'Chi-Raq' sparks discussion of guns, violence

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Spike Lee's new film Chi-Raq opened in theaters Friday, and in true Spike Lee fashion, the film has a very serious social message about gun violence presented in the form of comedy.

Chi-Raq highlights the violence that's plaguing cities around country, including Chicago, the setting for this film.

Inspired by the ancient Greek comedy Lysistrada, the women in the fictional Chi-Raq attempt to curb the unrest in their city by choosing not to show affection to their male counterparts until they comply with demands for peace.

Lee has clarified that he is not trying to challenge Second Amendment rights, but instead hopes to encourage "more rigorous background checks."

And, as this film receives critical praise for its cinematic quality, it's already fueling a conversation that impacts New York City and the rest of the country.