# Romeo Must Die (2000)

### reviewed by
Brandon Herring

    Romeo Must Die

Rating: * * * out of * * * * (3.5 out of 5 for Nzone) Starring: Jet Li, Aayliah, Delroy Lindo, DMX, Isaiah Washington, Jon Kit Lee. Directed by: Andrzej Bartkowiak 2000- 128 minutes Rated R for strong violence, language, drug content, and brief nudity. Written by Brandon Herring March 24, 2000.

Ok, so there are movies that come out that are just soooo guiltily entertaining, that you really cant suffice it and say that movie was good. Ok so maybe "Romeo Must Die" isn't one of those movies, but it isn't perfect by any means. Hong Kong films are always technically well-made, bloody, violent, lightning-paced fist fight, no plot movies. The one exception is "Romeo Must Die" a very entertaining, fast-paced thrill ride, that will have you cheering by the end, and a smile permanently on your face throughout the two hours.

Jet Li plays a man who is an ex-cop just escaped from prison to find his brother's killer in New York. He meets up with singing sensation Aayliah who gives a better than you'd think performance. Jet Li plays a Romeo type who is avenging his brother's killer, while Aayliah plays a Juliet type trying to cope with the fact that her father is a mob boss, and may be responsible for the killing of 'Romeo's' brother. The two team up and try to find out the truth, leading to a huge finale and some shocking secrets.

What seems like a thin plot type movie, really is. There is a nice solid plot to this movie, though it seems like it has been done so many times before, it isn't even funny. The Romeo And Juliet modern day tale, is just that. Man loves Woman, Woman loves Man, they can't be together because of their families fighting, and their families do not want them to be together. Even watching this film, you know your treading familiar water, the fight scenes, action, and acting in the film especially by Aayliah makes you overlook that stuff, and just enjoy yourself.

Surprisingly enough, Aayilah gives the best performance in the movie, backed up great performances from Jet Li, Delroy Lindo and Isaiah Washington, "Romeo Must Die" is a brainless action film, with some brains and sometimes no action. The film goes from being an action film to a love story, to an action film to a love story, yet never loses it's punch to make us the viewer continue to like this movie. We are brought to these characters lives, their loves, they adventures and their tragedies. Even with all these flaws, "Romeo Must Die" continues its way to be a fast-paced thrill ride, that grabs hold of the viewer and does not let go until the end credits role.

The cinematography and directing were both flawless, but the script could have used some polishing. Of course expect the usual subtitles, but no dubbing (yay). This is an American made film, that will appeal to all races: White, Black, Oriental, there is something in this movie for everyone, and everyone will find something that will appeal to them. Even if the person didn't like the movie, I found those people did like something in the movie that was memorable. The fight scenes in the movie were more than incredible, and some of these stunts are the most amazing martial arts I have ever seen on a film strip. Without the fight scenes and the overall entertainment of the film, there really isn't much to Romeo Must Die. But when you put those aside, you get one fun and wild ride!

    Copyright Brandon Herring 2000.

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