O
Even though he's the only black student at the elite Palmetto Grove Academy, star basketball player Odin James has the adoration of all, including the team's coach and the Dean's beautiful daughter Desi. Odin's troubled friend Hugo, the coach's son, deeply resentful of his father's preference of Odin on and off the court, plots a diabolical scheme to sow the seed of mistrust between O and Desi, setting in motion a disturbing chain of events which erupts into a firestorm of breathtaking intensity.
Critics Sentiment
Duke presents MVP award to Odin over his son Hugo
Odin rapes Desi during sex at the motel
The film's most dramatic drop occurs from Hugo planting suspicion (6.5) to the disturbing motel rape scene (3.2), representing viewers' shift from appreciating the psychological manipulation to being deeply disturbed by its violent consequences.
The film receives mixed reception that follows a tragic arc, starting with moderate praise for its setup and Josh Hartnett's villainous performance before plummeting during the deeply disturbing sexual violence. While critics appreciated the Shakespeare adaptation and strong performances, particularly from Hartnett and Phifer, the brutal content and heavy themes left many reviewers conflicted about recommending the film.
Full cast
Mekhi Phifer
Odin James
Martin Sheen
Coach Duke Goulding
Josh Hartnett
Hugo Goulding
Andrew Keegan
Michael Cassio
Julia Stiles
Desi Brable
Rain Phoenix
Emily
Chris Freihofer
Assistant Coach
Elden Henson
Roger Calhoun
John Heard
Dean Brable
Anthony Johnson
Dell
Chris Dong
Dutchman Player
Rachel Shumate
Brandy
Marshall Gitter
Radio Announcer
Lisa Benavides
Ms. Serney
Ken French
Scout #1
Dana Ratliff
T.V. Announcer
Christopher Jones
Jason
Ronalda Stover
Woman Score Keeper
Kelvin O'Bryant
Ball Boy
Crew
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