CHI RAQ

Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq is a bold, genre-blending satire that reimagines Aristophanes’ Lysistrata in modern-day Chicago. Set against the backdrop of escalating gang violence on the South Side, the film follows Lysistrata (Teyonah Parris) as she leads a sex strike to compel men to renounce their weapons. The narrative unfolds through stylized dialogue, musical interludes, and vivid visuals, blending humor with important social commentary. Featuring performances by Nick Cannon, Wesley Snipes, Angela Bassett, and Samuel L. Jackson, Chi-Raq confronts themes of gun violence, systemic inequality, and community resilience.