Romeo Must Die
William Shakespeare's streak as the hottest storyteller in Hollywood continues with this modern-dress variation on +Romeo and Juliet. In this loose adaptation, Hang Sing (Jet Li) is a former police officer from Hong Kong who comes to the United States following the death of his brother, the leader of an Asian crime ring. Hang Sing discovers that his brother had become involved in a turf battle with an African-American gang, led by Isaak (Delroy Lindo). But his blood lust begins to subside when he falls in love with Isaak's daughter Trish (Aaliyah) and finds himself torn between his affection for her and his desire for justice against the men who killed his brother. Romeo Must Die was the directorial debut of noted cinematographer Andrzej Bartkowiak; the supporting cast includes Russell Wong and Isaiah Washington.
Director: Andrzej Bartkowiak
Starring: Jet Li, Aaliyah, Isaiah Washington, Russell Wong, Delroy Lindo
Who needs iambic pentameter when you have Jet Li around?
Doesn't take advantage of its own possibilities, either as a hard-boiled gangland battle or as a soft-boiled, interracial Shakespearean love story.
A plodding, play-it-safe rendition of "The Family Feud."
The reason to sit through its uninspired, formulaic moves, however, is its half-dozen spectacular fight sequences.
Li is a phenomenon.
Most Performed Songs from Motion Pictures
ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards (2001)
Best Actress
BET Awards (2001)
Favorite Soundtrack (Internet Only)
Blockbuster Entertainment Awards (2001)
Best Female Performance
MTV Movie Awards (2001)
Film - Choice Drama
Teen Choice Awards (2000)
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