This modern day version of 'William Shakespear's Romeo and Juliet' will appeal to probably a wider range of people, particularly the younger generations, rather than if it was set back when it was written. Because of the lack of understanding of Old English nowadays, this makes the film, and the language, somewhat clearer to the eyes of the watcher. Also, with a top notch cast of Leonardo Dicaprio (The Man In The Iron Mask and Titanic) and Claire Danes, 'Romeo and Juliet' can't really fail.
If you don't already know the storyline, then you must have been living under a rock! As they say, 'Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona where we lay our scene. From ancient grudge, break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, a pair of star-crossed lovers take their lives.'
What this means in simple terms is that two households (the Montagues and Capulets) hate each other. Romeo (a Montague) meets Juliet (a Capulet), they fall in love and get married. After Juliet's cousin (Tybalt) kills Romeo's best friend, Romeo sends Tybalt with him. Romeo is banished for what he's done and while he's away in a neighbouring town, Juliet's father has arranged a marriage for her, not knowing she has already been wed. This creates desperate circumstances. How will everything turn out?
One of the best things about this film is that if your feeling a bit down, it's bound to cheer you up. There's hell of alot of romance, quite a bit of action and it sure digs down deep. Make sure it's handy for rainy days - it's well worth it.
