Spike Lee Turns 55 Today! Here Are The ‘Must See’ Of His Movies

Spike Lee is one of the greatest writers and directors out there. From his very first film, Joe’s Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads in 1983, he has made himself not only a Hollywood force, but one who doesn’t fear controversy. Controversial filmmakers are always the best on whom to keep your eye, because you never know what’s coming next.

His films, which mostly take place in New York’s Brooklyn neighborhood where he grew up, are not afraid to cover such topics like race relations as well as how both the African American and white communities not only view each other but “deal” with each other. Lee’s films are brilliant and thought-provoking; and each one, even when you least expect it, is about love. Not just love as in relationships, but loving one’s neighborhood, roots, and most importantly each other no matter what differences we may think we have between us. Have I gushed enough yet?

So on his 55th birthday, here are six Spike Lee “joints” that you should check out. Prepare yourself to be educated and moved.

4 Little Girl
The heartbreaking documentary about the four African-American girls who were murdered in 1963 during the bombing of a Baptist church in Birmingham, Alabama.
You will definitely need tissues for this one

Do the right thing
This one is a favorite of mine. You have an amazing cast of Rosie Perez, Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, John Turturro as well as many others.

crooklyn
Another one that takes place in NYC -- more specifically Brooklyn's Bed-Stuy neighborhood in the 1973. Brilliantly done, and once again covers race issues and relations.

Jungle feaver
What happens when I white woman falls for an African American man? A complicated and beautifully written love story.

Summer of Sam
First of all look at Adrien Brody's hair. Secondly, the movie takes place during the summer of 1977 when the serial killer, Son of Sam, terrorized the streets of New York. Who doesn't love a serial killer thriller?

Malcom x
Denzel Washington playing the late activist? Yes please. His performance got him an Academy Award nomination.
It's about racial tensions, New York in the summer and you've got Public Enemy on the soundtrack.