The martial arts movie and Hong Kong action genre have always been closely associated with an aesthetic ideal, and director Andrzej Bartkowiak's "Romeo Must Die" is no exception.
The new film stars Jet Li, a long time martial arts and Hong Kong action flick veteran, who broke onto the American movie scene in "Lethal Weapon 4." Li works his artistic magic when it comes to kicking butt in "Romeo," shining as a violent virtuoso.
The fighting brilliance does not, however make up for the film's completely ridiculous plot. The classic "Romeo and Juliet" tragedy is very loose and fails to save the far from stellar script. Two opposing gangster families - one Chinese, one black - fight for control of the Oakland, Calif. waterfront while independent developer Mr. Roth asks for the deeds to all small businesses that occupy it to build an NFL stadium. Whichever family succeeds at this task will acquire a substantial sum of money. Not unlike many other catalysts for conflict, the money-hungry drives of both groups lead to violence and war between the two families.
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Jet Li appears after the murder of his brother in Oakland, which appears to have been an act of war by the black crime syndicate. Somehow, Jet Li catches wind of this inside the Hong Kong prison where he is held, and inevitably escapes to America to avenge his brother's killer.
The film is obviously influenced by the crossover success of "Rush Hour" starring Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan. The earlier film's synthesis of martial arts and hip-hop sensibilities resonates throughout "Romeo," even though it attempts to add a new dimension in the form of forbidden romance. The movie balks on this level, as the two "star-crossed lovers" kiss once (maybe) in the entire movie.
The story, although not altogether inconsequential, provides a vehicle for some truly inspired fight scenes. Aside from his requisite martial arts prowess, Li has the flexibility to transform into a comical Jackie Chan-like character in one scene and a dead serious, "Now you're all in big, big trouble" action hero in the next. Li blends conventional action movie stunts and natural talent, making for gravity defying stunts.
Li, with the help of harnesses in some cases or computer graphics in others, spins his body in mid air knocking out villains in his path before returning to earth and fights five prison guards while hanging upside down, his feet chained to the ceiling. At their most obvious, the effects can make the fight scenes a bit ridiculous, as in one scene when Li jumps about 18 feet into the air and then just kind of hangs there. At their most subtle, they can make for some truly skillful and beautiful fighting.
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Kudos are also in order for R&B singer Aaliyah, who makes her film debut as Trish, the daughter of gangster kingpin Isaak O'Day (Delroy Lindo). Her acting abilities make for a pleasant surprise. So does her own fighting technique.
If this movie were judged by the standards of regular movies, it would fall short of masterpiece. It definitely has its moments of bad dialogue, poor acting and plot weaknesses while displaying silly and at times stereotypical depictions of black and Chinese people. However, since it is an action movie, it should be viewed as a work of art in its own right. Even for an action movie, "Romeo Must Die" packs some powerful punches. By mixing Li's own raw talent and some seriously creative fight choreography, the film becomes exciting to watch, showcasing Li's recent emergence as a talent on the American movie scene. Hopefully, he will stay awhile to raise the standards of the action movie genre.
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