Chi-Raq is a street term used in America to compare the streets of Chicago to that of Iraq because of the gang violence and death toll, despite what the title might imply, this is not your typical ghetto gangster movie, so a lot of simps won't like that, but if you're familiar with Spike Lee, then you should already know he's not your typical director, which is what makes him great. This movie is a modern day adaptation of a 411 BC Greek play called 'Lysistrata' by Aristophanes, so i was expecting something a little more different than your typical hood movie, and i was right, as you get deeper into this movie you start to notice the dialogue is very animated and somewhat like a play, which is understandable since it was adapted from a play. Set against the backdrop of gang violence in Chicago, Chi-Raq gives a would be hood movie a twist and explore's a new angle, which is a welcomed change if you ask me because in my opinion there's been an over saturated amount of hood movies with the same boring storyline that's been done many times before so this is a breath of fresh air. Chi-Raq features an array of established and talented black actors and actress's such as, Wesley Snipes, Angela Bassett, Nick Cannon and others, including Samuel L Jackson, who plays the narrator of the story. The male lead role, played by Nick Cannon, who is also called Chi-Raq, is a gangster/rapper and leader of one of the opposing gangs in this movie, Wesley Snipes plays 'Cyclops' the leader of the other gang. Teyhona Parris plays the lead role of 'Lysistrata', Chi-Raq's girlfriend who the story evolves around. This movie is a drama with comedic elements, a far cry from your average run of the mill drama, Chi-Raq is a thought provoking movie that explores sexual relations in a male-dominated society in which women have to use their sexuality in order to get their voices heard, this is basically a good story of women banding together for a greater good, Chi-Raq is a interesting and entertaining watch.
Chicago women abstain from sex to force gang members to end the senseless cycle of violence.
Director: Spike Lee
Writers: Kevin Willmott, Spike Lee
Stars: Nick Cannon, Teyonah Parris, Wesley Snipes, Angella Bassett,
Running Time: 1h 58min
Initial Release: December 4th, 2015
