
Screenwriter Tyger Williams reflects on the legacy of the Hughes Brothers’ controversial crime saga, which turns 25 this year. Menace II Society is released on Blu-ray by the Criterion Collection on 6 December.Beats, Rhymes and Cinema: Menace II Society PLUS: An essay by film critic Craig D.English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.New conversation among Allen Hughes, actor and filmmaker Bill Duke, and Mitchell.


Despite their best efforts, a life of crime was always lurking in the background. Indeed, it didn’t last long and his grandparents took over and tried to raise him in the right way. Growing up with a father who’s a drug dealer and a mother who’s a drug addict meant ‘Caine’ (Tyrin Turner) never really stood a chance. The African-American voice was largely sidelined or reduced in mainstream US cinema, but things began to change in the 1990s with the likes of Boys n the Hood, Friday, Jungle Fever, Mo Better Blues and Menace II Society. The same can be said for directors and leading actors. However, successful producers and studio heads have traditionally been white men.

Over the last decade, the film industry has taken major steps forward on the diversity and inclusion fronts.
