Shakespeare's famous play is updated to the hip modern suburb of Verona still retaining its original dialogue.Shakespeare's famous play is updated to the hip modern suburb of Verona still retaining its original dialogue.Shakespeare's famous play is updated to the hip modern suburb of Verona still retaining its original dialogue.
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- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 15 wins & 30 nominations total
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Summary
Reviewers say 'Romeo + Juliet' is a bold, modern adaptation praised for vibrant visuals, energetic direction, and stellar performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. The contemporary setting and pop culture elements are lauded for making the story accessible. However, the film faces criticism for the jarring contrast between modern settings and Shakespearean language, uneven acting, and over-the-top stylistic choices. Despite these issues, many appreciate its ambition and success in introducing Shakespeare to a new audience.
Featured reviews
As a 12 yo girl I don't understand Shakespeare one bit. It's like a different language that u just get bored of trying to translate. But this movie - I understood every bit of it. And I loved it. Why is there all this hate? Especially for Leonardo, his performance was beautiful and I'm not just saying that bcs of his face but it was genuinely moving and Clare Danes was great in it too. It's not the greatest movie I've ever seen no. But in 2021 I don't care if this movie is gonna change my life or not or if it's a masterpiece or a flop, I wanna watch a movie that I'll be entertained by and moved by. And that was this movie.
This movie does an excellent job of combining Shakespearian dialogue with
modern imagery. Admittedly, I first watched this movie when it came out
because of Leo; eight years later (and seven years after middle school ended), I realize just how well-done this film actually is. Luhrmann did an excellent job of making the movie believable while using the quaint language. This movie
brings new life into the words of Shakespeare, and even if you know the play
almost by heart it is refreshing to hear the words in an entirely new context, and one which makes sense. This version of Romeo and Juliet actually does add
something to the extensive history of the play. The soundtrack is excellent, the acting is appropriate (Danes and DiCaprio do a wonderful job of portraying the young lovers), and the scenery is fabulous. This film jump-started the trend of modern-day Shakespeare remakes, and I think it's the best one.
modern imagery. Admittedly, I first watched this movie when it came out
because of Leo; eight years later (and seven years after middle school ended), I realize just how well-done this film actually is. Luhrmann did an excellent job of making the movie believable while using the quaint language. This movie
brings new life into the words of Shakespeare, and even if you know the play
almost by heart it is refreshing to hear the words in an entirely new context, and one which makes sense. This version of Romeo and Juliet actually does add
something to the extensive history of the play. The soundtrack is excellent, the acting is appropriate (Danes and DiCaprio do a wonderful job of portraying the young lovers), and the scenery is fabulous. This film jump-started the trend of modern-day Shakespeare remakes, and I think it's the best one.
Here's a complete thought about Baz Luhrmann's 1996 film "Romeo + Juliet":
Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo + Juliet" isn't just a retelling of Shakespeare's classic; it's a vibrant, modern reimagining that explodes onto the screen with a kinetic energy that perfectly captures the impetuous passion of youth. Set in the contemporary city of Verona Beach, Luhrmann translates the timeless tale of star-crossed lovers into a visually stunning spectacle that seamlessly blends Shakespearean language with contemporary pop culture.
The film's audacious style is its most striking feature. Luhrmann masterfully utilizes a hyper-stylized aesthetic, employing vibrant colors, MTV-inspired editing, and a pulsating soundtrack that blends classical music with contemporary rock and pop. This dynamic approach not only revitalizes Shakespeare's text but also makes it accessible to a modern audience. The iconic fish tank fight scene, with its underwater choreography and slow-motion bullets, is a testament to Luhrmann's innovative and visually arresting direction.
The performances are equally captivating. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes deliver electrifying portrayals of Romeo and Juliet, capturing the intensity of their love with raw emotion and palpable chemistry. John Leguizamo's fiery Mercutio is a scene-stealer, while Paul Sorvino's imposing portrayal of Don Capulet adds gravitas to the tragic story.
However, "Romeo + Juliet" is more than just a visually dazzling spectacle. Luhrmann's film retains the core themes of Shakespeare's original: the destructive force of family feuds, the power of love to transcend social barriers, and the tragic consequences of impulsive actions. The film poignantly explores the timeless themes of fate, free will, and the fragility of human life.
While some purists may criticize Luhrmann's liberties with the original text, his film ultimately serves as a powerful testament to the enduring relevance of Shakespeare's work. By translating the timeless tale into a contemporary language, Luhrmann has introduced a new generation to the beauty and tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, proving that Shakespeare's words continue to resonate with audiences across generations.
In conclusion, "Romeo + Juliet" is a bold and unforgettable cinematic experience. Luhrmann's visionary direction, coupled with stellar performances and a captivating soundtrack, creates a visually stunning and emotionally resonant reimagining of Shakespeare's classic. This film serves as a powerful reminder that even in a world of constant change, the timeless themes of love, loss, and the destructive nature of hatred remain deeply relevant.
