User reviews

This was generally a good film, well above average but no where near great. It definitely highlights the theme of 'Everything comes full Circle,' which the Title 'O,' implies. It also concentrates on minor themes such as racism and exploits the human emotions of jealousy and love and how it is such a tender thing which can be easily manipulated. It also portrays how dangerous love is ... as we understand that if Odin didn't really love Desi he wouldn't have gone to such extremes when he discovered her 'betrayal.'

Most of the acting was mediocre at best. I am surprised that Julia Stiles (playing Desi Brable) played an important character but had little screen time, her character Desi was also a little nondescript (compared to Shakespeare's version of her character, Desdemona, who is much more interesting and expresses the virtues of goodness and honesty much more effectively). Elden Henson, Andrew Keegan and Rain Phoenix (Roger Rodriguez, Michael Cassio and Emily respectively), playing supporting roles also gave mediocre performances, I found Rain Phoenix especially poor in parts. Mekhi Phifer (Odin James) and Josh Hartnett (Hugo Goulding) give superb performances, both expressing their characters effectively with great skill.

Of course adapting the script from Shakespeare's play would've been difficult but for a better version of Shakespeares' Othello the pace of the film should've been slower and should have concentrated more on the character's and their feelings...this film actually seemed to focus more screentime on action more than it should've...or needed to.

However the tragic tale was efficiently portrayed and extremely well delivered, it's an enjoyable film. The ending was also quite sad and was worthy of the build-up during the film. The tragedy of how Odin was twisted by Hugo into destroying the one thing he truly loved was sickeningly realised. Overall a nice film in its own way.

Watch it! You won't regret it, but in my opinion, some parts of the film could've been much better.

• Milla.

Tim Blake Nelson trying his hand at directing decided to tackle a classic Shakespeare play, "Othello". With the help of his adapter, Brad Kaaya, they transferred Venice to South Carolina with mixed results. Mr. Nelson, being an actor himself, got great readings from his mostly young cast.

Bringing Shakespeare to locations other than where the plays were set, presents an unusual challenge for whoever undertakes the risk. In this case, the action occurs in a small prep school in South Carolina where the emphasis is thrown to the basketball team and its star.

Odin James, the role based on Othello, the Moor of Venice, is the main attraction at the basket ball court. Odin, who is black has fallen in love with Desi, or Desdemona, the fair young woman who loves him in return. When Odin selects Michael to be his right hand man at the court, Hugo, the envious son of Coach Goulding, resents being bypassed and begins to plot what to do to get back at O.

The film follows the machinations of Hugo who succeeds in creating a doubt in O by poisoning his mind with tales of deceit and betrayal from both Michael and Desi. That makes Hugo scheme a plan to get rid of his rival, but he can't see what his lies have done to O's soul and the ultimate tragedy this careless young man will bring to his family and to the school.

Mikhi Phifer is good as the tormented Odin, the star of the game who is going to go far because of his natural talent for the game. Julia Stiles, an intelligent presence in anything she does, is effective as the young Desi, whose only fault is having fallen in love with Odin. Josh Harnett, on the other hand, seems to be miscast as Hugo, who is the Iago of the real play. Andrew Keegan is good as Michael. Martin Sheen, John Heard, Rain Phoenix and Elden Henson, are the most prominent figures in the cast.

Tim Blake Nelson shows an affinity for directing. Maybe his new projects will give him an opportunity in which to shine better.

Memorable modern adaption of "Othello" sets the story in a ritzy prep school where Odin (Phifer) is the star basketball player, one of the school's only black students, and also one of its most popular. His sexy white girlfriend (Stiles) is the headmaster's daughter.

A good showcase for the young actors, as well as the veterans who fill out the cast. Follows O's tragedy to all of its brutal conclusions.

This film's success was hurt when it was held back for 2 years following the Columbine High School murders, to which its events bear little resemblance. As a consequence, its once cutting-edge soundtrack was yesterday's news, and its stars had in some cases already broken through. It was not very successful, but hopefully will have a long life on video.

