They've got the guns. They've got the posse. But they've got no chance when a street-fighting ex-cop (Jet Li) takes on both sides of a fierce Oakland turf war, involving "the wildest action scenes since The Matrix!" (Bill ... more »Bregoli, Westwood One).DVD Features:
Documentary:8 Short Documentaries (26:56)
Featurette:Making of Romeo Must Die (15:00) Behind the Scenes (14:03)
Music Video:Aaliyah's "Try Again" video (3:40) Making of Aaliyah's "Try Again" music video (4:11) Aaliyah/DMX "Come Back In One Piece" video (3:42)
Other:Inside the Visual Effects Process (3:52) "Diary of a (Legal) Mad Bomber" (5:07) "Anatomy of a Stunt" (7:12) "The Sound Stage" (1:00)
Jim M. from WEST GLOVER, VT Reviewed on 4/2/2023...
Romeo Must Die (2000) is a well-done action movie with the inimitable Jet Li as Han Sing, a ex-Hong Kong cop who lied to save his family. Maybe that’s all you need to know. Basically this movie is about rival gangs, or rather families, in the San Francisco area. Of course, the two “families” are Chinese and black. So what’s with the “Romeo?” Is it the writer’s attempt to modernize Shakespeare? Possibly. The romantic interest is between Han and Trish O'Day (the late Aaliyah). The latter is the daughter of one side, headed by Isaak O'Day (Delroy Lindo), and the former is the son of Ch'u Sing (Henry O), the other side. Never mind the 16 year age difference and never mind the different “families.” The two heavies are well played by Isaiah Washington (Mac) and Russell Wong (Kai). This is a great action movie. And as an added plus Anthony Anderson shows up as Maurice for some good comic relief when needed.
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Romualdo L. from SAN FRANCISCO, CA Reviewed on 11/27/2008...
As usual in a Jet Li movie, the action is terrific!
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Movie Reviews
ROMEO MUST DIE DVD REVIEW: Very cool!
Dennis A. Amith (kndy) | California | 08/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I heard that Jet Li was going to be a lead in an action movie produced by Joel Silver, I was very excited. Before I give a review, I'm not biased to Jet Li because our crew interviewed him and promoted his movie online. I'm not biased to liking this movie because I have been a big fan of his work. I loved this movie because it features wonderful action scenes, an interesting focus on using the African Americans and Asians working together and it features a lot of cool people in the movie. The storyline is pretty cool and purists of Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Chow Yun Fat are going to be angry at the US movies because such movies don't do justice to what talent they have demonstrated on the HK movies they have been in and I truly understand that.Another thing is people might feel the MATRIX style fighting hurts this movie. I don't think so. Personally, some fight scenes are a exaggerated and I agree with that but a lot of the other fight scenes are very awesome such as the scenes in the stairs, the football scene, the fire hose scene...awesome!Others maybe upset that the interracial relationship was not strong enough and were upset there was no kiss scene between Alliyah and Jet. We asked Jet about that and he said that in the end (without spoiling the movie for you), after a bad situation happens to a family member, should you be kissing a girl you just met. So, Jet had a good reason for that. [Note: You can our interview with Jet Li at AsianConnections.com]So, however you felt about the movie, to each their own. I really enjoyed it! In fact, at the theater in San Jose/Santa Clara, it was packed and people gave it a standing ovation. I'm happy to see Jet's first debut in a lead role for an English movie.What didn't I like about the film? I didn't dig the use of the X-RAY scenes in the violent parts. That was the major thing I didn't like but everything else, I enjoyed.Now, the DVD. The colors were very beautiful for this movie. I don't recall any major artifacting. The audio for the film is very good as well but what makes this DVD shine is the special features. Not only do you get the regular trailer, the international trailer but you get two Alliyah music videos, the making of the music video "Try Again", you get many short documentaries, the HBO featurette and the behind-the-scenes vignette. The insights to how the film was filmed is so interesting, if you are a Jet Li or Alliyah fan, the extras are also a major reason to buy this DVD. Really interesting information from each actor and from those who worked behind-the-scenes. So, the DVD will definitely keep you busy for awhile. So, you can't go wrong with this DVD. Very cool!!!"
Romeo lives on...
waddles_the_penguin | Fountain Valley, CA USA | 07/20/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Romeo Must Die" is a great martial arts film starring the highly talented Jet Li. His style of fighting cannot be compared to, by any means. Also starring in this movie are Aaliyah, Delroy Lindo, and Russel Wong (another talented martial artist). With great action sequences, a great plot, and cute humor, you're sure to enjoy this movie. I have owned this movie since it's theater release, and have watched it nearly every day...and have not gotten tired of it."
Simply the bomb!
Dave | Arizona | 04/11/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Great film! Jet Li & Russell Wong? How could you get better? Oh! By adding Aaliya, that's how! Fantastic action sequences and story line. A must see."
" The Urban rendition of Romeo and Juliet"
Jenny J.J.I. | That Lives in Carolinas | 06/05/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"There seems to be several films regarding this one. A story about corruption and property deals, a story about fathers and their children, a tentative Romeo and Juliet romance and of course martial arts and guns.
For those who like cross-culture, "Romeo Must Die", is for you! Jet Li who was fresh from "Lethal Weapon 4" really delivers in this action-packed movie. Playing Han was a big one for him. Aaliyah(1979-2001), the R&B sensation really got her acting chops in gear playing the alluring Trish O'Day, who is being shadowed by the bumbling Maurice, played by the funny, Anthony Anderson, but I personally would hoped for more of Michael Wong and less of Anthony Anderson (his constant 'Dim Sum' refrain being quite irritating) but the actors act, the plot moves and the film is enjoyable enough.
I'd enjoyed the X-ray effects of the movie whenever a fight was going to happen. I liked the part when Han refused to a fight a woman, he used Trish to fight her with. It looked more of a swing dance to me. Since Trish's words backed him up, the enemy was impaled through the heart. And after the final fight, Trish's father (Delroy Lindo), wanted to meet Han for himself, and I 'm glad he got that chance, I think it was silly for him to demand a handshake from him, but hey, he wanted to who the "cat" was, and make sure he did. Han never declined any offer only to know who the troublemaker behind the "war" was.
Before anyone remember seeing Aaliyah in "Queen of the Damned" (which I personal dislike), look into this film first. I Love Jet Li, but this film is not as good as 'Kiss of the Dragon' but better than 'The One' and 'Cradle 2 the Grave' but inferior to Jet Li's Hong Kong movies.
"
Pretty good
Jing Song | West Hills, CA | 08/04/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Romeo Must Die was an all-in-all great movie. It is basically about a "war" between 2 families fighting for Waterfront property, and Jet Li (Han)and Aaliyah (Trish) somehow ends up meeting in a cab. Jet Li than follows her a lot and from there, their relationship grows. The end reveals surprise. (not really, just from what should have been).The fight scenes were magnificent and somewhat resembled the Matrix.(same creator). The X-ray effect was new to me and pretty cool (shows what happens in the body). Although, compared to another Chinese TV show (Yan Zi Li 3), the fight scenes were a so-so. They don't show China and Hong Kong true fighting skills though. Although the trick over and under the leg with the hose was pretty entertaining. If you're really interested in some gravity-warping fighting, go rent a Chinese ancient movie."