William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, 1996

I've always been one to say that a classic can not be recreated; that the magic of a true original can not be recaptured. But what I found in Baz Luhrmann's version of the star-cross'd lovers, is far more than a cheapened revival of a well-known masterpiece. It is an entirely new monument all on its own. This modern epic of tangled romance brings an exciting energy to the screen that I have never seen before. The movie is quick-paced, and erratic; resembling a music video with its use of bright color, imagery, and symbolism. The soundtrack fits together with every scene like a finishing puzzle piece. Chemistry between Romeo (Dicaprio) and Juliet (Danes) is undeniable. Their performances are strong and heart-wrenching, and you see the kind of on-screen absorption of characters that just doesn't exist anymore. Leonardo Dicaprio is exceptional, and deserves more praise than he has received. As an audience, we are able to experience a contemporary setting, where swordfights are replaced with gunplay, and all the while the script sticks to Shakespeare's language. This is not easy to pull off, but the cast is flawless in doing so. You will not be disappointed in this retelling of the famous account of fate and fortune. I'd like to give William Shakespeare's Romeo+Juliet 10 stars, but 5 will have to do.

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