My only love sprung from my only hate. (Romeo And Juliet [1996] (DVD))

Member Name: rachieb123

Product:	Romeo And Juliet [1996] (DVD)
Date:	18/07/09 (31 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A great adaptation of the classic.

Disadvantages: None!

I thought I would try my hand at some more movie reviews, they haven't been my strong point in the past so any feedback is appreciated!

After watching this classic film for the umpteenth time last night, I decided it would be good to review as I feel this is a movie everyone should watch at least once!

Directed by Baz Luhrman (think director of Moulin Rouge and Australia), the film is an adaptation of the well known Shakepeare play, 'Romeo and Juliet'. I expect everyone knows the story, but I will give a brief plot outline anyway.

The film/play is based around two fueding families in Verona, the Capulets and the Montagues. Juliet is a Capulet and Romeo a Montague, so when they fall in love it is forbidden and therefore kept secret. The couple wed, however the escalating fued between the two families threatens to tear them apart, yet the tragic ending actually ends up bringing the fued to an end. The couple are dubbed 'star crossed lovers' by Shakespeare.

Whilst the original play is set in Elizabeathen times, Luhrman propels the story into modern day times, setting it in Verona Beach. Throughout the film the original script is used, providing a stark contrast between the period in which the play was written and the modern day. For example whilst they refer to swords in the dialogue, guns are used in the film. Yet the dialogue never once seems out of place in the film, instead it fits perfectly which is a testament to Shapespeare's durability!

The movie stars Claire Danes as Juliet and Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo. Both play the parts well, although I think that Danes outshines DiCaprio in this movie. Supporting actors are listed comprehensively on the films internet movie database page found at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117509/

The running time for this film is one hour fifty five minutes and it is rated a 12 certification in the United Kingdom. I think this is a wise rating, because the ending of the film is deals with quite adult themes in my opinion.

The film can currently be found for:

£4 on Amazon
£4 on Hmv with free delivery
£4.99 on play.com with free delivery

If you want to get a feel for the film I would suggest viewing the trailer here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S6IJWilpx4

As far as dvd extras go there are a few. There is a commentary by Baz Luhrman and a few others, a behind the scenes featurette, a design gallery of stills narrated by Catherine Martin and the music videos for two soundtrack songs, 'Kissing You' by Des'ree and 'Young Hearts Run Free' by Kym Mazelle.

Overall I would give the film 5/5 because I really cannot fault it. The acting overall is above par, the soundtrack, including the song 'Kissing you@ by Des'ree and the setting are perfect and I really love the contrast between the original script and the modern setting, yet they work so well together and I think it is great that they didn't veer away from Shakespeares work. It is a real testament to Baz Luhrman that he produced such an amazing film and I am sure that you will agree!!

*This is also posted on other websites*

Summary: Everyone needs to see this at least once!