The trailer has dropped on Spike Lee‘s latest entitled Chi-Raq. The film is a modern re-telling of Aristophanes’ Greek comedy classic Lysistrata. Lee directed and co-wrote the film with Kevin Willmott (writer/director of controversial 2004 mockumentary C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America.
Set amidst the backdrop of gang violence in Chicago in the present day, Chi-Raq offers a satire that starts with women opting to withhold sex with the pledge “I will deny rights of access and entrance.” Teyonah Parris (Dear White People) stars as Lysistrata. The all-star cast includes Nick Cannon (Drumline), Wesley Snipes (Blade), Angela Bassett (Green Lantern), Samuel L. Jackson (The Hateful Eight), John Cusack (Love & Mercy) and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls).
The film opens at an optimal time for Lee as he will soon be honored with an Honorary Oscar at the upcoming Governor’s Award. Lee has been sticking to his independent roots with recent films that include Da Sweet Blood of Jesus (2014) and Red Hook Summer (2012)- his last studio project was the American redo of the modern classic Oldboy (2013). His cinematic legacy was secured long ago with classic films including Malcolm X (1992) and Do the Right Thing (1989)- for the latter Lee received an Oscar nomination for penning the screenplay. We shall see if Chi-Raq can add to his impressive filmography.
Roadside Attractions will distribute Chi-Raq theatrically starting on December 4th making the film eligible for this years’ awards season. Roadside partnered with Amazon Studios, who will present the film on Amazon Instant Video following it’s theatrical run. Check out the trailer below.
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