lesson: Boyz N The hood, 1991 

Plot Summary:

John Singleton's portrayal of social problems in inner-city Los Angeles takes the form of a tale of three friends growing up together 'in the 'hood.' Half-brothers Doughboy and Ricky Baker are foils for each other's personality, presenting very different approaches to the tough lives they face. Ricky is the 'All-American' athlete, looking to win a football scholarship to USC and seeks salvation through sports, while 'Dough' succumbs to the violence, alcohol, and crime surrounding him in his environment, but maintains a strong sense of pride and code of honor. Between these two is their friend Tre, who is lucky to have a father, 'Furious' Styles, to teach him to have the strength of character to do what is right and to always take responsibility for his actions.

Students will analyze the movie Boyz N The Hood, the first movie written and directed by John Singleton, revealing experiences from his childhood of growing up in South Central LA. Singleton's style of harsh reality mixed with deep human emotions will be analyzed for classroom discussion. Film terminology will be presented as they are demonstrated in the exhibition of the motion picture.