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"O" sets the tragedy of "Othello" in a modern high school where Odin James, the only black kid in a high school full of rich white kids, has been brought to the school for his skill on the basketball court. He is about to lead his team through the playoffs, and he has recently won the love of a dean's daughter, Desi. However, the coach's angry son Hugo is also on the team. Neglected by his father and overshadowed by Odin, Hugo forms a vicious plan, resulting in a bloody and all too familiar disaster.

The filmmakers pull no punches and opt for a fairly straight adaptation, doing an admirable job of staying true to the Shakespeare's plot and characters while avoiding his language in favor of an entirely original script. Though rap music, guns, drugs, cars, and the basketball court do figure into the story, these modern trappings never overshadow the human drama. Director Tim Blake Nelson lets his camera tell the story in a refreshingly simple manner, refusing the typical gimmickry of modern cinema; and a very solid cast carries the story well. Josh Hartnett as Hugo is perhaps the most outstanding--his angsty Ivy League face, reminiscent of Ethan Hawke and Robert Sean Leonard, always captures the bitter essence of his character.

Though the film was completed in 1998, the release of "0" was repeatedly delayed due to the rash of high school shootings in the late 1990s. While it is understandable that such incidents of youth violence should make film studios cautious, this is one film which stands apart with a mature and timeless message about hate and the seeds of tragedy.

Never having seen or read William Shakespeare's play "Othello," I was unsure what to expect from "O," a film that begins somewhat slowly, and then kicks into a higher gear as the plot thickens. This modern update of the classic play pays a great tribute to the work of Shakespeare, while also featuring some very well-wrought performances and a third act that is disturbing and affecting at the same time.

Taking place in Charleston, South Carolina, at the high-class Palmetto Grove prep school, the film begins with a basketball game as Odin James (Mekhi Phifer), brings the team to yet another victory, while the wildly jealous Hugo (Josh Hartnett) looks on from the sidelines. Odin's fame among his teammates and fellow students, not to mention his stable relationship with Desi Brable (Julia Stiles), the daughter of the school's headmaster, enrages Hugo, who keeps his cool and concocts a plan of earning Odin's fame for himself.

At this point, the actors have proved themselves very worthy of the film's many complex emotions. Phifer is also able to convince us of Odin's inner strength and sense of devotion to Desi, and Stiles mirrors these attributes in her character. The two share a warm and inviting chemistry seen little in films of a teenage nature; this is due in large part to the time the movie devotes to the developing of their relationship. This drawn-out approach may seem a bit tedious, but it serves to better the film by enhancing our connection with these two characters.

It is Josh Hartnett, however, who steals most of the show as Hugo, instilling in him a subtle sense of deception that can be quite chilling. Hartnett handles the material just as it needs to be, in a calm, laid-back fashion. Hugo is the type of person who steps on those around him to get where he wants to be, and for this to work, he must show no emotion over the actions he takes; Hartnett captures this trait beautifully.

As Hugo's jealousy grows, so do his evil plans. He involves many others in his quest for revenge; when fellow teammate Michael is temporarily kicked off the team, Hugo offers a glimmer of hope by suggesting that he get Desi to convince Odin to suggest to the coach that he be reinstated. Hugo then plays on Odin's doubts, filling him with suggestions that Desi may be sharing more than just friendship with Michael.

This begins an increasingly fascinating descent into untruths, deceit, and evil, as each character becomes involved in a final plot twist that will decide each of their fates. This, accompanied by the slowly progressing beginning and middle, make this one of the best Shakespeare reworkings I've seen to date. Everything about the film rings true to his work, right down to the dialogue, which, even in its modern state, evokes the tones and emotions that his original writings also do.

That final act is what almost kept the film from reaching the silver screen. Filmed before the Columbine High School disaster, the film was shelved for fear that it would create a stir after that most brutal act. Seeing it now makes it that much more effective; it takes teenage issues, like jealousy, loyalty, betrayal, trust, and love, and casts them into a light that no other film would dare touch. The violence that permeates the film's ending is gratuitous, yes, but it also serves as a warning sign of just how out of control our society can be.

"O" can be considered an unconventional teenage film, due to its daring approach, and its success in carrying out that approach in a convincing manner. Its lead actors are able to sell us on the characters they play, while the story itself stays in touch with the many messages embodied in all of Shakespeare's works. At first, I found the film somewhat tiresome; upon further thought, it gains luster.

Those who are familiar with the play Othello will have no trouble guessing what happens in this dark tale of jealously and desire. How it happens, though, is a completely different story, and it is interesting to see how this timeless classic plays itself out.

O is an excellent (albeit haunting) rendition of the Shakespeare play, with Mekhi Pheiffer in the title role as the stellar athlete Odin (Othello) who finds himself the only black student at an elite boarding school. Josh Hartnett is Hugo (Iago), the jealous, brooding teammate who tries to steal Odin's fire. Julia Styles is Desi (Desdemona), and the rest of the cast does an excellent job of rounding this trio out.

