MovieChat Forums > Friday (1995) Discussion > Does this movie touch on some serious pr...

Does this movie touch on some serious problems in the black community?

posted 6 years ago by Burk48917 (11534)
5 replies | jump to latest

Stanley takes care of his things, is polite and clean. His character is mocked and belittled, almost to the point of vilification.
Deebo isn't the protagonist, but when he knocks out the guy wanting his bike back, they mock the owner of the bike? Nobody calls the police, even anonymously? Smokey is a looser, pure and simple, but he's definitely cast as a protagonist.
This seems to say that as long as you are " keeping it real" you can be feared, known to be a criminal, and violent, but you are embraced in the black community. However, if you try to elevate yourself above the standard, you are a sellout and weak, and fairly subject to be the victim of crimes by fellow members of your community.

[–] HelpMeRhonda (1158) 6 years ago

Good points. I'd say it's a representation of some aspects of the black community. I don't know if the movie's purpose is to "touch on some serious problems" in the community, but instead illustrate them.

Stanley is vilified because he's stuck up. He kinda reminds me of Carlton from "Fresh Prince." Spoiled, bad attitude. He acts like he's territorial, but he's really just a pushover. Don't nobody like people like Stanley, black community or not.

You hit the nail on the head with Deebo. Someone could've called the police, but would the police have come? Nah. Plus, standing up to Deebo would be tough to do. We saw that with Craig.

Smoky is more of a jester or sidekick character than a protagonist. Yeah, he's a loser, but he's OUR loser.

This movie painted a vivid picture of a day in the hood. It is what it is.

[–] Burk48917 (11534) 6 years ago

I agree, and i think its a fairly accurate portrayal. My issue is celebrating the flaws in the culture rather than highlighting the problems. I also get the type of comedy that it is, so maybe i shouldn't expect much more.

[–] HelpMeRhonda (1158) 6 years ago

I understand the point. Yeah, it's just taking the flaws and putting them in a humorous light.

However, it DID take the gun violence seriously though. At the end of the day, the dad's advice leading to Craig putting down the gun may be the best thing about the movie.

[–] Burk48917 (11534) 6 years ago

Actually, I 100% agree with that being the most important message. Unfortunately I don't think the guys out there in real streets took much notice.

[–] LiquidOcelot (2452) 5 years ago

Yep, agreed with everything said. There's a reason why black people are generally more uneducated and my inclined to be criminals, it's due to the backwards mentality you highlighted.