Read Mixed User Reviews for Romeo + Juliet

5

superbatApr 15, 2020

A weird adaption of Romeo and Juliet. Modern dialogue would've made this film much better.

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4

[Anonymous]Feb 15, 2009

Alright, Baz Lurhmann, with all due respect, what the fuck have you done? Modern day Miami with verona dialog? "get me my longsword"=big gun? Mercution a crossdresser? God, this movie sucked. The only thing that keeps it from being a Alright, Baz Lurhmann, with all due respect, what the fuck have you done? Modern day Miami with verona dialog? "get me my longsword"=big gun? Mercution a crossdresser? God, this movie sucked. The only thing that keeps it from being a complete dud was Leo DiCaprio's performance and the scene where Romeo kills Tybalt.… Expand

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5

LouisH.Nov 18, 2007

this is a weird movie. The drama loses all of its touch. Just the modern stuff with the past dialouge makes everbody seem like they all escaped from the nut house. Still, they had the cool modern police gun fights and all that. Final rating=5.

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6

TyranianApr 11, 2019

Luhrmann pretty out of control but still entertaining. Acting and music are mostly good.

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5

SpangleDec 22, 2014

Ultimately, Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet is a mixed bag. On the positive, the second half is great and just as effecting as it should and needs to be. While I obviously know what happens, this story never fails to touch my heart in some waysUltimately, Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet is a mixed bag. On the positive, the second half is great and just as effecting as it should and needs to be. While I obviously know what happens, this story never fails to touch my heart in some ways and move me in others and Baz Luhrmann's interpretation keeps this alive and does well communicating it. For this, I cannot hate this film. However, there are some negatives. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes are not awesome. They are not bad, to be sure, but there are some moments that made me cringe. On top of that, the first half is comically bad. I could not help but laugh throughout as the modern interpretation of this one was beyond terrible in this portion. It improves in the second half, but damn is the first half embarassingly stupid and over the top. As a whole, Romeo + Juliet is not a bad film, but it is certainly not a good film. It is an interesting update to the classic tale, but has too many negatives to become anything more than that.… Expand

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6

Kai82Dec 12, 2021

The main point for you to decide is if you can enjoy the original dialog from 400 years ago when the setting is transferred to modern day. This makes the movie a bit awkward at times and can ruin it for some people. While I enjoyed the movieThe main point for you to decide is if you can enjoy the original dialog from 400 years ago when the setting is transferred to modern day. This makes the movie a bit awkward at times and can ruin it for some people. While I enjoyed the movie in general it is awkward and sometimes unintentionally funny. Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy from Shakespeare and beside being a true classic also probably one of the most famous works of fiction. It is a story of star crossed lovers from feuding families. Like I said the story is set in modern days in Verona Beach. There two business empires are clashing against each other with the Capulets and Montagues. The rivalry created hatred and something like a cold war that can erupt at any time. The story gains momentum when Romeo Montague sneaks into a Capulet party event where he meets Juliet Capulet where both do not know the others identity. With this nothing will stay the same and the tragedy starts. It is a timeless story and entertaining. Beware that it is a drama atop the love-story and will be bittersweet with a sad ending. Now to the elephant in the room. The dialogues are not adapted to modern language as they use the original script. It is without doubt fascinating but also harmful. An interesting idea that is better on paper but not garbage for me. Be warned that others see this as mayor flaw and wont forgive this. The actors deliver a great performance. Be it the lead roles with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes or the side characters with especially Harold Perrineau, Pete Postlethwatih and both families. A great performance. Just as remark: With the original dialogues there was a lot to fail and if they did not deliver they would be laughing stocks. The scenery and costumes are amazing. They put a lot of work into the visuals. It impressed me back then. Overall this was an interesting experience. However the mentioned dialogues weaken the experience. I am divided here and give a 6/10 for the whole movie but praise the idea, actors and concept.… Expand

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6

MrMovieBuffAug 22, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have very mixed thoughts on Baz Lurhmann's take on the famous William Shakespeare tragic love story, "Romeo + Juliet". On the one hand, I think it's a clever way to get teenagers into the story as it does appeal to that demographic perfectly. On the other hand, what we get is a little strange given how it is set during the present time, but the dialogue doesn't match the time period making the tone inconsistent and somewhat confusing.

The two leads are played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes who do share some terrific chemistry with their young energy and spirit. The movie, of course, focuses on the war between the Montagues and the Capulets, but, during a ball at the Capulet side, when Romeo crosses over, he sees the one thing he truly desires. Both Romeo and Juliet meet at the ball and they really hit it off, only to later discover that they are from two opposing families.

Things do get a little heated between the two families when they find out that both Romeo and Juliet are seeing each other in secret, which then leads Romeo to run away in exile, and Juliet eventually faking her own death leading an unaware Romeo to believe that she has died since his departure.

