DVD : Romeo And Juliet [1997]

Rating: - Hmm...
Stop right there! Put that remote down and step away from the eject button! Although your first impression is most likely, 'Dear God, old Shakey will be turning in his grave', you should stick with this film and I PROMISE you it will get better. Although I highly doubt that Shakespeare imagined Mercutio as a transvestite or Lord Montague being called Ted, it does work suprisingly well.

I think that once you've got into it, the only let down is the end...it was very sweet but slightly, 'OK, my husband is drinking poison, I'm going to sit here and smile for a bit'. I also want to know how they didn't set on fire from all those candles.

The Friar is incredibly cool, and Clare Danes reads her lines well. Makes more sense if you've read the play. All in all, a very good movie. Seems a lot better if you're not watching it in a class of apathetic 15 year old boys who feel it necessary to comment on everything that could be slightly rude, and several 15 year old girls who tend to swoon every time Leo Di Caprio's shirt is blown off (which actually happens a LOT). Tsk. Sooo 1996! :P

- Rach, AS English Student.

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Rating: - ROMEO + JULIET
This is the best film I have ever seen, to anyone who hasn't seen this then if u want to see one film in your entire life this is the one to watch. And to anyone who has seen this and doesn't like it, What is wrong with you? Perfect film to get your emotions out. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes play the part of Romeo and Juliet very well. I wouldn't mind Leo being my Romeo. Baz Luhrmann's version of this tradgic story is breathtaking. This is an unmissable unforgettable film if you haven't seen it PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE watch it!!

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Rating: - Fantastic, emotional and very well acted
Baz Luhrmann's lavish 1996 film 'Romeo and Juliet' is probably one of the best adaptations that the world has ever seen. Starring Leonardo Di Caprio as 'Romeo' and Claire Danes as 'Juliet', the film keeps the original dialogue and emotion that the world has grown the love. Even though some scenes are heavily cut from the original Shakespeare text, Luhrmann doesn't spoil the excellence of the story. It is set in a futuristic Verona; the swords in Shakespeare's text are replaced with guns. Some may see this version as 'americanised' and 'silly' but I think it is upto the viewer to make up their own mind.

When 'Romeo and Juliet' was first released it recieved mixed reviews; it was seen as being not very true to the original text. This is true to a certain extent (e.g. some scenes are drastically altered) but this is what makes this version unique.

The acting by all of the characters is absolutely fantastic (especially from Claire Danes as 'Juliet') and deserves to be recognised as one of the greatest adaptations of one of Shakespeare's best loved plays. It is a film to be treasured !

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Rating: - Excellent viewing
I first got introduced to this film when i was at school, fell in love with romeo and juliet and since then have watched it too many times to mention, i think the new version is more appealing to the younger audience although not a very good if you dont understand the language! But otherwise a star buy.

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Rating: - Genius
I watched this in english in school and i must say this is a work of sheer genius. The montagues are surfer style people and the Capulets are mean, gangster style peeps. Still in shakespearian language, it is a brilliant example of how to recreate shakespears work.