Dozens of people are pissed off with Spike Lee’s new movie Chi-Raq.
If you didn’t already know, the main plot is based on the Ancient Greek play Lysistrata
Here’s a quick summary from Sparknotes:
Lysistrata has planned a meeting between all of the women of Greece to discuss the plan to end the Peloponnesian War. As Lysistrata waits for the women of Sparta, Thebes, and other areas to meet her she curses the weakness of women. Lysistrata plans to ask the women to refuse sex with their husbands until a treaty for peace has been signed. Lysistrata has also made plans with the older women of Athens (the Chorus of Old Women) to seize the Akropolis later that day. The women from the various regions finally assemble and Lysistrata convinces them to swear an oath that they will withhold sex from their husbands until both sides sign a treaty of peace.
Spike Lee released a video on Friday once again defending his new movie, Chi-Ra, after Chicago residents found the movie offensive.
“GOOD MORNIN’ CHICAGO. A Few Chosen Words From Me, Spike Lee,” he tweeted along with the 3-minute Vimeo video, in which he clarifies that the gangster film is “not a comedy,” in response to those who feel it is making light of violence in the city.
“There are very humorous moments in the trailer. Now some people are getting it twisted and think that this is a comedy. ‘Chi-Raq’ is not a comedy. ‘Chi-Raq’ is a satire and there is a difference between humor and comedy,” Lee said. “In no way, shape or form are we not respectful of the situation that is happening in ‘Chi-Raq.’ In no way, shape or form are we making light of the lives that have been murdered with his senseless violence. People, don’t get it twisted.”
Chicago rapper Rhymefest told Chicago Tribune that he is among several people offended by the trailer for the feature film starring Nick Cannon, Jennifer Hudson, John Cusasck, Wesley Snipes and Samuel L. Jackson.
“I think it’s irresponsible,” Rhymefest said. “The overwhelming majority of people on the South and West Side believe this is foolishness,” the rapper said.
But, Rhymefest is not alone. Here are just a few of the complaints:
@XXL dumbest shit ever
— $outh $ide $antana (@WadySantana) November 5, 2015
I have no thoughts on #Chiraq. I don’t know what the hell I just watched. The trailer gave me Pootie Tang meets Hustle & Flow. — ?????? (@callmedollar) November 3, 2015
Recent Chi-Raq news:
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Spike Lee’s ‘Chiraq’ Starring Kanye West and Samuel L. Jackson Open Casting Call in Chicago
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NBA 2K16 Casting Call for Spike Lee’s New Movie
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Hundreds Attend Spike Lee’s ‘Chiraq’ Open Casting Call
What do you think of Chi-Raq? Share with us your thoughts in the comments below!