As I said above, I admired the movie trying to appeal to a young demographic, but at the same time, the tone is confused and somewhat disjointed. Since the movie is set in modern times, would it just be easier to craft the dialogue with a more contemporary feel? I understand that the Shakespeare-like dialogue is essential when adapting some of his most famous stories, but here, since the setting is different, the dialogue may as well have been.

Although, I also admire Baz Lurhmann's set pieces, and the action is terrific to watch and often intense. The actors in this movie give it their all as well, playing the roles convincingly and offering enough commitment to make this film an unforgettable and emotional experience. Like I said, I have mixed thoughts in regards to this film, but overall, there are some things done well, and other things that could have been done better.… Expand

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5

IAmNinja27Jul 25, 2015

Watching this film again years later, I decided to post my thoughts on it. There are several things I enjoy about this film...in concept. The juxtaposition of old English Shakespearen within a modern setting, while not revolutionary, wasWatching this film again years later, I decided to post my thoughts on it. There are several things I enjoy about this film...in concept. The juxtaposition of old English Shakespearen within a modern setting, while not revolutionary, was interesting. This film has a great cast of actors, less Daynes. And the set pieces are interesting to the eye. I think some people took this all a little too seriously. The negatives, however, do weigh in. Daynes not only doesn't pull off the "look" of Juliet, but she's wooden in her performance. Bare in mind she was only 16-years-old. The action sequences (because they substitute swordplay with gunplay) don't entirely make sense. Some of the music simply does not hold up. Okay, most of the music. But the biggest issue is simply in the execution. They go too far, too over-the-top, too flamboyant for any of it to be remotely believable. It doesn't work. Good concept, not executed well. But I'd still rate this an average 5/10, if not just for cultural significance and nostalgia. Shut off your brain for a little bit and enjoy it for what it is.… Expand

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5

Uncle_Cake47Aug 26, 2015

I like its effort its just that this movie would have a lot more potential if the script was not literally copy paste right out of Shakespeare's original play. It's a damn shame they got the casting right the acting spot on but they just hadI like its effort its just that this movie would have a lot more potential if the script was not literally copy paste right out of Shakespeare's original play. It's a damn shame they got the casting right the acting spot on but they just had to copy paste. Some people see is as artsy but I see it as pretentious.… Expand

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5

kyle20ellisApr 1, 2022

Now I like Baz Luhrmann, I loved Moulin Rouge! and Australia was a much better film than people give credit for. However, I was disappointed with this version of Romeo and Juliet. I really liked the 1968 film with Leonard Whiting and OliviaNow I like Baz Luhrmann, I loved Moulin Rouge! and Australia was a much better film than people give credit for. However, I was disappointed with this version of Romeo and Juliet. I really liked the 1968 film with Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey though that did have one or two problems.

Starting with the redeeming qualities, the film does look amazing. The cinematography is beautiful and the scenery is gorgeous. I also liked how the Capulet party was staged, all grand and lavish and Claire Danes's white swan dress was stunning. Harold Perrineau was perfect as Mercutio yes the singing wasn't great but it was for comedy, and Pete Postlethwaite was a noble and sympathetic Friar Lawrence. Miriam Margoyles is a fine actress and brought a real sense of maternal instinct to the role of Juliet's nurse. Regarding the character though, she could have been developed more, seeing as she was the main source of motherly affection in the play I would have liked to have seen that come across more. Also I would have liked to have seen more of Paris, a smaller role but a significant one. And Leonardo Di Caprio does have a boyish charm that compensates for any thoughts of whether he was too young. I liked how fast it moved too, it was almost exhilarating in pace, and I think the film makers did that purposefully to empathise how rushed Romeo and Juliet's relationship was. Plus the ending is very tragic as it should be.

However, there are other aspects that didn't quite work. I have no problem with a film that is updated, it worked in West Side Story, it worked in Carmen Jones, but it does feel jarring when the script is not modernised, with a poetic and archaic sounding script mixed by exhilarating non-stop action merging on screen it doesn't quite work. Plus when Benvolio says "Put up your swords" I personally felt "put down your guns"(as they were guns not swords here) would have been better. Baz Luhrmann's direction was also a disappointment, sometimes in the early scenes it was so over the top that I forgot I was watching a version of Romeo and Juliet and thought I was watching a flash cartoon. (I love animation don't get me wrong but that feel to this film doesn't bode well with me). The soundtrack I had mixed feelings about. I liked the music at the beginning and in the balcony scene, I liked the use of Mozart's Symphony Number 25 and I liked the use of Liebestod from Wagner's Tristan and Isolde sung brilliantly by Leontyne Price, however some of the more contemporary songs felt somewhat intrusive. Claire Danes looked gorgeous, but her acting was rather unconvincing in places, her crying for instance felt very melodramatic and (please don't take this the wrong way) reminded me of a spoilt rich girl who cried when she didn't get her way. Finally, I have nothing personal against John Leguizamo though I am not fond of him either, but I thought he badly overdid the character of Tybalt, too much of the tough guy attitude and not enough of the grace and coolness of the Tybalt of the play and the 1968 version.

