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.
- Director
- Writers
- Stars
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 15 wins & 30 nominations total
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
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
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.
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.
I'm a sucker for William Shakespeare even though I like it done better in the theatre. This one however, kept my attention and seemed to do a great job with modernizing the whole quarreling families thing. The movie kicks off with a street brawl between the Montegues and Capulets. The Prince forewarns them that if they ever disturb the peace again their "lives will pay the forfeit of the peace." We are then introduced to the character Romeo who is played by Leonardo DeCaprio. Leo does a great job as Romeo, but that's because Leo is a good actor in this film. Soon after that we are introduced to Juliet who is played by the beautiful Claire Danes, someone I haven't seen in too many movies. Danes does a great job playing the flirty Juliet. The movie follows the original script very accurately. The symbolism is also used very well throughout the movie. If you look at the guns you'll notice that some say sword, some say rapier, and I believe some say dagger. The Montegues always wear a Hawaiian style shirt. The Capulets dress more like mobsters or thugs even though both sides could be viewed as thugs in some sort or another. In either case each family wears a certain kind of clothing that makes it easy to tell who's who. One great part I absolutely love is the party. Juliet wears angel wings and Romeo wears a knight outfit. Romeo's best friend (and I wish I could spell his name but I'd rather not butcher it) dresses up as a women. So to explain this form of symbolics, for those who aren't getting it, it's Romeo is the "knight in shinning armor," Juliet is the angel of Romeo's dreams, and Romeo's best friend is the comic relief. There's other things you'll notice at the party also, like Tybalt wears devil horns(i.e. he's a villain). Both families you'll also notice are rich, which also follows the script accurately. Overall, if you're a Shakespeare fan, a fan of romantic movies, a fan of tragic movies, or a fan of artistic movies then make sure to look into this one. It'll sweep you off you're feet, make you laugh, make you cry, and make you fall in love.
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.
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
- How long is Romeo + Juliet?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Romeo + Julieta
- 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
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content