Menace II Society (1993)

A young street hustler attempts to escape the rigors and temptations of the ghetto in a quest for a better life.

Directors:

Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes

Writers:

Allen Hughes (story), Albert Hughes (story),

Stars:

Tyrin Turner, Larenz Tate, June Kyoto Lu

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tyrin Turner	...	Caine
Larenz Tate	...	O-Dog
June Kyoto Lu	...	Grocery Store Woman (as June Kyoko Lu)
Toshi Toda	...	Grocery Store Man
Samuel L. Jackson	...	Tat Lawson
Anthony Johnson	...	Tony
Brandon Hammond	...	Five Year Old Caine
Glenn Plummer	...	Pernell
Reginald Ballard	...	Clyde
Khandi Alexander	...	Karen Lawson
Eugene Lee	...	Man #1
James Pickens Jr.	...	Man #2 (as James Pickins Jr.)
Nancy Cheryll Davis	...	Teacher (as Nancy Cheryl Davis)
Jullian Roy Doster	...	Anthony
Jada Pinkett Smith	...	Ronnie (as Jada Pinkett)

Storyline

This urban nightmare chronicles several days in the life of Caine Lawson, following his high-school graduation, as he attempts to escape his violent existence in the projects of Watts, CA.

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Plot Keywords:

ghetto | street | high school | homicide | family relationships | 

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Taglines:

This is the truth. This is what's real.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence, drug use and language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 May 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Die Straßenkämpfer

Filming Locations:

7th Ave and Montclair St., Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$3,500,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$27,900,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Line Cinema

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (FotoKem)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Tupac Shakur was originally cast to play Sharif but was fired which led to a physical fight with Allen Hughes. Shakur was charged with assault and battery. Shakur bragged about the altercation on an appearance on Yo! MTV Raps. A tape of the appearance was played at the trial as evidence against Shakur. Shakur was sentenced to 15 days in jail.

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Goofs

When Caine gets his car, the camera is reflected in a car window.

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Quotes

Pernell: [during a visit to the penitentiary] It's been a long time, Caine. How you doin', man? How come you never come see me?
Caine: [looking down] Man, I don't want to see you all caged up like some animal.
Pernell: Is that what you think? I'm a animal?
Caine: Nah...
[looks up, almost in tears]
Caine: When I was growin' up... you was like my dad, man.
Pernell: [takes the phone away from his ear in disbelief, only to return it] Your letters... in the beginning... it got me through, young bra. Away from my girl, away from my baby, away from you...
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in Men Behaving Badly: Jamie Needs a Kid (1997)

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Soundtracks

"ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE"
Written by Too $hort (as T. Shaw), Ant Banks (as A. Banks), R. Gooden, S. Jordon,
M. Hampton
Performed by Too $hort
Courtesy of Jive Records

User Reviews

Brilliant movie

Menace was a brilliant film. There are many reasons to it, but I think what makes it so special is it's sense of style. It proves effectively that a gritty street-drama doesn't have to look bad in order to be realistic. Instead of using hand held cams and grainy film the Hughes' shoot their film with style, influenced by John Woo, and action-comics.

The violence used is also excessive and very graphic. There are brutal beatings as well as bloody shootings, all shot much better than your average action-movie. Like as in Dead Presidents, the directors aren't afraid of over-doing anything. Through slow-motion and impressive camera manoeuvering they're making great, exhilarating action.

Well, besides the violence the movie is great in many other ways. The shootings and bloodlettings are just to make it more realistic, which is pretty much the goal of the movie. In heartbreaking detail the main characters narrate us through youth criminality, drug-dealing, racism and a lot of other nasty stuff. The voice-over works really well, making Menace a sort of black "Goodfellas".

The story is great, in some points resembling some greek tragedy, with a storyline used successfully in other movies like Carlito's Way, Goodfellas, American History X and many others. It's about changing your life in time, before it's too late. If you don't change in time, all your past sins will come back to you. The movie is hilarious, sad, suspenseful and very educational for those who think there is racial equality in USA.

The Hughes' are young, aggressive and untouchable film-makers who intend to show you the real world, and do it with style.