Just saw the Alabama 3 host a kick ass gig at the Leadmill!
Just saw the Alabama 3 host a kick ass gig at the Leadmill!
Member since:11.10.2001
Reviews:5
Members who trust:5
What does Kung Fu, R n B, and William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” have in common? Very little you may think. That is. unless you have seen Romeo Must Die. I was sceptical as to how it would work with the R n B sound track, having listened to the CD previousely and was not impressed.
However, the music did surprisingly suit the theme and style of the film. Possibly due to the African feel of the film. I found that there were times when the music seemed to dominate the film, but generally it was used as a subtle counter-point to the films stunning visuals.
I must confess, due to my current ennui with the film industry, that very few films have found me perched on the edge of my seat (Okay, bean bag), with my jaw on the floor. Not just for the choreography of the action scene’s, but the cinematography added to the sensational feel of this film.
The choreography was simply perfect, with sufficiently subtle use of wires to create almost believable effects. Combined with the obviously trained Actor’s for the parts, this created a series of stupendous action scene’s
The finale with Jet Lee has a superb series of manoeuvres which are simply outstanding.
With reflection, I can see that a lot of the choreography seems inspired as was Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, from the Hong Kong films of the 1970’s. For a lot of the action sequences hail to the almost supernatural grace and elegance portrayed in the Hong Kong films from that decade.
The violence within Romeo Must Die was counter pointed by the justification which you felt Han (Jet Lee) worked by. With the added humour which was scattered throughout the film, enough to add a more light-hearted feel to the film, without deviating from the thrust of the story. This was capitalised by the fact that you began to feel sorry for Maurice towards the end, as you just knew what was going to befall him!
Without meaning to spoil the plot. Romeo Must Die is a seamless blend of the classic story from “Romeo And Juliet”, with the added ingredients of Kung Fu, with an R n B sound track. There is still the tragic ending as with all Romeo and Juliet movies, but not the one you expect. One disappointment was that the antagonists were obvious from the start, although the reasons were well concealed, behind sufficient plot twists.
In many ways, the portrayal of Han does adhere to the Hero-myth archetype, on different levels. This is demonstrated most dramatically, not only by his amazing martial abilities. But by a wonderful piece of cinematography where Han walks in slow-motion through a crowd of people. Demonstrating his difference from normal people.
The background to the main character, Han (Jet Li, AKA Jet Lee), was interesting, but did require further development to create a deeper character. There were a few events in his past hinted at, but never explored fully, which did become frustrating at times. However, Jet Li played the cold intensity of his search for justice with impressive aplomb.
Given that this is one of the few films set in the modern day, where he has been the star (Lethal Weapon 4 being another, but as a supporting cast member). He has done surprisingly well, for his previous films have commonly being period pieces (Such as the classic Once Upon A Time In China)
The supporting characters of Issac O’Day, Kia, and Mac were very well protrayed by their respective actors. I will not be surprised to see Wong (Who played the sadly under used Kia) move on to greater roles, however I did feel that he was sadly underused despite a spectacular opening sequence
The special effects within Romeo Must Die were simply outstanding. From the subtle effects of the ash flying in the air during the finale to create an almost infernal atmosphere, to the spectactular slow motion effects in X-ray! This effect is a development from the slow-motion effects during the action sequences used in The Matrix. For not only are some of the moves shot in slow motion, but switch to into X-Ray. Allowing you to see the internal damage caused as bones break! Creatiing a visually stunning piece of outstanding cinematography
As a conclusion, I would like to say that despite the obvious antagonists. I enjoyed Joel Silver’s Romeo Must Die immensely. It’s plotting was off-set by breathtaking action sequences, and stunning choreography. Defintiely one film that will have pride in my collection.
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Martial Arts - Director: Prachya Pinkaew - Original Language: English\Vietnamese\Thai\Mandarin - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Tony Jaa, Bongkoj Khongmalai, Petchtai Wongkamlao
Production Year: 1972 - Martial Arts - Director: Bruce Lee - Original Language: English\Cantonese\Chinese - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Bruce Lee, Nora Miao, Chuck Norris, Robert Wall, Jon T. Benn
Production Year: 1981 - Martial Arts - Director: Kenji Misumi, Robert Houston - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Kayo Matsuo, Minoru Ohki, Akiji Kobayashi, Shin Kishida, Masahiro Tomikawa, Tomisaburo Wakayama
gREAT op, but you forgot to mention one of the main stars of the film Aaliyah!
peppersinclaire 11.10.2001 12:49
I've only rated a Helpful, as I felt there could have been a bit more info on the principal actors - you don't mention Aaliyah once! And Joel Silver is merely the producer, not the director, so this isn't exactly *his* movie. Still, good work! P$
neilallen 11.10.2001 11:44
Another shining example of GUN-FU, i loved this film. It is utterly over the top and you reality have to take it with a pinch of salt. If you are in a cynical or argumentative mood you needn't bother watching this as you will think it's just silly at times.
Another great op and your film knowledge is superb and your writing style is well structured and though out. Just wish i could say the same about mine.
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Advantages: Produced by Joe Silver(Matrix) Aaliyah, Jet Ali play roles well. Good special Features. Disadvantages: Weak ending. Actions scenes are not as good as the Matrix. Story line is to predicatable.
pasnip2000 29.04.2001 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Romeo Must Die (DVD)
Advantages: good story/acting, excellent soundtrack, bursting with special features Disadvantages: *slight* predictability though not too much to put you off the movie itself. Game on PC enhancement not worth playing.
Fiz_whiz 19.09.2002 (19.09.2002)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Romeo Must Die (DVD)
![Romeo Must Die [DVD] [2000]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78549142.jpg "Romeo Must Die [DVD] [2000]")
Oct 11th, 2001
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