Baz Luhrmann's Romeo And Juliet

Rating: Null/10 (12 November 2003)

Baz Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet combines gun fights and car chases with Shakespearean poetry. This post-modern adaptation updates the traditional setting to Verona Beach, Los Angeles, replaces swords with guns, horses with cars and yet is entirely faithful to the original dialogue.
A dramatic soundtrack enhances the quick-moving screen action effectively and creates a gripping atmosphere which is sustained throughout the entire film. These effects are perfectly complimented by the memorable performances delivered by the lead actors, Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. This is undeniably one of DiCaprio's finest portrayals, showing talent only seen previously in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape".
In comparision to the many other adaptations of this famous tragedy, Baz Luhrmann's certainly ranks with the best. It provides the viewer with a fresh and original idea, whilst exploring the previously untouched concept of modernising the film's visuals whilst retaining Shakespeare's original dialogue.
This spectacular transformation combines love, hate, comedy and tragedy in a way that triggers emotion in all and allows viewers both young and old to realise the true depth of Shakespeare.