Overall, watchable but disappointing. It could be worse though, you could be watching that animated film with seals taking the roles of the Shakespearean characters, that did a much worse job at respecting(more like disrespecting) the material. 5/10 Bethany Cox… Expand

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5

alejandro970Jul 24, 2020

This adaptation to the modern era of the literary classic, was it with good intentions or was the idea to make a farce? Sounds like a case for Unsolved Mysteries. The tragic couple hardly creates empathy and the members of the rival familiesThis adaptation to the modern era of the literary classic, was it with good intentions or was the idea to make a farce? Sounds like a case for Unsolved Mysteries. The tragic couple hardly creates empathy and the members of the rival families are in the majority unbearable. What I at least appreciate is the song of the exit credits.… Expand

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6

eva3si0nSep 3, 2023

Romeo + Juliet is a free interpretation of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. Fans of Shakespeare's work may think that Romeo + Juliet is some kind of cartoon from Baz Luhrmann. But you shouldn't immediately take the film negatively.Romeo + Juliet is a free interpretation of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. Fans of Shakespeare's work may think that Romeo + Juliet is some kind of cartoon from Baz Luhrmann. But you shouldn't immediately take the film negatively. First of all, there is a good cast, and a beautiful young DiCaprio. The transfer of the film to the American entourage of the early 90s is not badly implemented. The film well conveys the dialogue in the style of a play. And although the plot here is as predictable as possible, Romeo + Juliet is interesting to watch. In general, this is a bad movie, of course not for every viewer. Clearly an amateur. But it's Baz Luhrmann, he has almost all the movies except The Great Gatsby. If you liked his other movies, or musicals, this is the movie for you.… Expand

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5

FilipeNetoJun 26, 2018

Changing or using material from Shakespeare always requires courage and maturity. He's just the greatest British playwright of all time. Baz Luhrmann had this courage and much more, in a film that updates the most famous love story ever,Changing or using material from Shakespeare always requires courage and maturity. He's just the greatest British playwright of all time. Baz Luhrmann had this courage and much more, in a film that updates the most famous love story ever, bringing it to our time, to a great seaside town. This may displease the purists but its not original. This has happened to other stories by other authors. However, this film has the characteristic of keeping, almost in full, the original dialogues of Shakespeare. I confess that I really enjoyed listening to them, but there is a natural nasty discrepancy between the Renaissance text and the modern environment, they disagree with each other for the most obvious reasons and this damages the film. If the idea was to bring the story to modern times the most natural solution would have been to adapt the dialogues, but if the option were to keep Shakespeare's text untouched, the best would be a period film. Mixing both concepts did not work out.

The film features Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes in the lead roles. DiCaprio was still enjoying his stage as a "handsome movie boy", while Danes was just a beautiful unknown face to a Juliet who wanted to be naive and young. In fact, this actress employed very little in this film beyond her physical beauty, for she always sounded unconvincingly and never really seemed to be in love. The scenarios are quite curious and full of exaggerations. The Capulet house could be the mansion of any new-wealthy businessman, with its tacky décor and kitsch furnishings. These elements are also visible in the family mausoleum, with all the candles and neon crosses. In the middle of all, Danes and DiCaprio stand out for the sobriety of their costumes. Harold Perrineau probably gives us the most controversial performance, turning Mercutio into an African-American transvestite, full of glitter. Pete Postlethwaite did quite well as Father Laurence, as Miriam Margoyles in the maid role. The soundtrack wisely uses some pieces of classical music, but this doesn't harmonize with the modern pieces that were used as well.… Expand

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6

DawdlingPoetNov 27, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a romantic drama film, with themes including feuding families, forbidden love, urban gangs and duels. Its very much a colourful, stylish film - if anything, visually it looks as if its gone to town with bright vivid colours - mostly yellow and blue at the start. This is a Baz Luhrmann film and his films do tend to be quite flamboyant and colourful, it has to be said.

The dialogue between characters is what I presume to be true to the original Shakespeare play (lots of 'thine's, 'shall's and the like). The mix of extremes (proudly modern and all guns blazing and yet also with a clear historical basis or angle) is a bit disorientating and I definitely did feel there was an element of pretentiousness. I was never especially keen to see this film as a teen, as I wasn't keen on either romance based films, nor Leonardo DiCaprio as an actor then but im a little more open minded nowadays and have fairly enjoyed Luhrmann's subsequent films, so I thought I'd finally give this a watch.

