After almost 18 years since its release, Boyz N The Hood is still considered one of the classic films. The movie revealed to the world a side of Los Angeles that no one outside the area knew. Telling the tale of the streets of South Central, Los Angeles, and Compton, this cult classic is about one of America’s most notorious ghettos.
Directed by a debuting African-American filmmaker, John Singleton’s movie had stars like rapper Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Morris Chestnut. At the time, a movie with such ‘no-so-famous’ colored actors seems not quite like the recipe for blockbuster success. However, Boyz N The Hood proved the skeptics wrong and went on to become a huge success.
Even after all these years, this Oscar-nominated film still feels precious for us. Why we absolutely love this classic?! Here are 5 reasons for you:
1. Ice Cube’s Casting
There is no doubt that the actors of Boyz N The Hood has some of their most brilliant performances. However, if it wasn’t for Ice Cube’s remarkable acting, the movie might have become a little less memorable. With that being said, it was not the same when Ice Cube was the first cast for the movie. The rapper gave a ‘bad audition’. But Singleton took a chance and the rest is history.
2. Eat, Sleep, and Sh*t
Boyz N The Hood is filled with so many iconic moments. But, none will be as memorable as the classic phrase, “All you do is eat, sleep, and sh*t”. The famous dialogue from Mrs.Baker still remains a favorite pop culture reference for many.
3. Liquor Store Conspiracy Theory
“Why is it that there is a gun shop on almost every corner in this community?”. This is this question that Furious Styles asks the old man. It kick-started the very famous liquor store conspiracy theory. Styles’ answer to the question is pure gold: “For the same reason that there is a liquor store on almost every corner in the black community. Why? They want us to kill ourselves.”
4. Reality Check
Boyz N The Hood is notable for not being afraid to show us the realities of being a Black living in the hood. Ricky’s death scene in the alley is still heartbreaking. Ironically, the movie’s depiction is still valid today.
5. Cultural Importance
Boyz N The Hood stands tall as it represents the importance and power of creativity. The movie was literally made against all the Hollywood landscape. It is one of the reasons why this work of art resonates even today. In 2002, ‘Boyz N the Hood became part of the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress’. It is a program established in 1989 to preserve films deemed important for future generations.
