True romance!

Rating: Null/10 (5 June 2001)

When I write a comment, I first usually tell a short outline of the plot. I don´t think that´s necessary here. Everybody knows the famous Shakespeare novel (I hope so...), and it must have been adapted for the big screen at least a hundred times. Nevertheless Baz Luhrmann´s ("Strictly ballroom") version of "Romeo & Juliet" is a special one. Just imagine Shakespeare would have met Tarantino...
In this modern version, the story is settled in the 90´s. The Montague´s and Capulet´s are two mafia clans that live in emnity. Leonardo di Caprio and Claire Danes are their kids who unallowedly fall in love with each other. I couldn´t imagine a better cast for the most famous couple in the world. Once again, "chemistry" is the magic word. You could think they´re real couple of these days. That´s why - in my eyes - the tragic dimension of the story gets so truthful. By the way, Natalie Portman was first planned for the role of Juliet, but she seemed too young for it. But that´s another story...
Of course, the novel wasn´t adapted in the original length. I suppose the only Shakespeare novel, where this fact is applicable, is Kenneth Brannagh´s version of "Hamlet" (1996). But the dialogues were putted into verses, and that´s just magic! In this way, Luhrmann spans a several centuries. Fascinating, isn´t it? It´s absolutely no popcorn cinema, but an effective try to explain the MTV-generation, who Romeo and Juliet were.
Overwhelming, touching, timeless!