A fantastic-looking film which reinvents Shakespeare for a new generation

Rating: 9/10 (19 January 2003)

Even if you're dubious about modern-day settings for Shakespeare, you should see this film. Like Moulin Rouge (also directed by Baz Luhrmann), it looks great, with vivid colours and great cinematography. Most of the cast are excellent, and even though Leonardo di Caprio can be a bit irritating, his melodramatic acting style really works for the character of Romeo, who after all is a melodramatic and overemotional teenage boy! The California gangland setting works brilliantly and the soundtrack is inspired.