New Life, New Time, New Romeo and Juliet?

Rating: Null/10 (15 October 2003)

I write this review because I like this movie and would like to clear up some of the misunderstandings of some of the reviews. People look at this film with a much too narrow scope. This does so many things for Romeo and Juliet as one of the best works in the history of man, and for Baz whom without we would not even being using the word musical in association with film in modern cinema.
Let's start with what it does for R and J as a story. I am currently 21 and I can honestly tell you that until R and J was recreating by Baz the luster of the story was wearing off. It was old out dated with sword fights with no imagination or description. As it was written around 500 years ago (that number maybe wrong but who cares "a long time ago) it boring stupid love story that could not even be fathomed to happen today. However after the newest production of Romeo and Juliet it not only is comprehendible but the story has faces that most people can relate to. The pain and anguish of Leo's Romeo and the refined passion of Claire's Juliet. That is what this "adaptation" did it brought the story to the people that matter most, the kids and young people. We are growing up in not so innocent times so wasn't it time to have a not so innocent Romeo and Juliet?
Second is Baz a revolutionary filmmaker. Yes R and J is an old story so are all his films but the way they are told is new and revolutionary. Yes some older people squirm with the jump cuts, quick cuts, and fast action film. That is fine but the Mtv generation doesn't as much. He is taking classical work from his time on the stage and bringing it to the masses. He is truly a filmmaker of the people and without him musicals would have been something made in the 30's 40's 50's and 60's now it is an accademy award winning form.
Therefore, calm down. The world is not coming to an end. For the purists, your Shakespeare is not rolling over in his grave. Rather, he is smiling because some finally got the courage to stand up to his work and bring it to a new time. Baz shouldn't be reprimanded for his work but commended. Through all of this you are entitled to your piece however wrong it maybe