Can He Not Wait?

Rating: 7/10 (30 December 2015)

Romeo + Juliet (1996): Dir: Baz Luhamann / Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, Brian Dennehy, Pete Postlethwaite, Paul Sorvino: This is perhaps the most modern you can translate the works of Shakespeare and despite the intriguing vision there is much that may or may not translate. The story is as old as mold. Two families are at odds while the romance between a young couple is threatened. Interesting Shakespearean dialogue placed within modern society but we know the tragedy and the violence is more severe and repetitious. Juliet's home is wonderfully Shakespearean thanks to massive art direction that clashes both Shakespearean and modern society. Director Baz Luhamann gives the film a precise visual appeal that will bring a new image to the whole idea of anything associated with William Shakespeare. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes follow the formalities and pull off a modern day romantic Bonnie and Clyde persona until that forever cheap tragedy arrives. Brian Dennehy and Pete Postlethwaite are well cast as their fathers who see confrontation as an only answer. It presents modernization of the play but the violence seems tailored to action fans. Students of Shakespearean literature may disapprove of the modern translation due to its level of violence. It is not entirely successful but merely intriguing in its presentation of classic literature to the bizarre. Score: 7 / 10