Product: Romeo and Juliet [Region 2] (1968)
Rating: 5.0
A mythical voyage into our hearts of hate and love
The best adaptation of Romeo and Juliet for the screen. It is first of all faithful to the utmost. It keeps the period (the Renaissance). It keeps the feudal situation (the signoria as it is called in Italy) with the Prince who is shown as an obsolute ruler. It keeps the diabolic Tybalt who always looks for a fight, with his little hat and the two symbolical horns it is wearing. It keeps most of the text, though it cuts a lot in details that are not needed any more because images and special effects, like trumpets and horses, make some lines unnecessary. It keeps the traditional reading of the play : Romeo and Juliet are naive teenagers who unconsciously and definitely willy-nilly, create havoc in the fair city of Verona. The death of Mercutio is admirable. The music is authentic. The dance, balcony and death scenes are beautiful and full of light. The tragic dimension of such a play, the real mythical dimension of the story is kept to the very last detail. It is the best way to discover this work of art, this masterpiece by Shakespeare. I say go, go ! You cannot miss it. Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, Paris Universities II and IX.