Ice Cube

Doughboy in Boyz N the Hood gives Ice Cube a character whose defensive attitude cannot entirely conceal hurt and disappointment. His force within the group is important, but so are the moments when that force no longer provides an answer. The family relationships give the performance a particular emotional setting rather than leaving it as an extension of a rapper's image. Start with this film and pay attention to his quieter exchanges. The character stays with the viewer because the hardness has an intelligible human cost.