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Romeo Must Die

Play trailer Poster for Romeo Must Die R Released Mar 22, 2000 1h 55m Action Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
33% Tomatometer 91 Reviews 61% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Two families, bound by tradition, are locked in a brutal war. Asian and African American gangs are vying for control of Oakland's waterfront. But when the first casualty is the Asian warlord's son, the gang war becomes more dangerous than either side ever imagined.
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Romeo Must Die

Romeo Must Die

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Critics Consensus

In his second Hollywood movie, Jet Li impresses. Unfortunately, when he's not on screen, the movie slows to a crawl. Though there's some spark between Jet and Aaliyah, there isn't any threat of a fire. And as impressive as the action sequences are, some critics feel they are over-edited.

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Critics Reviews

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media This hip-hop Romeo and Juliet is awful. Rated: 1/5 Dec 28, 2010 Full Review Geoff Andrew Time Out slick, Joel Silver-produced action movie with a borderline straight to video feel. Feb 9, 2006 Full Review Ken Hollings Sight & Sound Our star-crossed lovers are so emotionally off-channel, it's easy to forget the origin of the film's title... Dec 2, 2002 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...sporadically engaging yet predominantly tiresome... Rated: 1.5/4 Jan 14, 2023 Full Review Tony Black Cultural Conversation Less star-crossed lovers, more impossible physics. Rated: 2/5 Feb 16, 2021 Full Review Leigh Paatsch Herald Sun (Australia) When Jet leaps two metres in the air and unleashes 360 degrees worth of kicks to eight empty heads, the hi-tech fakery leaves him looking about as dangerous as Wreck-It Ralph. Rated: 1.5/5 Apr 17, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Teliyah P "Romeo Must Die" is an electrifying fusion of hip hop culture and martial arts that transcends typical action films. This cinematic gem deftly explores the intersection of the African American and Asian communities through a gripping narrative filled with love, loss, and high-octane action. The film stars Aaliyah as the fierce and determined Trish, an African American woman whose life takes a dramatic turn when her brother is murdered. This tragedy sets her on a collision course with Han, played by Jet Li, an Asian man whose own brother has met a similar fate. Their paths intertwine as they seek to uncover the truth behind the murders, leading to a burgeoning romance that defies cultural boundaries. The chemistry between Aaliyah and Jet Li is palpable, bringing a depth to their characters that resonates throughout the film. Aaliyah’s portrayal of Maya is both powerful and vulnerable, showcasing her strength in the face of adversity while also allowing moments of tenderness as she navigates her feelings for Han. Jet Li, with his incredible martial arts skills, infuses Han with a sense of honor and resilience, making their partnership not only romantic but also a dynamic force against the backdrop of their shared grief. The action sequences are nothing short of spectacular, blending hip hop-inspired choreography with traditional kung fu. The fight scenes are expertly choreographed, offering a visual feast that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Each encounter is not just a display of physical prowess but also a narrative device that propels the story forward, highlighting the stakes involved in their quest for justice. “Romeo Must Die” also shines in its exploration of cultural themes, delving into the tensions and connections between the African American and Asian communities. The film thoughtfully addresses issues of loyalty, vengeance, and the impact of violence on families, all while maintaining an engaging and fast-paced storyline. The film’s soundtrack is another standout aspect, effectively complementing the on-screen action with a mix of hip hop tracks that enhance the film’s energy. The music serves not only as a backdrop but as an integral part of the storytelling, merging the vibrant rhythms of hip hop with the intensity of martial arts. In conclusion, "Romeo Must Die" is a thrilling ride that masterfully combines action, romance, and cultural commentary. It’s a film that not only entertains but also invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of love and conflict in a diverse society. With its unforgettable performances, stunning choreography, and a poignant storyline, this movie is a must-see that resonates long after the credits roll. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/18/25 Full Review Emily D This movie was amazing and I love it.Somethings yall new generation don’t realize is back in the day 2000 this show was one of the best and the acting may not be good compared to now but back then it was great then the moves are unrealistic what do you think it’s the 2000 they ain’t have all these devices and cgi unlike some of y’all kids have these movie u see now came a long way because back in the day the movies were like Romeo must die. Children nowadays Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/30/25 Full Review Matteo G Predictable but not terrible Rated 3 out of 5 stars 04/16/25 Full Review Shane O It’s a really awful movie , it’s not watchable. I though it might have some 00’s nostalgia but it’s all the worst bits of the 00s . Don’t bother with this one Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 02/20/25 Full Review Alan S Laughably bad. Bad acting. Bad dialogue. It’s so bad it’s almost cultishly good. But not quite. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 01/19/25 Full Review Fabrícia F Uma disputa entre as máfias asiática e afro-americana de Nova York serve como pano de fundo para o enredo de amor dos protagonistas interpretados por Jet Li e Aaliyah (in memoriam). É uma abordagem ousada e diferente do famoso conto de Shakespeare sobre um amor impossível. Absolutamente crível e cheio de emoções que envolvem o telespectador, é um clássico cult que certamente vale a pena conferir. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/22/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Romeo Must Die

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Movie Info

Synopsis Two families, bound by tradition, are locked in a brutal war. Asian and African American gangs are vying for control of Oakland's waterfront. But when the first casualty is the Asian warlord's son, the gang war becomes more dangerous than either side ever imagined.
Director
Andrzej Bartkowiak
Producer
Joel Silver, Jim Van Wyck
Screenwriter
Mitchell Kapner, Eric Bernt, John Jarrell
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Home Vídeo
Production Co
Silver Pictures, Warner Brothers
Rating
R (Language|Brief Nudity|Violence)
Genre
Action
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 22, 2000, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 2, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA)
$56.0M
Runtime
1h 55m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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