O is clearly the best telling of a Shakesphere tale set in a high school to ever hit the big screen. The cast also shine their roles. Mehki Pfefier in the lead proves his leading man status. While Josh Hartnett makes a wonderful villain and does the best acting in the movie. Juila Stiles plays the female lead very well and Andrew Keegan has a great supporting role. The script is true to life and the direction by Tim Blake Nelson is top notch. I highhly recommned this to everyone. I give it **** out of ****.

Coach Duke Goulding (Martin Sheen) intends to win the championship for the mostly white boarding school Palmetto Grove Hawks. Odin James (Mekhi Phifer) is the hero while coach's own son Hugo Goulding (Josh Hartnett) is put down. Duke tells the school that he love Odin like his own son and gives him the MVP award. Odin calls out wealthy Michael Cassio (Andrew Keegan) as his go to guy. Odin is dating Dean Bob Brable (John Heard)'s daughter Desi (Julia Stiles). Jealous Hugo sets up Odin with the help of weak-minded Roger Calhoun who is in love with Desi.

This is a modern day adaptation of the Shakespeare play Othello. The adaptation is not entirely smooth. There is a sense of unreality but the young cast maintains the believability. They are all quite solid in their roles. Josh Hartnett is actually good in an underhanded role which is different than his usual mind-mannered good guy roles. Phifer is brash which is appropriate. It's a solid adaptation.

`When devils will the blackest sins put on,/They do suggest at first with heavenly shows,/As I do now.'

I'll get right to the point here: `Othello' is my favorite Shakespeare play. Trying not to compare `O' with `Othello' is almost impossible. I would hazard to guess, though, that the majority of the people in the audience who saw this film with me have not read the play, from their gasps of shock at the `surprise' twists. I think they enjoyed the film quite a lot, and good for them, because there is quite a lot to like about the film. Here I am mostly thinking of Mekhi Phifer (Odin), Julia Styles (Desi), and Josh Hartnett (Hugo), who turn in astonishingly good performances. I will get to those nice things in a moment, however, because there are a couple of things I want to point out that made the film difficult for me to enjoy.

Firstly, I would like to address the poster for the film. The poster is, essentially, Josh Hartnett's beautiful face in the top left quadrant, Julia Styles' beautiful face in the top right quadrant, and a tiny little Mekhi Phifer at the bottom, holding a basketball and framed in a large ‘O'. This may not be important to the overall enjoyment of the film, but to me, it left a bad taste in my mouth. Hugo and Desi are not linked romantically in the film (rather, it's Desi and Odin), but they take up about half the poster. Meanwhile, Odin (the title character) is small and greatly overshadowed. Now, I thought long and hard about why the poster designers and producers would have done this, and I came to the conclusion that it's because Phifer is black and Styles and Hartnett are white, and, naturally the studio can't put a handsome black man and a beautiful white girl together on the poster. This kind of attitude is extremely upsetting, and if anyone could clear this matter up for me, it'd be greatly appreciated. Otherwise, I stand by my diagnosis.

Another minor problem that I have with the film centers around the character of Hugo. Now, Josh Hartnett did an extremely good job portraying the character, and I was very impressed with his acting skills. I repeat: I am NOT putting down Hartnett's performance. Having said that, I thought that Hugo was a little too sympathetic for my liking. Iago hates Othello simply because he chose Cassio instead of him as lieutenant, and this small slight sets him on the quest to ruin the lives of both men. Hugo, however, is a kid who's underappreciated by his basketball coach dad (Martin Sheen, an actor's actor), and overlooked by his buddy Odin at the MVP ceremony for a mere sophomore. He's jealous of anyone with more talent than him, which fits Odin to a T. This basically puts him in the `teenager who's so hard done by' category, and this makes him too sympathetic, especially to teenagers. After all, what teenager isn't underappreciated by their parents? What teenager doesn't feel like no-one's paying attention to them? Instead of being a twisted, Machiavellian villain, Hugo is the High School kid pushed too far and out for revenge. I would prefer the near-perfect evil of Iago to the misunderstood Hugo any day.