There were two things about this movie which are of some importance. The scarf, for one (which also appears in the play). It seems to take on a life of its own, as Odin becomes more and more outraged at the idea that Desi might be cheating on him with his teammate Mike, the passion becoming so consuming that he can't control himself. The other was the hawk, the school mascot. Hugo compares himself and Odin repeatedly to the hawk- how the hawk has to soar and be independent.

The movie does an excellent job of transposing Shakespeare's ideas to the big screen and into modern language. Take, for example, the scene in which Hugo tries to plant seeds of doubt in Odin's mind about his girlfriend's fidelity. Here, the schene takes place in a weight room, and Josh Harnett, in that kind of sexy, seductive way he has, is wonderfully sly and manipulative. In this he does a far better job than Kenneth Branaugh did in the 1995 film.

"O" is a film directed by Tim Blake Nelson which is based on the William Shakspeare play, "Othello". Set in a modern-day high school setting, this film is about Odin James (Mekhi Phifer - I STILL KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER), the only black kid in a high school full of white rich students. He was accepted into the school to help the basketball team with his basketball skills. He ends up winning over the dean's daughter, Desi Brable (Julia Stiles - SAVE THE LAST DANCE). Then the coach's son, Hugo Goulding (Josh Harttnet - PEARL HARBOR), becomes jealous of Odin because he used to be the star of the basketball team and get all the attention from his father until Odin showed up. Now Hugo comes up with an evil, bloody plan for revenge that will shock the school with tragedy.

This film was completed in 1998. But due to the recent high school shooting masscarre, it kept getting delayed. But it was definitely worth the wait! Beautifully filmed, gifted, talented young actors, and an original, cleavor script, this will be an excellent adaptation of the play, "Othello". (And hey, when you ask for tickets at the theaters it won't even be a very difficult name to pronounce!) It will probably be a major box-office hit, too. I definitely recommend this drama to anybody! Go see it August 31st (I know I will eventually see it in the theaters), and I know you will not regret it.

I'm sure you've all heard the story -- completed in 1998, this movie's release was delayed due to the Columbine massacre, than again due to the San Diego school shooting earlier this year. Well, it was certainly worth the wait. Tim Blake Nelson's clever, modernized adaptation of Othello is a bit heavy at times, but extremely gripping and believable. The acting is excellent all across, but I was especially impressed with Josh Hartnett who proves (to me, anyways) that he's more than just another pretty face with a set of pouty lips.

Tim Blake Nelson's retelling of Shakespeare's Othello is an intelligent and thought provoking film. He does an excellent job of showing how one jealous man can destroy many people. Mekhi Phifer is Odin James (called "O") - the only black kid at an all white private school. He's the star basketball player, going out with the dean's beatiful daughter, Desi (played wonderfully by Julia Stiles), and everyone loves him. Josh Hartnett stole the entire show as Hugo Goulding, the son of the basketball coach (Martin Sheen), who is ignored by his father, which provokes his manipulative plans. Sick of being on the sidelines all the time, Hugo devises a plan that will break up O and Desi and will eventually make O go over the edge with rage. With the help of his roommate, Roger, and his un-suspecting girlfriend, Emily (Rain Phoenix) - who is Desi's best friend, Hugo destroys everything. O's best friend, Michael (Andrew Keegan) also becomes innocently involved in Hugo's sinister plans. With beautiful direction and thought, "O" is a well-paced drama that leaves you thinking hard about violence and jealousy. What makes Hartnett so good as Hugo is the fact he is able to make audiences feel sorry for him even as he is ruining lives of innocent people. Its tragic end is terrific. Go see "O": it is worth it! Although keep young kids away from it due to the various elements of the plot.

At first, I wasn't certain I wanted to see this movie. I mean: an adaptation of the Shakespeare play Othello that includes a basketball team? How was that going to work? It works perfectly! This tale of a man, who seems to have it all, betrayed by his friend's jealousy is adapted into a boarding school setting. Mekhi Phifer is Odin, the tragic hero. Odin is the star of the boarding school's basketball team, dating the teams daughter, popular and loved by all. The basketball team's coach, played by Martin Sheen, has told Odin that he is like a son to him, much to the chagrin of his real son, Hugo (played by Josh Hartnett). Hugo is insanely jealous of Odin, especially Odin's relationship with Hugo's father. Hugo wants to be the center of attention. He hatches a plan to bring Odin down, deceptively drawing everyone into his web of deceipt. He enlists his roommate as an assistant to his plot, promising Odin's girlfrined Desi (played by Julia Stiles) as the reward for a job well done.
Jealousy, rage, betrayal - this movie has all of the original elements of Shakespeare's Othello. The actors are brilliant in their roles. Julia Stiles has once again turned in a great performance in another Shakespeare adaptation (her first being 10 Things I Hate About You aka: Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew). Josh Hartnett is chilling in his portrayal of Hugo. The movie is a bit violent, but most of Shakespeare's tragedies involve violence, so this is not surprising. I definitely recommend seeing this movie!