The film's audacious style is its most striking feature. Luhrmann masterfully utilizes a hyper-stylized aesthetic, employing vibrant colors, MTV-inspired editing, and a pulsating soundtrack that blends classical music with contemporary rock and pop. This dynamic approach not only revitalizes Shakespeare's text but also makes it accessible to a modern audience. The iconic fish tank fight scene, with its underwater choreography and slow-motion bullets, is a testament to Luhrmann's innovative and visually arresting direction.
The performances are equally captivating. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes deliver electrifying portrayals of Romeo and Juliet, capturing the intensity of their love with raw emotion and palpable chemistry. John Leguizamo's fiery Mercutio is a scene-stealer, while Paul Sorvino's imposing portrayal of Don Capulet adds gravitas to the tragic story.
However, "Romeo + Juliet" is more than just a visually dazzling spectacle. Luhrmann's film retains the core themes of Shakespeare's original: the destructive force of family feuds, the power of love to transcend social barriers, and the tragic consequences of impulsive actions. The film poignantly explores the timeless themes of fate, free will, and the fragility of human life.
While some purists may criticize Luhrmann's liberties with the original text, his film ultimately serves as a powerful testament to the enduring relevance of Shakespeare's work. By translating the timeless tale into a contemporary language, Luhrmann has introduced a new generation to the beauty and tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, proving that Shakespeare's words continue to resonate with audiences across generations.
In conclusion, "Romeo + Juliet" is a bold and unforgettable cinematic experience. Luhrmann's visionary direction, coupled with stellar performances and a captivating soundtrack, creates a visually stunning and emotionally resonant reimagining of Shakespeare's classic. This film serves as a powerful reminder that even in a world of constant change, the timeless themes of love, loss, and the destructive nature of hatred remain deeply relevant.
It's not often that I've seen a movie three times and I can't give it a rating any higher then a 6.
I think I really tried and forced myself to like this since I can appreciate the modernization of this old story and the creativeness that was attempted.
Maybe it's unfair to say this movie is hard to follow. The dialogue is obviously a challenge for any inexperienced viewer but the story is familiar and each scene makes sense even if you're struggling to understand what each actor says. That being said, it's nothing special. Each time I finish watching this movie I just feel like it's ok. There is no gut wrenching impact it has left on me and I can probably affirmatively confirm this now after the third viewing. It's an interesting movie, a bold, perhaps unnecessary, punk-like remake that swaps swords with guns and also attempting humour. A part of movie history to say the least.
I think I really tried and forced myself to like this since I can appreciate the modernization of this old story and the creativeness that was attempted.
Maybe it's unfair to say this movie is hard to follow. The dialogue is obviously a challenge for any inexperienced viewer but the story is familiar and each scene makes sense even if you're struggling to understand what each actor says. That being said, it's nothing special. Each time I finish watching this movie I just feel like it's ok. There is no gut wrenching impact it has left on me and I can probably affirmatively confirm this now after the third viewing. It's an interesting movie, a bold, perhaps unnecessary, punk-like remake that swaps swords with guns and also attempting humour. A part of movie history to say the least.
Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo and Juliet" is not your high school Shakespeare. It's a bullet-riddled opera of young love that has gone up in flames, and I loved most of it. The costumes and makeup were amazing. The settings were great, and the acting was immaculate. The only thing is that Luhrmann's style sometimes overwhelms the story. Leonardo DiCaprio brings raw teenage vulnerability to Romeo-his pain feels real, especially in the final scenes. Claire Danes starts stiff but grows into Juliet's grief with heartbreaking clarity. But the true standout is Harold Perrineau as Mercutio, stealing scenes with wild charisma and tragic depth.
Did you know
- TriviaKey hair stylist Aldo Signoretti was kidnapped by gang members and held for $300 ransom which Baz Luhrmann paid.
- GoofsWhen on the beach preparing for a duel, Abra ejects all the bullets from Tybalt's magazine except one. Romeo uses that same gun, in a new location, to kill Tybalt, shooting him 6-7 times. However, Tybalt carries two guns. The one Romeo uses is the second gun, which at this point was not unloaded.
- Crazy creditsThe film opens and closes with the Chorus, appearing as an anchorwoman on a TV screen, narrating the prologue and the closing lines.
- ConnectionsEdited into Nothing Is Truer Than Truth (2018)
- Soundtracks#1 Crush
Performed, Written and Produced by Garbage
Garbage appears courtesy of Almo Sounds, Inc./Mushroom Records UK Ltd.
Shirley Manson appears courtesy of Radioactive Records
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Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Roméo & Juliette
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $14,500,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $46,351,345
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $11,133,231
- Nov 3, 1996
- Gross worldwide
- $147,554,998
- Runtime
- 2h(120 min)
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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