Having made these two points, I did quite enjoy the film (even though it may not have appeared so in my previous two paragraphs). The three main young actors (Phifer, Styles, and Hartnett) put out terrific performances, and there is great screen chemistry between both Phifer & Styles and Phifer & Hartnett. Martin Sheen is great to watch as a basketball coach on his way to a coronary, Rain Phoenix nails the character of Emily, and even the underused John Heard (as the Dean) adds a few subtle touches. Tim Blake Nelson's direction is quite commendable, and there are a couple of very creative cinematography tricks; I especially liked the scene where Hugo and his father talk in his office and the camera slowly pans forward in through the window.

The film addresses many themes (racism, jealousy, distrust, pride), and although it doesn't take a stand on any of them, the film moved at a good pace and kept the plot as convincingly twisted as it needed to be. All in all, it was a good movie, exciting if you haven't read the play, and an interesting interpretation of the story if you have. 7/10

No offense to director Nelson whom I loved in his performance in "O Brother, Where Art Thou," but this film is absolutely horrible. As a modern day version of "Othello," it disturbingly depicts teenagers as selfish, drunken, drugged out morons who fight and become terribly obsessed with frivolity. The film starts extremely slow and only begins to pick up once all the killing and backstabbing comes around. Though I can appreciate the attempt at making it an artist, modern day version, what is depressing most of all about this idiotic display is how it just craps upon the beauty and tragedy that was the original. As a 23 year veteran of stage and a writer, I am personally offended for all my fellow thespians who will be duped into seeing this menagerie of empty characters, beyond reality situations, and dumbed down and hopeless look at today's teenagers. Believe me, I once was a teacher and have seen how bad, not all, but a lot of teens can be. But this film takes it to a whole new level. I understand what the writer was attempting to do, but there cannot possibly be any way that the young generation today that will see this film will understand it. Most will be going to see it's leads Josh Hartnett and Julia Stiles. The writer, however, seems to fantasize with the idea that anyone who sees this will see it's parallel and meaning. All I could see was drawn out, unnecessary violence, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and sexuality that I found myself cringing at the thought people will be spending their hard earned money to see this filth. Don't get me wrong, I am no stiff or "goody-two-shoes" to say the least. It's just that film makers today have to draw the line somewhere and it's clear that the film makers with "O" missed the line completely and practically mocked it. And to make sure you know I can validate my thoughts and opinions, I spent an hour after the film ended in a Q & A session with the director. His intentions were clear and sincere. But I highly doubt anyone who was involved in the creative aspects of this film took more than 5 seconds to step back and look at it as a whole nor did they spend much more time trying to empathize with how ALL the individuals who will see this will take it or feel about it. I DO NOT recommend this film. If you are a parent, don't take your kids to see it just because you think you are being "responsible" chaperones. Go see it for yourself, if that is what it takes. I say just leave it to die at the box office where it should leave the heartless investors in debt and regretting their ridiculous attempts at having a piece of the proverbial "Hollywood" pie. No one should benefit from this disgusting picture and I hope those who waste their money finding out for themselves will finally realize that Shakespeare + modern day + teenagers is a miserable combination.

These are the things most specifically disturbing: A long, drawn out sex scene that eludes to rape; blatant and unnecessary drug use; the lack of rounding out or providing reason to become passionate about the characters, and the horrible adaptation of a timeless masterpiece.

SAVE YOUR MONEY AND TIME!

