Oftentimes, when books are adapted for the big screen, the result is less magical than on paper. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, the movie won several BAFTA (British Academy Film Awards) in 1998 for film score, direction, adapted screenplay and more. The 1996 film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet is an instance where the movie holds the same beauty as Shakespeare’s original play, all while translating the story into an interesting modern setting. Much of the original dialogue is kept from the play, which makes for a sometimes funny and sometimes more dramatic effect. 

We are placed in the 1990s in Fair Verona Beach, a Florida city, and introduced to the Capulets and Montagues, two big companies, competing for dominance over the city. The setting is well established and used well. For example, while Romeo (played by a young Leonardo DiCaprio) is sulking about his initial love interest Rosaline, we see him writing, at sunset on the beach. A very beautiful and dramatic scene that introduces us to his character, as well as the tone of the movie. If you pay close attention, you’ll notice that the stage he’s sitting on it named “The Globe Theater.” While we’re placed on a scenic summer beach city, where the dress code is a minimally buttoned Hawaiian shirt, it is also a Shakespearean tragedy, and darkness lingers even in the most joyous scene. 

The film is very cathartic. You know how it’s going to end but you buy into the story nevertheless. I would highly recommend this movie for its visual appeal, as well as how the play is adapted story-wise. Though some parts of the original play are omitted for run time, the flow of the plot is unbroken. It is incredibly immersive and an absolute bangin’ soundtrack. But watch the movie for yourself and form your own opinions. I rate this movie 4.5/5 stars.