excellent job by cast, very good movie

Rating: 9/10 (20 April 2004)

I actually saw this movie in the theater and wasn't much interested going into it (read: my girlfriend, now wife, chose the movie that night). As I watched, the movie was lacking very much until the scene where DiCaprio and Danes meet with "Kissing You" being sung in the background. That part changed the whole movie for me because of the easily recognized chemistry between the two of them - all without saying a word. Since then I have come to appreciate this movie even more, and watch anytime it's on TV.
The acting is excellent. So good in fact, that the ending everyone knows will happen seems illogical - you believe they deserve so much better, that it will work out. Leo showed why he was one of the best actors in Hollywood, pre-Titanic. And I don't mean "best under 25 or 30 years old," I mean overall. Before the Titanic backlash, he was as solid as anyone. Also, Perrineau was unbelievable, stealing every seen he was in. And Leguizamo again shows why is such a highly underrated actor. I believe Danes was perfect casting for Juliet, nailing the role.
The style may turn a lot of people off, but Baz Luhrmann made it worked very well as he always does. Overall, this is a very good movie carried by the exceptional performances of the mentioned actors and even Pete Postlethwaite in a small role being his usual solid self.
9/10