Critics have accused Tim Blake Nelson's cinematic version of Shakespeare's Othello,of 'glorifying' violence in a school setting,but i strongly disagree,and believe that this somewhat controversial film should be viewed by teenagers.It explores the origins of school violence and how teen angst can lead to tragedy.The film communicates a powerful message that no teenager is incapable of taking their jealousy to extremes,and O's superb cast of young actors effectively demonstrate how treachery and envy can lead to tragedy.Quite correctly,the film is aimed at a teenage audience,with a smorgasboard of hot young talent.Mehki Phifer,portrays Odin,the star basketball player who has everything going for him,until his 'friend' Hugo (Josh Hartnett) is overcome with his emotions and envy for Odin that he devotes his time and effort to destroying his life,which he ultimately succeeds in doing.Phifer is remarkable in his role,but Hartnett steals the show in a performance that he's never outdone.Hartnett was perfectly cast as the dark,manipulative and evil character,and its hard to pick a flaw in his performance.Julia Stiles also performs well as Desi Brable,the sweet,smart and pretty girlfriend of Odin.O is a gripping tale based on love,friendship,betrayal and deceit,issues which are effectively explored and given the importance they need in the film.It is hard-hitting and confronting,and not easily forgotten.Excessive explicit language,graphic violence and a very disturbing sex scene are most memorable.What hits hardest is how the characters treat each other,and there are scenes that are difficult to sit through,but its important that you do.O leaves you drained,but its nothing less than a masterpiece.Don't expect any sugar coating either;there isn't any.Finally,a teen film which is raw and real.

I saw this the other day on Showtime. It was entertaining and suspenseful . The ending was a surprise as well.

Wow, that was one crap-tastic movie. The script was trite, the actors were not entertaining, and I just had a bad feeling sitting through this movie. That was 8 bucks I could of spent on a piece of rope to hang myself... I'm sure it would of been more entertaining. It's a good thing Shakespeare is dead because if he wasn't he'd be p***ed off right now.

O / (2001) ***1/2 (out of four)

After the disastrous attempts the last decade has made at updating Shakespeare, I eventually thought that it was nearly impossible to successfully modernize anything of the genre. Shakespeare's themes and ideas can still relate with many aspects of society today, but seldom do filmmakers incorporate modern culture with the timeless stories told so long ago. "O" is like a slap in the face that proves my theory wrong. Based on Shakespeare's play "Othello," this isn't the first time Hollywood has tried to translate the tragic masterpiece onto film. In 1995, Laurence Fishburne starred in Oliver Parker's unsuccessful adaptation of the play. This time around, director Tim Blake Nelson has finally completed a victorious version of the story.and it's takes the form of a high school drama.

The film takes place in an elite private school located in the American South. Mekhi Phifer ("I Still Know What You Did Last Summer") stars as the title character, named Odin James, the only African American student at the school. That doesn't interfere with his reputation or image, however, because he's the school's defining figure. Rewarded MVP by the school's basketball team, he's a virtual celebrity with the student body, the basketball coach (Martin Sheen), as well as his beautiful girlfriend, Desi Brable (Julia Stiles of "Save the Last Dance"), the daughter of the Dean of Palmetto Grove Academy (John Heard).

Hugo Goulding (Josh Hartnett of "Pearl Harbor"), the son of the basketball coach, is Odin's best friend. He's asked by his father to look out for Odin because of the straining pressures of Palmetto Grove Academy. Little does anyone know, however, Hugo is dangerously envious of Odin and the attention he receives. On the outside, Hugo is friendly to all of his basketball teammates, including Odin, but on the inside, he's concocting a bitterly evil plan that will render more than just the social status of his classmates.

This tale of treachery, jealousy, and mistrust will introduce a new audience to the genius of William Shakespeare and some of his most intriguing and intelligent characters. In this version, the film changes the original metaphor of war into that of high school sports. It's startling how the themes of the classic story translate so well to the lives of modern young people. The film thoroughly examine the emotions of its characters. Through jealousy, favoritism, trust, and envy, to popularity, conformity, and the extreme measure some will take to fulfill their feelings, "O" looks into the heart of darkness, not through a sadistic serial killer or demonic monster, but through one of the most dangerous figures of all, a friend with ulterior motives.

