Wow, I loved this quirky little gem of a film so much I downloaded the sound track and have since bought the DVD as well. In fact the sound track is definitely a highlight - amazing score taking Shakespeare's incredible words and putting them to rap, hip hop, bouncing pop and rock ballads. Even if you don't like Shakespeare and don't understand all the words, the music portrays the mood of each exchange so well anyone can enjoy this film. Both my kids (who have no idea who Shakespeare is and only a rudimentary understanding of the story line) loved it. (Though there are a couple of scenes that are quite intense for kids, near the end - less gore than you see on a typical American film but a bit more gritty). The first half is pretty 'out there' with lots of comedic and crazy moments, so probably not for those who have no tolerance for movie entertainment that is outside the normal 'paper cutter' template of American movies these days. But once Juliet and Romeo connect the film takes a definite turn and the intensity level goes from slight slap stick to dramatic story telling. The cast do an amazing job (especially considering how they have to deliver their lines - watch and you will see), and the camera angles and filming are fantastic. New Zealand watchers will love the kiwi flavor to this film, whereas foreign watchers will hopefully find it exciting and different. A really cool - and very different - version of one of the world's oldest and most often told story. Regardless of whether or not you like Shakespeare or Romeo and Juliet, you should watch this as something very different and very entertaining. Watching it the second time around on DVD was even better as it improves with each viewing (probably because I know the songs so well now).
