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Menace II Society (1993)

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1:41 | Trailer

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

Directors:

Albert Hughes (as The Hughes Brothers), Allen Hughes (as The Hughes Brothers)

Writers:

Allen Hughes (story), Albert Hughes (story) | 2 more credits »
Reviews
Popularity
1,286 ( 2,129)
2 wins & 4 nominations. See more awards »

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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 Eugene Lee ... Man #1
James Pickens Jr. ... Man #2 (as James Pickins Jr.)
Nancy Cheryll Davis Nancy Cheryll Davis ... Teacher (as Nancy Cheryl Davis)
Jullian Roy Doster Jullian Roy Doster ... Anthony
Jada Pinkett Smith ... Ronnie (as Jada Pinkett)
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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. Written by Daniel Bredy <gt3655a@prism.gatech.edu>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

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

Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong bloody violence, drug use and pervasive language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 May 1993 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Menace to Society See more »

Filming Locations:

USA See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

$3,500,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$27,900,000
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Line Cinema See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The car used in the drive-by at the end was a, 1968 Pontiac Executive Four-Door Hardtop. See more »

Goofs

During Ronnie's party scene, Caine's voice over says that the party was at the end of the summer. During the party Chauncy tells a girl that "me, A-Wax and Caine went to a Lakers game last night." The NBA season starts in November and has no regular games being played at the end of the summer. See more »

Quotes

Chauncy: Hey Caine, you and me, baby!
[soto voce]
Chauncy: Cock-blockin' muthafucka.
See more »

Alternate Versions

UK video, LaserDisc, and the initial DVD versions were cut to remove footage of O-Dog unlocking a car door by using a metal strip. The cuts were restored to the 2003 DVD. See more »

Connections

Referenced in La Haine (1995) See more »

Soundtracks

SLOW DANCE (HEY MR. DJ) INSTRUMENTAL
Written by R. Kelly, T. Blatcher, M. Jefferson
Performed by R. Kelly and Public Announcement
Courtesy of Jive Records
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

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User Reviews

 
Vastly unequivocal yet breathtaking
24 January 2018 | by westen1223See all my reviews

Menace II Society portrays urban hood life during the early 1990's perfectly and outstandingly. Unlike Boyz N the Hood, the film gives us an inner perspective on hood violence and the bloody consequences of certain individuals and may I say, they have done it fantastically. The cast members played their role momentously and their performances were exceptional, particularly Tyrin Turner and Larenz Tate.

Although the consistent violent scenes, the movie puts realism in several successful ways and that is why this is one of my favourite films of the 1990's. Powerful and poignant.


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