Working against an inconsistent editing style and an uneven soundtrack, the actors do an exceedingly well job with their difficult characters. Josh Hartnett delivers a performance that isn't excessive or physically violent, but instead internal and intelligent. He gives his character a face for the complex emotions. He doesn't seek satisfaction through random temper tantrums, but through developing a full scale plan. Julia Stiles projects a charming, passionate chemistry with her supporting characters. Mekhi Phifer also furnishes a strong, convincing image of Odin.

Perhaps "O" doesn't fully exceed it's potential. It doesn't develop such possible themes as racism or one-sidedness. While creating a strong message on keeping friends close, but enemies closer, the film fails to examine a handful of themes that would have made the powerful, tragic conclusion even more effective.

"O" was originally completed in 1998, but because of the recent violence in real life high schools, the studios were uncertain about it's content and rescheduled its release date numerous times. Maybe these actions say something about the movie's impact and how influential it may become. In that case, why wait to release "O" if the message is something today's teens need to witness, both to inform them on Shakespeare and to demonstrate the dangerous results of envy and jealousy.

I saw this movie a few months ago and it made quite an impact on me. This isn't your usual teenage fodder, believe me. It has it's flaws, but it's a pretty good movie with a heavy subject going for it. This movie reminded me of how malicious and cruel people can be. Odin is the focal point of this movie and Meki Phifer did an excellent job, providing the right amount of cockiness and likability. Josh Hartnett takes his acting to the next level with his manipulative and sinister performance. Martin Sheen is dependable as ever in his role. This movie disturbed me a little bit, especially the ending. It stuck with me for a while afterwords

7.5/10

First of all, the makers of "O" were a little overzealous in being true to the original story Othello (as even the title will attest). I'm a purist by nature, but making the story totally identical yet throwing in so many modernisms to it made it confusing. The acting wasn't great at all (how they got Martin Sheen...it's only to his folly, I guess), the sex was ridiculous (were they even trying to convince the audience it was more than simulated?), and well, such a dismal story is not at all worth retelling in the first place. Don't see it -- if you must see something then catch Fishburne and Branagh in the film version of the original Shakespearean story.

In one of many adaptations of Shakespeare plays (in this case "Othello"), high school student Odin James (Mekhi Phifer) has everything that he wants, including hot girlfriend Desi Brable (Julia Stiles), but Hugo Goulding (Josh Hartnett) seeks to undermine everything. I actually like this Shakespeare adaptation better than the recent adaptations of "Romeo and Juliet" or "Hamlet", as this one uses modern language. I mean, Shakespearean talk sounds nice, but it just doesn't seem to fit in a world of iPods and such.

So, I recommend "O", even if the cast members sometimes try a little to hard to emote. Also starring Andrew Keegan, Rain Phoenix, Martin Sheen and John Heard.

Not that this is really related, but Tim Blake Nelson has now been involved in two updated versions of classic literature: he directed this one and starred in "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" (adapted from "The Odyssey"). And both begin with O. Hmm...

This movie is one of the worst I have ever seen. I consider it a waste of money and time. The story itself had really little point, and the 10 minute sex-scene made it a stomach turning, revolting nightmare. I suggest to anyone that is considering seeing this, to spend their money elsewhere--a spare toilet seat would be more useful.

Retelling of Shakespeare's "Othello" set in the year 2000 with high school kids. I've never read "Othello" so I don't know how faithful this is. An alienated high school kid (Josh Hartnett) ignored by his basketball coach father (Martin Sheen chewing the scenery), plots to destroy Odin (Mekhi Phifer) a star player his father adores. Tragedy follows. Fast-paced, somber and disturbing. The characters talk and act like real kids--you get to know and understand them so the violence that erupts at the end is very upsetting. Excellent acting, especially by Julia Stiles (as Odin's girlfriend Desi), Phifer and Hartnett (who's absolutely chilling). The only bad acting is by Sheen--way too over the top. This is an extreme film--lots of swearing, a disturbing sex scene and the killings at the end. Worth seeing but depressing. Sat on the shelf for 2 years because Miramax was afraid of it. Good thing Lions Gate bought it and released it.

