Romeo and Juliet

This movie is clearly inspired by Gnomeo and Juliet a far better movie. It clearly shows the story of Gnome and juliet in human form. Although this movie uses humans instead of gnomes they fail at making the characters feel real. It can be a hinderance to those who enjoy Gnomeo and Juliet but still a decent movie. All the plot points are unchanged from those in Gnomeo and Juliet it all fails to encase me in the wonder that Gnomeo had.

The death of mercutio is a plot point that was not needed because he survives in the base adaptation (Gnomeo and Juliet) the same can be said for Romeo and juliet. The female characters scream two much for my liking I wouldnt rewatch this woman.

Not my favourite Shakespeare play and it took my English ear a while to get used to the transatlantic accents but the cast does well. It is well filmed and recorded and the costumes are excellent. The cast are passionate but there was something about Romeo that didn't click with me and I can't figure out what it was. This is a difficult play to act and stage as whilst a tragedy whose ending is given in the opening by chorus, it has very funny moments. This production gets the balance just right. Whoever casts Juliet is on a hiding to nothing. The character is 14 but I cannot think of one actress of that age who could play the part. If you remember how poor the child actors in Harry Potter were, you will know what I mean. Casting Sara Farb works although I really wasn't convinced by her 'innocence'. The nurse is too shrill for my liking but these criticisms aside, the cast works well together and was clearly appreciated by the audience. The actor playing the Friar is excellent and compensates for a too pathetically played Romeo. All in all not a bad production.

'Romeo and Juliet' is one of William Shakespeare's, one of the greatest and most important playwrights that ever lived, most famous plays and also one of my favourites of his and overall. It is such a lovely, powerful story, that is the quintessential depiction of passionate love descending into tragedy perhaps, chock-full of iconic lines and speeches and characters hard to forget. There are some note-worthy adaptations out there, including Franco Zeffirelli's, though the available competition is uneven.

Stratford's 2018 production of 'Romeo and Juliet' is a very worthy one and is very good. Especially notable for the excellent supporting cast and uncompromising stage direction that never feels too safe. Despite Juliet's characterisation not being to my taste personally. Stratford have some real winners when it comes to their filmed Shakespeare productions, and their production of 'Romeo and Juliet' is certainly the complete opposite of a failure. As ever there plenty to love for traditionalists and those that know the play very well but also plenty to love for anybody not so familiar without trying too hard.

Am going to start with what doesn't quite come off. It was admirable that it pulls no punches, but there were occasions where it seemed too ominous and with not much hope. Making it too obvious that it wasn't going to end happily with the romance.

Was not overly fond of Sara Farb's Juliet, just found her too headstrong and petulent. Which was taken to extremes early on and she doesn't go enough on a journey character-wise, Farb makes an admirable attempt in making Juliet age appropriate but ends up not maturing enough.

However, Antoine Yared is a sincere Romeo and despite having reservations with Farb their chemistry is beautifully done, amorous and easy to be invested in. Even better is the supporting cast, with the standouts being Evan Buliung's energetic Mercutio, Wayne Best's noble Friar Laurence and Seanna McKenna's amusing and sympathetic Nurse (always a scene stealer in 'Romeo and Juliet').

It is a good looking production, not elaborate but attractive and tasteful. The filming is intimate which makes the viewer feel like they are there, while expansive enough to open up the drama. The music is dynamic with the action and has atmosphere. Shakespeare's text always shines and the stage direction never comes over as too conventional and never has any distaste or gimmicks. The tension of the feuding and the genuine love for Romeo and Juliet are particularly well done, just wish the doom wasn't laid on too thick.

Concluding, very good and almost excellent. 8/10.