Manages to default its own power by ending on a far more disturbing and insulting note than teenagers getting shot
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08/30/01
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O (2001)
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Reviews Counted:123
Fresh:78
Rotten:45
Average Rating:6/10
Consensus: Though well-intentioned and serious in its exploration of teen violence, O is an uneven experiment that doesn't quite succeed.
Theatrical Release:Aug 31, 2001 Wide
Box Office: $15,540,020
Synopsis: A contemporary retelling of Othello, Shakespeare's timeless tale of treachery and jealousy, O will perhaps introduce a new audience to the genius of William Shakespeare and some of his most... [More]
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Mekhi Phifer, Julia Stiles, John Heard
Director: Tim Blake Nelson
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Reviews for O
A deft reimagining of a work of classic literature.
08/30/01
A dress-up movie; it's wearing the adult clothes of the very serious Othello, but it's difficult to take seriously.
08/30/01
Few filmmakers are willing to examine teens and their problems in such a serious-minded, non-exploitative manner.
08/30/01
Top CriticOne of the most emotionally effective versions of Othello yet.
08/30/01
Top CriticI'm sure that there are many troubled teens today who go to violent extremes to get 'even' -- but is this something an average teen would want to pay money to see?
08/30/01
The time has come for Mr. Shakespeare to graduate from high school.
08/30/01
It neglects the requirements of narrative in favour of allegorical socio-political notions that are simply beyond its reach.
08/30/01
To an astonishing degree, O gets the tragic Shakespeare mood, that somber stentorian passion born of hidden slivers of ambition and betrayal.
08/30/01
Top CriticThis is a bumpy ride.
08/29/01
An unresolved mixture of gimmickry and good intentions.
08/28/01
Top Critic[A] stylish and faithful adaptation.
08/24/01
A very powerful, thoroughly depressing, well-acted 'non-teen' movie starring a bunch of teens.
08/24/01
In this case, unhappily, 'O' stands not so much for 'Othello' as for 'Zero.'
08/23/01
Hartnett really shines as the oft-overlooked Hugo, who is one of the most likable, admirable antagonists to hit the screen in a while.
08/21/01
Despite the best efforts of the passionate Mekhi Phifer and the glowering Josh Hartnett (Julia Stiles's performance is a haughty misfire), what's intended as tragic comes off as grotesque.
08/20/01
Works exceptionally well in a high school setting because so much of the plot fits in with the overheated emotions and impetuousness of adolescence.
08/20/01
Will must be chillin' and rappin' in his grave.
08/17/01
It almost works but, because O did not go as far as it should, fails to capture the true drama of Shakespeare's tale of jealousy and fatal deception.
08/16/01
Latest News for O
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June 28, 2006:
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