Romeo + Juliet

Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo and Juliet" is not your high school Shakespeare. It's a bullet-riddled opera of young love that has gone up in flames, and I loved most of it. The costumes and makeup were amazing. The settings were great, and the acting was immaculate. The only thing is that Luhrmann's style sometimes overwhelms the story. Leonardo DiCaprio brings raw teenage vulnerability to Romeo-his pain feels real, especially in the final scenes. Claire Danes starts stiff but grows into Juliet's grief with heartbreaking clarity. But the true standout is Harold Perrineau as Mercutio, stealing scenes with wild charisma and tragic depth.

It's not often that I've seen a movie three times and I can't give it a rating any higher then a 6.

I think I really tried and forced myself to like this since I can appreciate the modernization of this old story and the creativeness that was attempted.

Maybe it's unfair to say this movie is hard to follow. The dialogue is obviously a challenge for any inexperienced viewer but the story is familiar and each scene makes sense even if you're struggling to understand what each actor says. That being said, it's nothing special. Each time I finish watching this movie I just feel like it's ok. There is no gut wrenching impact it has left on me and I can probably affirmatively confirm this now after the third viewing. It's an interesting movie, a bold, perhaps unnecessary, punk-like remake that swaps swords with guns and also attempting humour. A part of movie history to say the least.

Here's a complete thought about Baz Luhrmann's 1996 film "Romeo + Juliet": Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo + Juliet" isn't just a retelling of Shakespeare's classic; it's a vibrant, modern reimagining that explodes onto the screen with a kinetic energy that perfectly captures the impetuous passion of youth. Set in the contemporary city of Verona Beach, Luhrmann translates the timeless tale of star-crossed lovers into a visually stunning spectacle that seamlessly blends Shakespearean language with contemporary pop culture.

The film's audacious style is its most striking feature. Luhrmann masterfully utilizes a hyper-stylized aesthetic, employing vibrant colors, MTV-inspired editing, and a pulsating soundtrack that blends classical music with contemporary rock and pop. This dynamic approach not only revitalizes Shakespeare's text but also makes it accessible to a modern audience. The iconic fish tank fight scene, with its underwater choreography and slow-motion bullets, is a testament to Luhrmann's innovative and visually arresting direction.

The performances are equally captivating. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes deliver electrifying portrayals of Romeo and Juliet, capturing the intensity of their love with raw emotion and palpable chemistry. John Leguizamo's fiery Mercutio is a scene-stealer, while Paul Sorvino's imposing portrayal of Don Capulet adds gravitas to the tragic story.

However, "Romeo + Juliet" is more than just a visually dazzling spectacle. Luhrmann's film retains the core themes of Shakespeare's original: the destructive force of family feuds, the power of love to transcend social barriers, and the tragic consequences of impulsive actions. The film poignantly explores the timeless themes of fate, free will, and the fragility of human life.

While some purists may criticize Luhrmann's liberties with the original text, his film ultimately serves as a powerful testament to the enduring relevance of Shakespeare's work. By translating the timeless tale into a contemporary language, Luhrmann has introduced a new generation to the beauty and tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, proving that Shakespeare's words continue to resonate with audiences across generations.

In conclusion, "Romeo + Juliet" is a bold and unforgettable cinematic experience. Luhrmann's visionary direction, coupled with stellar performances and a captivating soundtrack, creates a visually stunning and emotionally resonant reimagining of Shakespeare's classic. This film serves as a powerful reminder that even in a world of constant change, the timeless themes of love, loss, and the destructive nature of hatred remain deeply relevant.

This movie does an excellent job of combining Shakespearian dialogue with

modern imagery. Admittedly, I first watched this movie when it came out

because of Leo; eight years later (and seven years after middle school ended), I realize just how well-done this film actually is. Luhrmann did an excellent job of making the movie believable while using the quaint language. This movie

brings new life into the words of Shakespeare, and even if you know the play

almost by heart it is refreshing to hear the words in an entirely new context, and one which makes sense. This version of Romeo and Juliet actually does add

something to the extensive history of the play. The soundtrack is excellent, the acting is appropriate (Danes and DiCaprio do a wonderful job of portraying the young lovers), and the scenery is fabulous. This film jump-started the trend of modern-day Shakespeare remakes, and I think it's the best one.

I'm a sucker for William Shakespeare even though I like it done better in the theatre. This one however, kept my attention and seemed to do a great job with modernizing the whole quarreling families thing. The movie kicks off with a street brawl between the Montegues and Capulets. The Prince forewarns them that if they ever disturb the peace again their "lives will pay the forfeit of the peace." We are then introduced to the character Romeo who is played by Leonardo DeCaprio. Leo does a great job as Romeo, but that's because Leo is a good actor in this film. Soon after that we are introduced to Juliet who is played by the beautiful Claire Danes, someone I haven't seen in too many movies. Danes does a great job playing the flirty Juliet. The movie follows the original script very accurately. The symbolism is also used very well throughout the movie. If you look at the guns you'll notice that some say sword, some say rapier, and I believe some say dagger. The Montegues always wear a Hawaiian style shirt. The Capulets dress more like mobsters or thugs even though both sides could be viewed as thugs in some sort or another. In either case each family wears a certain kind of clothing that makes it easy to tell who's who. One great part I absolutely love is the party. Juliet wears angel wings and Romeo wears a knight outfit. Romeo's best friend (and I wish I could spell his name but I'd rather not butcher it) dresses up as a women. So to explain this form of symbolics, for those who aren't getting it, it's Romeo is the "knight in shinning armor," Juliet is the angel of Romeo's dreams, and Romeo's best friend is the comic relief. There's other things you'll notice at the party also, like Tybalt wears devil horns(i.e. he's a villain). Both families you'll also notice are rich, which also follows the script accurately. Overall, if you're a Shakespeare fan, a fan of romantic movies, a fan of tragic movies, or a fan of artistic movies then make sure to look into this one. It'll sweep you off you're feet, make you laugh, make you cry, and make you fall in love.