the most ridiculous version I have ever seen

Rating: 2/10 (12 February 2006)

This is the worst, albeit most hilarious version of any Shakespearean play I have ever seen. It was simply ridiculous, and although it was intended to be a tragedy, this movie is not. Unless you consider bad movies "tradgedies".
Leonardo DiCaprio was mediocre as Romeo, although Claire Danes was good in the role of Juliet. There were several points in which it moved from tragic and poignant to stupid and absurd. One such time was when Romeo is driving down the street before he kills Tybalt, he is screaming as if possessed. This was a bit over-done. There are others, such as the over-dramatized and misinterpreted scene towards the end, where Romeo is about to drink the poison. Juliet opens her eyes and reaches her hand up towards him, while he continues talking, completely oblivious!!! Where, may I ask, is that in the original play?!
I guess I am just another traditionalist, and I acknowledge that Baz Luhrmann has a right to his own interpretation, and that there are those that truly enjoyed this movie. However, I honestly believe that Shakespeare would be appalled at how his brilliant and incredible works have been adapted to the silver screen.