William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet ★★★ Romeo and Juliet 1996 (PG-13) Bright, loud update of Shakespeare's tragedy of feuding families and first love. Contemporary fantasy setting, Verona Beach, and attitude (the Montagues and the Capulets are business rivals), with the 16th-century Elizabethan language intact, although Luhrmann's said to have cut half the text. Hot-blooded Romeo (DiCaprio) takes one look at angelic Juliet (Danes) and falls immediately in love/lust. This doesn't please Juliet's family, including quick-tempered cousin Tybalt (Leguizamo) who goes after Romeo with far-reaching consequences. DiCaprio's remarkable and the young duo look wonderful together. A big hit with the teens. Filmed in Mexico City. 120m/C VHS, DVD. Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, John Leguizamo, Paul Sorvino, Brian Dennehy, Diane Venora, Pete Postlethwaite, Paul Rudd, Harold Perrineau Jr., Jesse Bradford, Miriam Margolyes, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Christina Pickles, M. Emmet Walsh;
Director:
Baz Luhrmann;
Writer:
Baz Luhrmann, Craig Pearce;
Writer:
Donald McAlpine;
Cameo:
Nellee Hooper. British Acad. '97: Adapt. Screenplay, Art Dir./Set Dec., Director (Luhrmann), Score; MTV Movie Awards '97: Female Perf. (Danes).