this movie wasnt great, but it is based on a shakespeare play, known as "Othello". Any shakespeare play, as appropriate and fitting as it may be, is very difficult to put into modern day terms. Josh Hartnett did not display his best work here (believe me, hes my cousin, and he screwed up :P ). his role was not a role he can play as well as if he were another character in this movie. what I can say is that his voice and appearance as an actor WAS fitting for this role, but not his actual acting skills...anyhoo, i think it was done decently for a shakespearean peice transformed. Julia Stiles did alright, but than again, shes done a movie before based on a shakespearean play (see 10 things i hate about you) which wasnt that good either. I dont feel like writing anymore.

Delmar from O brother directs this takeoff on Othello, perhaps the 1000th movie remake of this story. Newer directors are always trying to make this story into a movie about contemporary suburban white high schools because they can work some soft core scenes of a black kid and a white girl in erotic situations, some rap music, and present the concept of the 'noble black savage' as a modern hero. If you missed this derivative piece of garbage, wait about ten minutes and some other new movie director will make another 'Othello' ripoff. Let this concept die. This whole concept of translating Shakespeare into contemporary themes degrades Shakespeare and doesn't do anything for the literacy of most public high school youth who cannot read and are more interested in hip hop, drugs, guns and short pants wide enough to stuff a bicycle into.

In these dark times when it seems like at least 95 % of all the teen-movies that are made are trying to copy "American Pie", this is the kick in the butt that the genre needs.

Shakespeare's classical play Othello has been somewhat rewritten to fit the silverscreen and the 21st century better. The theme of revenge, love and jealousy remains intact but the settings have been changed. Great actors in the three leading roles (Stiles, Phifer, Hartnett) makes this movie feel alive, and the cursing and violence makes it feel even more real. The ending is scary and sad, and it makes you think for a long time after you've seen it.

Along with "Donnie Darko" and "Ghost World", this is one of the best movies aimed at teens I've seen.

***/****

2001 saw yet another Shakespeare adaptation starring Julia Stiles. Tim Blake Nelson directed Stiles, Mekhi Phifer, and Josh Hartnett in the prep school version of Othello. Tough coaching and the emergence of star Odin James has lead the Hawks to a winning season and led to a season of disappointment for the coaches overshadowed son, Hugo. Isolation takes center stage in this modern-day adaptation of a Shakespeare classic.

Odin James (Mekhi Phifer), star basketball player of the Hawks, is a standout as a black athlete in his predominately white prep school. The world is his oyster as the Hawks keep winning, he is dating the most popular girl in school, Desi (Julia Stiles), the headmaster's daughter, and is being scouted to play professional basketball. to top it all off, Odin is then named M.V.P. of the basketball team. Odin decides to share this honor with Michael (Andrew Keegan). Feeling overshadowed on the honor he feels deserving of; driven by envy at the declaration of love his basketball coach father Coach Duke Goulding (Martin Sheen) expresses for Odin, Hugo (Josh Hartnett) Stages an elaborate scheme to bring about the demise of the star. Creating an elaborate scheme involving the manipulation of everyone around him, Hugo sets out to bring Odin's life crashing down.

The music was a central actor in this film. Playing on the racial divide within the school, the lyrics of the songs used highlight the critical racial issues playing out on-screen. As always, my favorite part of any Shakespeare adaptation is the allusions to the original, or other Shakespeare works in the film. In O, Shakespeare was being taught in literature class, and Hugo was often seen playing chess, as referenced in the play. The acting was pretty well-done considering the young cast, and I found the story engaging and exciting. Overall, I thought this was a great modern-day adaptation of Shakespeare's work.

I hate Julia Styles, I hate Josh Hartnett, I hated the acting, I hated the soundtrack, I hated the adaptation (I'm sure Shakespeare would have as well)...and I got into the theatre for free. Othello was not written as a vehicle for teen pop idols and therefore should not be used that way.