Romeo Is Bleeding (1993)

A womanizing, crooked cop on the payroll of the mafia is confronted with the reality of his double life after he is asked to kill a beautiful and ruthless Russian gangster.

Director:

Peter Medak

Writer:

Hilary Henkin

Stars:

Gary Oldman, Lena Olin, Wallace Wood

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gary Oldman	...	Jack Grimaldi
Wallace Wood	...	Waiter
Juliette Lewis	...	Sheri
David Proval	...	Scully
Will Patton	...	Martie
Gene Canfield	...	John
Larry Joshua	...	Joey
Michael Wincott	...	Sal
Lena Olin	...	Mona Demarkov
William Duff-Griffin	...	Paddy
James Cromwell	...	Cage
Paul Butler	...	Skouras
Annabella Sciorra	...	Natalie Grimaldi
Tony Sirico	...	Malacci
Victoria Bastel	...	Girl #1

Storyline

Detective Jack Grimaldi (Gary Oldman) takes us through his shattered life after encountering the most deadly (and deceptive) criminal he has ever had to deal with. It doesn't help that Grimladi is playing both sides against the middle. When he encounters Demarkov (Lena Olin) he thinks he can play her as he has all the other women in his life...including his wife. But Demarkov knows Jack better than he knows himself. She plays him mercilessly, all the while threatening to kill him when she tires of the game.

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Plot Keywords:

pantyhose | sexy woman | bare butt | female rear nudity | blonde | 

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Taglines:

The story of a cop who wanted it bad and got it worse.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence, language and sexuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film's title is taken from a Tom Waits song. In the end credits he receives "special thanks" for its use.

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Goofs

Candle during the dinner scene.

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Quotes

Sheri: You know what the best part about making it with a cop is?
Jack Grimaldi: No.
Sheri: You got two guns. One for me and one for them.

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Alternate Versions

The Australian Region 4 disc, released by Magna Pacific/Becker Entertainment, is the censored TV version. All swearing has been removed as well as close-up shots of bullet hits and nudity.

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Connections

References Hud (1963)

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Soundtracks

IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMER TIME
Music by George Evans (uncredited)
Lyrics by Ren Shields (uncredited)
Courtesy of Klavier Records International, Inc.

User Reviews

You Can Dig One Grave, Or You Can Dig Two...

One of my favorite lines from "Romeo Is Bleeding," an overlooked tribute to film noir. Jack Grimaldi(Oldman)is a crooked cop that rats info to the mob about the whereabouts of mob witnesses. He is also a louse of a husband, cheating on his wife(Sciorra)with a waitress (Lewis). Life, in his view, is good, especially when he gets the money from the mob, which he uses "To feed the hole" in his backyard. Then, one day, his life slowly goes on a descent to hell when he is assigned to watch over the deliciously wicked Mona(Lena Olin, who should have gotten an Oscar nod for this performance). Mona makes a proposition to Jack: Help her fake her death and he will be paid VERY well. The problem is that the mob, led by Roy Scheider, wants Jack to wipe her out, or they will wipe him out. What happens to the characters in this film is what makes this a very intense film. The scenes between Olin and Oldman are hot enough to burn a hole in your television screen. This is a must see film that you have to have in your collection.

Details

Official Sites:

MGM

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 February 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

Romeo Is Bleeding

Filming Locations:

52-32 62nd Street, Maspeth, Queens, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$11,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,225,737, 6 February 1994

Gross USA:

$3,275,585

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,275,585

Company Credits

Production Co:

Polygram Filmed Entertainment, Working Title Films, Hilary Henkin

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1