Surprisingly underrated: almost a masterpiece. (possible little spoilers?)

Rating: 9/10 (30 May 2000)

Is it possible to re-tell the most renowned love story of the Western culture in a new and modern way? Buz Luhrmann demonstrates that it is possible, even nowadays: also, he shows how great the Bard was: using His literal verses with modern fast MTV clip style, the director put together a piece of cinema which is both highly original and dazzlingly baroque. A parallel and multi-dimensional universe is built: parallel not only to the classic literature, of which the film constitutes a blasting update, but also to the Hollywood industry, with the great choice of Mexico City as major outdoor location. Using the Di Caprio - icon when it was not yet overworked by the Titanic phenomenon, the film maker casts the best possible Romeo Montague in the Nineties, matching him with a baby faced but strongly hearted Clare Danes; with her, Di Caprio plays the best scene of the year (by the aquarium), a touching and subtle metaphor of the discovery of the "other", both surrounded with the mellifluous chant which is the main film song. All in all: original, with a striking incipit, a fabulous overall casting, and a generous display of great, outrageous visuals (the party, the interior of the church, the aerial shots). Definitely one of 1997 best ones, and a conspicuous 9/10!