There is a fair sense of campness in some of the supporting characters/actors, with Mercutio seeming to be in drag. I didn't feel some of the elements worked particularly well. There is a real sense of artificiality present, with a lot of the characters seeming to be quite exaggerated. It almost looks as if your watching a dream, or a nightmare, version of the story. I don't mind a film being fairly stylised, I expected that but I'm not convinced they got the balance quite right in this particular film adaptation. I suppose it felt like it was trying perhaps a little too hard, I'm not sure but something about it didn't quite sit well with me. Of course the story is very well known and I'd hope I couldn't really be accused of giving big plot spoilers if I say it involves tragedy - surely thats a given(?!). I did feel it was relatively engrossing - I felt the two main characters did well at seeming to be quite realistic, genuinely appearing to be in love.

Cast wise, Romeo is played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Juliet is played by Claire Danes. As I say, they both seemed to give decent performances, seeming like relatively naive teenagers, while seeming in love. They both appear to be quite head strong people, looking for their own independence, which is something I imagine many people nowadays can, perhaps, relate to. Other cast members include the late Pete Postlethwaite, as father Laurence, John Leguizamo as Tybalt, Brian Dennehy as Ted Montague, Harold Perrineau as Mercutio and a youngish Paul Rudd, as Dave Paris. Miriam Margoyles also appears, playing the nurse based at Juliets family household (that of the Capulets).

I can't help but feel like they tried a smidgen too hard to make it seem so high and mighty and in so doing, will have lost some potential viewers but I wouldn't say that it was a really bad adaptation, that its a waste or not any good. I felt like I wasn't entirely sure quite how they (by 'they' I mean the filmmakers, screenwriters, director etc.) were trying to approach it. Obviously its a modern remake, or re-telling of a classic story but the mix of both old and new elements seemed to clash at times. Some scenes seemed to work a bit better than others - its hard to explain exactly why. I quite liked the way the optimism of both Romeo and Juliet was put across - its thankfully light hearted at times and I did find myself quite enjoying watching it, seeing how the plot panned out. I wouldn't say I'm particularly a keen fan of Shakespeare's plays as such but I did quite like some aspects, such as the modern songs which are ocassionally sung or otherwise featured during scenes. I noticed the audio levels seemed a bit unbalanced (if thats the correct term?), in as much as I had to turn the volume down at points due to the characters talking so loudly and then, not long after, others seemed to be all but whispering, which was obviously frustrating. I don't normally have such issues with audio levels, so I'd presume it not to be a problem with my TV.

Content wise, this film contains some sexually suggestive innuendos, references and partial nudity is shown. There is moderate violence depicted, although there is a threat of violence present for most of the film. Self harm is depicted and people are shown with bloody injuries. Some characters are shown smoking cigarettes. The film has been given a 12 rating in the UK, due to this content.

No, I don't think I would over all recommend this film as such. Its surprisingly engrossing and the cast give pretty decent performances, plus it uses music well but it felt a little over-stylised and I felt the mix of old and new just didn't quite sit right with me and then the audio levels seemed a little 'out'. I suppose its purely down to personal taste - I've no doubt that some people really like this and if you think that you may do as well, then feel free to give it a watch but personally, I wouldn't say its any more than average.… Expand

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4

Sosmooth1982Jan 9, 2023

The love story is ok. The movie is kind of boring, and I don't like the end. I expected this movie to be more entertaining but my family likes it for some reason.

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6

Toasty87Jul 11, 2020

A modern take on a classic story on paper sounds good but this just felt rushed.

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5

geewahJun 16, 2021

Luhrmann's style has always been about style, but sometimes it goes too far as it does here.
A classic case of style over substance.
The best thing about this movie is it's soundtrack.

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6

liamexeJun 8, 2023

Yes, I have to confess that this movie moves quite quickly and is visually appealing. As with Moulin Rouge, the soundtrack and cinematography work together to create a fantastic visual experiment. The movie's concept, though, strikes me asYes, I have to confess that this movie moves quite quickly and is visually appealing. As with Moulin Rouge, the soundtrack and cinematography work together to create a fantastic visual experiment. The movie's concept, though, strikes me as odd and a little absurd. There are two options: either you completely adhere to Shakespeare's original plot, scenarios, etc. (which obviously wouldn't appeal to the audience it was intended to appeal to), or you perform a modern adaptation and place the story in a contemporary setting. Reading baroque dialogues from the 16th century while shootings take place and fast automobiles are on the road just looks really weird and exciting. It simply seems like an odd combination of the unquestionable status of Shakespeare with the undeniable allure of action films that doesn't actually work that well.… Expand

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