Carlo Carlei’s Romeo and Juliet
By: Karin Luna
“The most dangerous story ever told” this adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet brings the best playwright ever written back to the big screen. Being over a decade since Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 modern adaptation, another film was made for the present day generations. Unlike any other films, it only follows the plot and not Shakespeare’s traditional dialogue in order for it to be more understandable for younger audiences. This has received controversy given that critics believe it is loosing the essence of the play. However, this adaptation is beautiful, romantic, and it hopefully inspires people to not forget the man who formed our literature.
Traditionally set in the Renaissance era, in the fair city of Verona, the son, Romeo Montague, and the daughter, Juliet Capulet, of two feuding families meet in a ball and rapidly fall deeply in love. As Juliet says, “My only love sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unknown, and known too late! Prodigious birth of love it is to me, That I must love a loathed enemy.” Despite the hate of their families towards each other, they declare the love for one another. Being the famous “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” balcony scene. Soon after, they are secretly wed and a tragedy later occurs. Scarring not only the heads of the Capulet and Montague Houses, but deeply hurting Juliet. Their love unravels a chain of events that leave their families crying for their children. As the prologue says, “And the continuance of their parents’ rage, which, but their children’s end, nought could remove.” This is literature’s most cherished love story and the most beautiful love ever described.
The director, Carlo Carlei, wonderfully captures their love and makes a film worthy of your tears. Rightfully being named next to Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation, this is a movie beyond your expectations. This movie is rated PG-13 for some violence and thematic elements so parental approval should be met, but this film will be fully enjoyed as a family.
Starring Douglas Booth and Hailee Steinfeld as Romeo and Juliet, you will not regret watching this. I undoubtedly recommend this movie which I hope everyone adores. This Romeo and Juliet adaptation makes it possible for kids, teens, and adults to see the beauty that Shakespeare has created. If you want to see something so beautiful that it will make you cry, this is the movie you should watch.
Category: Arts & Entertainment, Features, Front Page, Movies, News
Great articule…thanks for sharing
Wow, this is a really cool story, I always thought Romeo and Juliet was a love story about two teens who love each other and were forbid from seeing each other but commit suicide since they can’t see each other. Great article by the way!
-Heidi