Emotional rollercoaster

Rating: 10/10 (4 November 2002)

Shakespeare is one of the most prolific and talented playwrite's in all history. His work has been translated into countless languages, has been endlessly analyzed and discussed. There are so many adaptations of his work that it's impossible to name or even remember them all. So it must take an extraordinary cast, a visionary director and plenty of hard work to achieve a modern adaptation worthy of having Shakespere's name in the title. Buz Luhrmann and company more than meet the challenge of re-telling this classic story of star-crossed lovers into a modern rendition. I was priveledged enough to see this wonderful movie on the big screen in 1996, and now 6 years 1 VHS cassette, 2 DVD's (original and special edition), 1 book, 2 cassette and 1 CD soundtracks later I find myself just as moved by the movie today as I was 6 years ago. Buz Luhrmann and the cast take you on an incredible emotional ride. From the beginning you feel overwhelmed as you try to embrace the visual and audible power of the film, but as the movie progresses you discover that you become intune with the pace of the movie and the characters. Suddenly you hardly notice that the movie is actually utilizing old english language and that the play is actually 400 years old and you discover that you're relating to the characters and the story as though it was written for our generation. It is as though Romeo and Juliet were frozen in time until now and are re-living their lives in the modern times for us onscreen. I could go on and on about the movie and how it manages to captivate you for the entire 2 hours. I could discuss how the film takes you on the emotional rollercoaster from the hate driven rivalry in the opening, to the frolicing atmosphere of the Capulet bash, from the passionalte kisses in the pool, to the tragic and powerful ending that leaves you sobbing. I could, but I won't because that would take ages. Instead I'm going to say that this movie is definitely worth your time. The cast is spectacular and Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes just shine as Romeo and Juliet. Buz Luhrmann is a true visionary combining a rich character driven classic play with the lavish visionary feast for the eyes. All that combined with the incredible soundtrack from many talented artists and you have a bonafide winner. Watch it for yourself and you be the judge. My rating is 10 out of 10.