dynamic cast dynamic director dynamic writer

Rating: Null/10 (24 November 2001)

william shakespeare would be totally blown away by this reproduction of his play romeo and juliet. baz luhrman has creatively interpreted this play, producing a wierd yet funky and modern movie. the ideas which he has used in the movie really bring the play into the fore. the montagues and capulets are blown into total giants of verona and the religious theme is very strong and consistent acting as leit motif throughout the movie adding to final cathartic moment. the fact that the story is set in a sleazy slummy town contrasts the the nature of both romeo and juliet. it would not have worked had baz luhrman not used the original shakespeare text. rarely are other works of literature so amazingly and beautifully made into fabulous films. the direction is truly visionary, with excellent editing in parts, simple ideas such as giving the capulet boys a hispanic identity and the montague boys a rough and ready punky attitude. leonardo di caprio and clare danes become their characters, they have so much force and passion, leonardo however i feel is more expressive and feels more comfortable with the shakespearean text itself. and the soundtrack....it works so well with the movie, such a range of different artist,bringing a new element to the movie. this movie totally captures the shakespearean tragedy at its best!