Boyz n the Hood (Analysis)

Boyz n the Hood

Boyz n the hood is a powerful hood drama distributed by Columbia Pictures in 1991, it was written and directed by John Singleton. The movie addresses the situations of those growing up the hood, throughout the movie they show that most are exposed to violent crime, drugs, temptation, and even unjust harassment by the police. The movie was primarily aimed at young African American males, this is confirmed by the message displayed at the beginning of the film.

Through the 3 main characters Trey, Dough boy and Ricky the director helps to represent the average black male growing up in the hood. 

Trey (Cuba Gooding Jr.)

Trey is moved to go and live with his dad (played by Laurence Fishburne) when his mother (played by Angela Bassett) grows tired of him constantly acting up in school, in her doing this she not only puts him on the road to become a man but also subjects him to the danger of his environment.His character is set up as an almost "neutral" party as he represents the constant struggle between good and evil in a child as a result of their surroundings, Dough boy being the "evil" and Ricky being the "good". 

This is also shown when they are children, the camera frames the three of them so Trey is in the middle while the two brothers Dough boy and Ricky are fighting behind him. This further shows that throughout the movie he is constantly tempted to follow his friends despite the ramifications.

Ricky (Morris Chestnut)

Ricky represents the person trying to be productive with his life and get out of the hood. He is a teen father and is looking to go to college on a football scholarship. He is unsuccessful in the matter as he shot by local youths as result of a prior disagreement.

This was one of the most unfortunate and memorable deaths in the history of film, Ricky wasn't a gang member or delinquent but simple a teen father trying to make a life for himself and make sure he can provide a good life for his son. I talk about him as if he is a real person, because for many of the intended audience this was a real person as they may have known someone like this.

Dough Boy (Ice Cube)

Dough Boy however shows the person who is a clear product of his surroundings and has submitted to its ways of life, he is put on the path to crime at the tender age of 10. Some may argue that the absence of a father/ father figure in his life has resulted this to happen, it may also be because of Ricky being the apparent favourite child, it is implied that the "favorite" may be because of their different fathers. Dough Boy's mum (played by Tyra Ferrell) seems to be less affectionate towards him than Ricky through her actions in the movie. She would speak in gentle, loving tones to Ricky but speak harshly towards Dough Boy. When they both were fighting she walks over to them and slaps Dough Boy then turns around and comforts Ricky. This type of behaviour may have caused him to feels inadequate and so act out.

Through the presence of these characters they connect with their target audience, because they are relatable and are carried out realistically and with such passion. On some level this also connects with those outside of their audience as the chosen themes cover a wide perspective.