Watch Romeo Juliet
- PG-13
- 1996
- 2 hr
-
6.7 (245,760)
Set in modern-day Verona Beach, Romeo + Juliet is an innovative adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic play about young love and family feuds. The movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes as the titular characters, Romeo and Juliet, respectively, while John Leguizamo plays Tybalt, Juliet's hot-headed cousin. The movie opens with a prologue set in a newsroom where a TV anchor announces the existence of the rival factions: the Montagues and the Capulets. The audience is thrown into the midst of the conflict when we see a group of Montague boys, including Romeo, crashing a Capulet party. It is here that Romeo first lays eyes on Juliet, leading to a love-at-first-sight scenario. The two are soon separated and must navigate their way through their families' deep-seated hatred in order to be together.
Director Baz Luhrmann set out to make a wild and frenzied interpretation of the play, and the movie is bathed in bright colors and intense music. The cinematography is a standout aspect of the movie. Shot mostly with handheld cameras, the movie's frenetic pace is perfectly in tune with the young lovers' whirlwind romance. Quick cuts and swooping camera angles add to the film's dizzying effect.
The lead performances are also a highlight of the movie, with DiCaprio and Danes sharing a palpable chemistry. DiCaprio's Romeo is impulsive and passionate, while Danes' Juliet is a strong-willed young woman, refusing to be controlled by her family's expectations. The adult actors, including Leguizamo, are also notable. The casting of Leguizamo as Tybalt is particularly inspired, as he brings a simmering anger to the role that is both magnetic and unnerving.
One of the most innovative aspects of the movie is the use of language. Luhrmann and his co-writers kept Shakespeare's original dialogue, but recontextualized it in a contemporary setting. The film's characters still use the archaic language of the play, but it's presented in a way that makes the dialogue more accessible to modern audiences. This is achieved through playful editing, juxtaposing snippets of speech to create new meanings, and having the characters deliver their lines in a way that feels more naturalistic.
The use of music in the film is also worth noting. Luhrmann incorporated a diverse selection of contemporary tracks, ranging from Radiohead to Des'ree, to create a unique soundtrack that adds to the film's frenzied tone. The movie's most famous song, "Lovefool" by The Cardigans, plays a prominent role in the film, and Luhrmann's use of it is both playful and poignant.
Overall, Romeo + Juliet is an exciting and exhilarating adaptation of a classic story. It's a film that takes bold risks - with its visuals, its language, and its eclectic soundtrack - and it all pays off. The movie is an experience that's simultaneously dreamlike and visceral, and DiCaprio and Danes' performances anchor the film's emotional core. It's a film that captures the passion and the tragedy of Shakespeare's play while also feeling fresh and modern.
In conclusion, Romeo + Juliet is a standout adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic play that is both visually stunning and emotionally affecting. The film's lead performances are captivating, and the use of music and language are inventive and exciting. It's a film that takes risks and succeeds, creating a unique and memorable cinematic experience.
Romeo Juliet is a 1996 drama with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 60.