Product: Romeo and Juliet [Region 2] (1968)
Rating: 4.0
Love at First Sight?
"Romeo and Juliet" directed by Franco Zeffirelli is the most true to date version of the classic Shakespeare story. The characters of Romeo and Juliet, played by Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey, are very believable and represent the "star-crossed" lover characterization very well. But as my title implies, was it really "love at first sight?"The relationship between Romeo and Juliet is one that is, as I get older, harder to believe. Zeffirelli does a great job with telling the story as I think Shakespeare would have wanted it. It is interesting to note that before Zeffirelli's version, it was commonplace to have adults act out Romeo and Juliet, and this version makes it much more real, but it also questions the emotions involved between the two lovers. This movie shows the innocence of both Romeo and Juliet and how their romance was totally forbidden due to the tensions between the Montague and Capulet families, respectively.Romeo is portrayed as a dreamy sort of character. While the men are having daily swordfights in the square, Romeo is off picking flowers and seeing girls that he is interested in. Benvolio, Romeo's cousin, notices this and questions his interest in his latest love, Rosalyn. Juliet, on the other hand, is seeking love from someone, anyone for that matter. The only person who really pays attention to Juliet is the Nurse, played by Pat Heywood. The Nurse takes special care of Juliet because she lost a daughter about the same age as her is now and somewhat lives her life through Juliet. Juliet's parents are more concerned with parties and other things rather than the happiness and care of Juliet. In fact, Juliet's parents have secretly arranged for Paris, a much older man, to marry her. Romance happens very quickly for both Romeo and Juliet. Romeo spots Juliet at a function that the Capulets were hosting and Romeo becomes obsessed with thoughts of Juliet. Within a few days, they arrange through Friar Laurence, played by Milo O' Shea, to be married. After they are married they consumate their love for one another and Romeo finds that he must leave as he is banished from the kingdom because of Tybalt's death. Juliet is desperate to find a way to leave and be with Romeo, and seeks the Friar's assistance. The Friar devises a plan that finds Juliet drinking a potion which allows her to sleep comfortably for up to 48 hours. The Capulet family finds Juliet "dead" and initiates funeral service for her. Word of Juliet's plan was to be sent to Romeo, but unfortunately, not in time. Romeo finds Juliet "dead" and drinks a potion to be with her, his potion, however, is fatal. Juliet awakes to find her love dead and stabs herself with Romeo's dagger to be with him forever.I think this movie successfully portrays the truest form of Romeo and Juliet's short life. Franco Zeffirelli does a terrific job of telling the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.