Romeo + Juliet (1996)

Director: Baz Luhrmann

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, John Leguizamo

Shakespeare’s famous play is updated to the hip modern suburb of Verona still retaining its original dialogue.

We’ve seen a fair share of Romeo & Juliet films, but none as brave and bold as Baz Luhrmann’s version. From the fantastic soundtrack to the visuals, ‘Romeo + Juliet’ is in a league of its own. Some will love this fresh new approach, while others – especially die hard fans – will no doubt loathe it.

The titular characters are portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, with an awesome performance by Leonardo. If you’re familiar with the story, then you’ll know from the very beginning how it will end for our young lovers. One thing I always find interesting with love stories, is how easily lust is confused with love. Having just met and knowing nothing about each other, these lovers instantly declare their love for each other and are ready to get married the very next day. I know its meant to be romantic, but I don’t see it that way. Surely you only love a person once you get to know them. Romeo’s Dad, Father Laurence (Pete Postlethwaite) says it best: “A young man’s love lies in the eyes, not the heart.” Indeed so; well said!

Ok, my opinions aside; this is a love story – lets call it a very fast-paced love! In the end I did root for them, and I did find it rather romantic. The problem with our lovers, are the fact they are from the Capulet and the Montagues families, who are enemies. So it is a classic tale of forbidden love. Hoping their marriage could bring peace between the families, Father Laurence agrees to wed them.

John Leguizamo stars as the film’s antagonist, Tybalt Capulet – Juliet’s cousin. The Capulet and Montagues Boys constantly clash, causing mayhem and damage on the streets of Verona. Romeo’s best friend is Mercutio (with a fabulous performance by Harold Perrineau, whom I absolutely loved in this role), who has no time for the Capulet Boys.

This Shakespearian film is set in modern times, yet they still speak in the famous Shakespearian tongue. I’ll be honest, even with subtitles there were moments when I didn’t always follow what they were saying! No one speaks that way anymore! Many viewers will criticize the movie for not modernizing the dialogue as well. I admit, it would have been an easier watch. I’m not a big Shakespeare fan.

‘Romeo + Juliet’ is the type of film that just gets better and better as it develops, until you are completely glued to the screen. Made in typical Luhrmann style with his impressive visuals and trademark editing, this was a very entertaining watch. The first few minutes are totally slapstick (again, this is a Luhrmann trademark), but it quickly becomes dramatic. The film also features interesting versions of popular songs. I loved this movie, more so for taking a familiar story and making it feel original.

‘Romeo + Juliet’ earned $147.6 million at the box office, on a budget of $14.5 million. It received 44 award nominations (including an Oscar nomination for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration). The film won 15 awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Music, Best Actor, Best Art Direction, Best Production Design).

Would I watch it again? Yes.