Fun and Theatrical

Rating: Null/10 (19 June 2000)

I knew this version was not going to be like any version I am used to and I knew it was going to be an "art" film.
Even with the Shakespearian dialogue in the modern setting, I thought this film worked. It is a bit hammy and overracted at times but it still is a lot of fun and really reminded me of being in the theater.

This is definitely not a version that is to be taken literally. If you go with the flow, you'll find yourself enjoying this film and yes, learning a little bit more of Shakespeare along the way. I could easily see any English teacher picking this tape up to show to students - it really can make Shakespeare more accessible. I think this movie version (funky as it is) is yet another testament that great works by Shakespeare will never fade.
I basically enjoyed the performances. I was glad to see Pete Postlewaite and I thought Leo and Claire Danes made a really sweet and affecting Romeo and Juliet. I felt that all of the characters made the Shakespeare dialogue more understandable and put it in excellent context. I just had to realize that it's not altogether a BAD thing that the male lead is far prettier than the female one!
This same director is coming out with another movie that is similar to this one called "Moulin Rouge". I'm looking forward to it coming out.