"O" was originally scheduled to be released right after the Columbine High School shootings and since the film deals with violence and shooting in a high school setting it was pulled and not released for another two years. But like the episodes of television's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" that were pulled in the period following the Columbine tragedy, it is impossible to look at this story and see it inspiring a similar crime. Besides, did Mirimax (the original distributor, ultimately replaced by Lion Gate) ask schools to stop teaching "Othello" or have any of their other releases, which could also be accused of inspiring teenage violence, pulled from video stores? Somehow, I suspect not.

Obviously the film takes Shakespeare's play and updates it by transforming the story to a Southern high school and its star basketball player. Within that context I think the biggest change in the dynamic of the story is overlooked, because in "O" the big game is still to be played. In "Othello" the war is over and Venice has been saved by the Moor. This is a significant difference, because in this case Odin (Mekhi Phifer) has the pressures of sports working in tandem with the machinations of Hugo (Josh Hartnett) to fan O's jealousy towards Desi (Julia Stiles). I admit I have something of a problem thinking that Odin really cares about any woman more than he does about the game, but it is worked into the complex plot that Hugo is weaving toward the story's fatal climax.

There are obvious comparisons to be drawn between "O" and other version of Shakespeare in high school dress, such as "William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet" and "10 Things I Hate About You" (also with Stiles). Actually the film that came to mind first with me was "Cruel Intentions," another film where the classic plot line seems an absolute natural for being set in a high school, but the performances are justs a bit too stylized at times. Not that this version does not have its advantages. Certainly the motivation of Hugo is a lot clearer in "O" than what we find with Iago in Shakespeare, and O's final speech provides a fitting epitaph. By paying attention to the essence of Shakespeare's plays rather than the time, place, or words (several key moments in the film are carried entire by the significant looks characters give one another), "O" certainly keeps the commercial viability of such projects intact.

Ironically, I picked up this DVD along with a copy of Shakespeare's "Othello," only to discover that Disc 2 has a restored version of the 1922 silent film of "Othello" with Emil Jannings. Finding that movie was included in this package was certainly a nice treat.

Modern directors have found a way of connecting great literature to younger audiences by putting recasting the context -- this is not a corruption, for indeed Shakespeare and other literary giants have had their work adapted for the times, and for different times, on stage and screen numerous times. Perhaps the best comparison here is the adaptation of the French 'Dangerous Liaisons' to the modern, urban 'Cruel Intentions'. One of the best places for playing out unbridled passion isn't the corporate boardroom or courtroom or political venue, but the intensely emotional and unrestrained world of teenagers and high school. It is into this context that director Tim Blake Nelson (also known for his acting in 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' and 'Holes') and screenwriter Brad Kaaya updated Shakespeare's play of jealousy and betrayal, Othello.

While Mekhi Phifer is the title player ('O', actually Odin James, the modern Othello), Josh Hartnett in the supporting role of Hugo (Iago) steals the show. Odin is a black basketball player in a private, mostly-white southern prep school, in love with the dean's daughter, and the star of the basketball team, setting up rivalries in the team based both on abilities and racial lines. Hugo is jealous of Odin's popularity, skill and preferential treatment by all, even Hugo's own father, Duke Goulding (Martin Sheen), the basketball coach. Hugo decides to ruin Odin, his jealousy becoming contagious of a sort to influence his roommate Roger, his own girlfriend Emily (Rain Phoenix), Odin's best friend Michael, and finally Odin's girlfriend, the dean's daughter, Desi (Desdimona, played by Julia Stiles).

This is an underappreciated gem. The language is not Shakespearean (so comparisons to the recent diCaprio Romeo + Juliet fail here), but the situations are most assuredly from Shakespeare's story. The ever-increasing layers of manipulation, as situations seem to grow out of control and each seem to take a life of their own, are dizzying and subtle, strong and astonishing.

The direction is slow and steady, as if the very pace of the film shares the slow but deepening growth of Hugo/Iago's dark desires. The styles of the southern prep school, the soundtrack shifting from urban rap to darkening orchestral backing, and the earnest performances of the actors all combine to make this a stunning piece. The ending, both the planning by Hugo, manipulating others into his intentions, as well as the actual ending is surprising but understandable. Human emotions remain constant across the centuries.

There was controversy given the high-school context and violence in this film, and it was shelved for several years, having completed production for release about the time of the Columbine High School shootings. The fears of comparison were overblown, as the situations in this film are very different. Released in 2001 to theatres, it serves as a reminder to modern audiences of how earnest and passionate teen-age emotions can be, and how timeless and universal darker passions such as jealousy can be.

As someone who has read and watched Othello many times on stage, I thought this modern take on Shakespeare's most relevent-for-today tragedy was a great example of how Shakespeare can truly translate into the problems of our day: racism, bi-racial sterotypes and fears, jealousy, class, race, etc. The acting was superb, as always, Julie Stiles glows in every role she plays. However, at times I couldn't help but feel as if the movie was either trying too hard to follow the exact plot of Othello, or was confused along the way and added other events and scenes to cover what they lost. But overwall, not a bad modern version of Othello (near the end was well-acted and quite bone chilling...). But it's not really worth buying, probably best to rent this one.