Karen Goberman in Brooklyn Babylon (2000)

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Brooklyn Babylon (2000) is yet another Romeo and Juliet star-crossed lovers story, this time set in Brooklyn in adjacent black and Jewish neighborhoods. Juliet, played to perfection by Karen Goberman, is a Jewish American Princess from an orthodox family, engaged to a militant and thug-like Jew. She would prefer to attend college. Romeo is a Rastafarian rap star (played by Tariq Trotter). The literally bump into each other when the cars each are riding in collide at an intersection. It is obvious that racial tension is high, and it is against this backdrop that the two become acquainted and fall in love.

The film actively stresses cultural differences, but, by the way it is cut, also shows the similarities. For example, we cut back and forth between a club where Solomon (Trotter) is rapping and everyone is dancing, and a Jewish wedding with chanting, and dancing, showing the parallels. If you like hip-hop, the sound track is a keeper, and Trotter is performing through much of the film. Goberman is either a Brooklyn Jewish American Princess who was type cast, or is a very promising young actress, or both.

I agree that it is watchable, with some good points, and production values are good. It is a solid drama, which will appeal to fans of the music as well, but probably won't win many converts from the comedy or action lovers, so this film is a C.

Nudity Report: Goberman has a short love scene with Trotter that is nothing but double exposure, cross fades and the like.

Critics Vote: Critics are luke warm about it, with Apollo at 63%, but all end their reviews saying that it is watchable despite its flaws.

IMDB Summary: IMDb is at 7.4/10.

DVD Info: Bare bones.


Written by: Tuna …courtesy of Scoopy.net