Long Live Shakespeare!

Rating: Null/10 (16 September 2003)

First I'd like to begin by saying that my all time favorite Romeo and Juliet ever put on film is the 1968 version by Franco Zeffirelli starring Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey. I saw that movie on late night TV once when I was a graduate student in Toronto in 1998. I am not embarassed to say that I bawled for an hour afterwards and since then it has left an indelible impression on my mind.
This movie is set in the 90's and hence the location and the character portrayal is appropriate. Danes and DiCaprio are the precise choice for this movie. And I was also pleased to see that the original shakesperean dialogue is employed. However, the dialogue is not followed faithfully, some of the choicest passages are missing. I was particularly grieved to find that in the balcony scene Romeo's entry passage was cut short. "R: .... See how she lean's her cheek upon her hand, O that I were a glove upon that hand, That I might touch that cheek...." is missing. So is "J: ....But to be frank and give it thee again, My bounty is as boundless as the sea my love as deep, The more I give to thee the more I have for both are infinite, I hear some noise within, dear love adieu...." is also missing. These are only some examples. The balcony scene is one of the most important scenes in R & J, Luhrman should have left it unabridged. That's the only complaint I have, otherwise this movie is perfect. The last scene in the church caught me by surprise. I always thought that Juliet wakes after Romeo dies (without knowing that she is alive). Luhrman has done an exceptional job in simultaneously filming Romeo's death and Juliet's coming alive. It makes the ending so much more poignant. I highly recommend this movie. But to anybody who hasn't seen the 1968 version, please go rent the DVD or even better buy it!
"Goodnight, as sweet repose and rest come to thy heart as that within my breast."