Product: Romeo and Juliet [Region 2] (1968)
Rating: 5.0
Rent it Today!
This glorified story of Shakespeare's two star crossed lovers has been told countless times, again and again, but this version written by Franco Brusati and Maestro D'Amico and directed by Franco Zeffererelli is the best to this date. Through their eyes we see their vision of these two youngsters of ill fate. This version was, and still is the best, because it was the first production of Romeo and Juliet to use actual teenagers in the major roles, Romeo and Juliet. This film catches the eye from the opening scene and you are totally enthraled throughout, even though most everyone knows what the outcome of the story is. In the first scene we get transported to a time most of us have only daydreamed about. The set that was used for this film was truly amazing because it took you back to the time of Romeo and Juliet without portraying the 1960's (when the movie was made), which makes this an accurate retelling of this timeless classic. The costumes were positively exquisite, especially in the famous Masquerade Ball scene. The costumes actually looked like they could be from that time era, which makes the film seem more real overall. The only thing that is questionable about this scene is that if the Capulet's family color was orange, which is mirrored by their clothes, and the Montague's purple- why did Romeo and his friends think they could get away with going to the Capulet's ball and not be noticed? In doing a review of Romeo and Juliet, how could you not comment on the famous balcony scene? It was an absolutely breathtaking performance by Leonard Whiting(Romeo) and Olivia Hussey(Juliet). Even though it is hard to believe that two young teenagers can fall in love so quickly, nevertheless saying they want to get married so soon and actually believing it( just incredibly unbelievable these days), but putting that all aside it made me feel as if it could really happen. Throughout this scene, as well as the rest of the movie, the audience is able to get wrapped up in the emotions of the characters, mainly Romeo and Juliet, through the music. The music that was played throughout the film, not only tugged at the heartstrings but also truly added the film as a whole. Overall I thought that Leonard Whiting(Romeo) did a pretty good job, even though I think that he came off as being a little more ditzy than the play revealed. Sure, he was suppose to be a lover, not a fighter... but that was a bit overplayed. Olivia Hussey's role as Juliet was a little more whiny than the usual take on Juliet, but conveyed that of exactly what she was, a young thirteen year old, trying to mature into an adult. Michael York gave a wonderful performance as the young hot headed Capulet, Tybalt. He showed his anger beautifully through his seemingly cool exterior. Milo O'Shea played the part of Friar Laurence fantastically. Overall he was somewhat manipulative (by marrying Romeo and Juliet secretly), but all he really wanted was for his fair city Verona's leading families to be at peace with each other. I have to stress that this is the best version of Romeo and Juliet that anyone could possibly see, so go out and rent it today!