Romeo & Juliet

The stars are fantastic. The photography and direction is like a 14 year old kids bad YouTube video. Every scene shot close up, is not dramatic. The continuous close up movement becomes nauseating. A complete waste of the stage. This director and cinematographer may never have attended a stage production. You need to move back and see the actors complete use of the surroundings and stage.

When I heard Jessie Buckley was in Romeo and Juliet I thought maybe she was playing the Nurse or perhaps Lady Capulet. But no, She's cast as the young(?) lover Juliet. I don't think it is possible to improve on Zeffirelli's version as shown in the Luhrmann attempt. Going modern was no excuse to cast Juliet at twice her age. I abandoned watching at that point.

The National Theatre's Romeo & Juliet is a film version of the play shot in a closed theater in lockdown that manages to bring freshness to the classic Shakespeare's love story.

Set in modern-day Italy, the movie draws you in from the start with the settings' minimalism efficiently adding a sense of charm surrounding the cast. There's a scene where the loved ones are surrounded by candlelight in bokeh that exudes romance and beauty. The cast is great. Josh O'Connor and Jessie Buckley bring forward the complete palette of emotions their characters experience. Their chemistry is strong, making it difficult not to be immersed in the story, even if it's already known.

The same story has been told numerous times, but not in this way, and that is why it's worth watching.

The shots in this film embrace not just the essence of a sacred space in the theater but take advantage of the best technology can contribute to intimacy. I couldn't take my eyes off this production for a single moment. It is amazing visually and exceptionally acted by those in every role. Trim and confident in its execution, this production will remain noted and inspirational in many futures to come.

This is a distilled version of the R&J productions we are used to seeing. The raw acting leaves it to be pure in its essence of Shakespeare's work. Amazing! Bravo!