Product: Romeo and Juliet [Region 2] (1968)
Rating: 5.0
Romeo & Juliet.
I have seen both versions of Roemo & Juliet. First, I viewed the 1996 and enjoyed every minute but after I saw the 1968 movie I enjoyed it even more! Franco Zeferrli (the director) is gay, but I'm not going to let that stand in my way. People might say that Mercurtio (Played fablously by Michael York) and Romeo (Lenard Whiting, what a doll! I'll get to him later) are a little TOO close to be best friends, I don't personally think that. I, myself, not even being a lesbian should know that males share a bond. I can't quite explain it but it's a bond, like, it's said in the bible that a brother is born for adversity and a friend should be closer than a brother...BINGO! Anyhoo, back to the movie. From the first fight in the streets of Verona to the last cry of anguish from Juliet in her tomb (I know I was crying) every scene was perfectly detailed, almost like a painting. I also enjoyed the Middle Age music in this film, particulary the score to the main theme What Is A Youth?. The actors are nothing short of fablous, Olivia Hussey (15) is a beautiful, adolscent Juliet and Leonard Whiting (17) is a handsome, rebllious Romeo. The same goes for the supporting actors/ actresses (Michael York, Pat Dunaway etc.)! This film has inspired me to watch more of Shakespere ( I have already viewed both R & J films, plus Taming Of The Shrew, Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing and bits and pieces of A Midsomer's Dream, but that's a WHOLE different story). This movie has also inspired me to turn the story of Romeo & Juliet into a modern romance movie. So, thank you Mr.Shakespere for writing this extroadinary play and thank you Mr. Zefferlli for making a gem to all movie buffs (and fans of Shakespere).