was a great analysis. Nothing more can be said.
I appreciate you! 🙏🏾
I was today years old when I realized how their baseball commentators are commentating the actions of the scene.
I’ll start the slow clap 👏 👏 👏
You've gained a subscriber! This was well-written and incredibly well thought out! Thanks for the essay!
Thank you for the words and support. Just getting started, hoping to only get better and your words are encouragement 🙏🏾.
Excellent commentary on this film! Got a new subscriber now 🙏🏾
I appreciate you! 🙏🏾
One of my favorite films and the usage of the closing instrumental was spot on 💪🏾
Mine too and thank you. I had to add it. 🙏🏾
Both commentary tracks from the Hughes Brothers on the Criterion blu-ray of Menace make mention of O-Dog's mindset during his big scenes. Super informative!
I've seen some commentary from them in only interviews, but would love to see their criterion edition commentary. Thanks for letting me know. ✊🏾
BEFORE THEY WERE CALLED WIFE BEATERS WE CALLED THEM O DAWG SHIRTS. ON GOD. THAT SHIRT WAS NOT A FASHION STATEMENT UNTIL HE WORE IT IN THIS SCENE. PERIOD.
You definitely might be onto something with this!
I think the person speaking about this movie is 90% correct about what he was saying. I thought the movie was amazing in terms of letting "other" people in and showing us the the sometimes tragic lifestyle of the inner city. That being said I want the narrator to know that other races grew up in the inner city. I grew up in Camden NJ and if you know anything about Camden you know it's no different than Compton or "name a bad city." I'm white. We finally left Camden in 1993 when I was 16. I was happy to leave but I was sad because of loosing some of my best friends (all black). I grew up in an environment where color, at least to me and my friends, was never an issue. And I also was taught by some of my friends grandparents (just like the movie) that you alone are responsible for your actions. I guess my point is that while it's true that some black people are dealt a crappy hand, so are some whites, asians, Hispanics, etc.. But ultimately it ends up being how you play your hand. God gave us free will to think for ourselves. Everyone knows wrong from right. Some of my friends from Camden are dead. But 2 of them were in my wedding party and are living amazing lives because of their choices. Not because their environment dictated their behavior. Bravo to the narrator. Well done sir.
It's about time I sit down and watch this. Great review and analysis here!
I think you won't regret it.! 🙏🏾
I'm a Chinese immigrant who came to America as a kid and watched these movies as I'm learning English and learning American culture. Boyz N the Hood, Jungle Fever, Do the Right Thing, and Menace II Society. Man to watch these movies now I need a better context to really understand
Thats really cool. Im interedted to ask do you think these movies gave you a negative perspective on black culture.? I've always been fascinated to know what people around the world who happen to watch these movies think? No pressure to answer if you feel uncomfortable. I'm just genuinely curious. 🙏🏾
It's not so much negative opinion as the inability to understand why the violence is so pervasive. For example, Italian mob movies has a romanticized violence to it, but the black movies has violence that's indescribable. Not Just in mance to society, but in Do the Right Thing and Jungle Fever. I think the American context with drugs and guns makes American violence special.
Also i Must add the media that has black voices speaking are very limited. Only stories with Slavery, civil rights, and gang violence are made. So for an immigrant, i see black people as marginalized. Not mainstream. Which might explain why immigrants tend to move away from black neighborhood even as we both experience poverty and discrimination. I also get the sense that in order to watch moves about black experience there needs to be a level of social awareness about black lives in America. As an immigrant, i Went to school and my parents are relatively well educated to understand. But if they aren't, we see nothing but the violence without knowing why that's the case.
This was a wonderful breakdown and the music you used was great. Keep producing good content like this and your turn will come when your channel blows up.
Can't thank you enough for the words. I surely do plan on keeping the content coming! 🙏🏾
Just watched this movie today and this is one of the best Hood Movies (hell maybe even drama/crime movies) I have ever seen. ‼‼‼👍👍
I couldn't agree more. An undeniable classic in my opinion. 🙏🏾
@@itakeonmovies yessir also great video 💪🏾
Thankful for seeing this film at an early age. Unfortunately I went on tour with a band where the support from Portland who borrowed everyone's gear thought this film was a comedy.
There is a comedy spoof of the film called Don't be a Menace maybe they thought it was that ?
HOPE YOU BLOW UP G...GO FOR YOURS 👊💯
My guy! Means a lot foreal and I appreciate the support. 🙏🏾👊🏾
@@itakeonmovies WORD UP BIG DAWG. IF YOU EVER NEED SOME GRAFFITI DONE LET ME KNOW HAHA WORD 💯
@@bigpesa6166 Will definitely keep you in mind. Anywhere I check your work at?
I stumble on this. Through the algorithm or the ol' TH-cam rabbit hole experience.
Mostly
this kinda subject is done jokingly, especially with black hood movies.
I like how you analyzed this piece of art. I will subscribe on the
spot. This is from a black guy living in The Netherlands. Keep on going.
I expect mastery... no pressure! I like this!!!
Tried to look at the film from a perspective many wouldn't. I really appreciate your support and can't promise mastery lol, but do promise I'll only get better! Sending peace to you out in the Netherlands from California! ✊🏾
Bruh all those films are heartbreaking! This, Boyz in da hood, juice, he got game, set it off, etc even don't be a menace is sad they just make light of the situation.
I completely agree. I just think so many people, myself included in the past view them as just hood movies, with cool characters. Not truly understanding how deep growing up in that kinda environment runs. ✊🏾
@@itakeonmovies This is true, I was a youngen when I watched Boyz in da hood, and thought cool movie. Until the L.A riots for Rodney King, then I realised this shit is real.
A shame though because it doesn't have to be this way.