Romeo and Juliet (2013)

[AmrlKJaneway]

Originally Posted by EricJ

Its entire value seems to be "Okay, NOW can we stop fawning over that gay Baz Luhrmann version, just because it's the only film version we ever saw in high school?"

(In my day, we watched the '71 Franco Zefferelli period-detailed version, which this one seems to be trying to channel.
And here, plenty of mentions of Downton Abbey, to get the period-costume fangirls. )

Absolute classic! Only version you'll ever need!

Baz... BAH!

[jamesdevil]

Originally Posted by EricJ

Its entire value seems to be "Okay, NOW can we stop fawning over that gay Baz Luhrmann version, just because it's the only film version we ever saw in high school?"

What?

[EricJ]

Originally Posted by jamesdevil

What?

(Oh, I'm sorry, Romeo's best buddy was only dressing up as a black Ecstasy-popping drag queen for the costume party... )

[AmrlKJaneway]

Originally Posted by EricJ

(Oh, I'm sorry, Romeo's best buddy was only dressing up as a black Ecstasy-popping drag queen for the costume party... )

Mercutio was always my favourite. I died a little the day I watched that stupid film...

[remake]

PG-13 for some violence and thematic elements.

All you "I'm seeing it for the nudity" people must be severely disappointed.

[Afrobean]

Originally Posted by EricJ

(Oh, I'm sorry, Romeo's best buddy was only dressing up as a black Ecstasy-popping drag queen for the costume party... )

In the play, the party is specifically identified as a masquerade. When you change swords to guns, I don't think it's too surprising to put Mercutio in drag for the costume party. He's a comedic character, and were Shakespeare alive to see it, I think he probably would have found good humor in that take of the scene outside the party.

[MikeScott]

Just saw the trailer today. It looks decent. I'll watch it.

[MikeScott]

Opens in an estimated 450 theaters next weekend.

[blu-ray_girl_fan]

Got passes to an early screening. Will see it on Tuesday.

[Holmes]

I enjoyed it. It is not a mind-blowing revelation. It won't completely change how you understand or admire Romeo & Juliet. But I enjoyed the performances (Paul Giamatti is terrific) and the on-location-in-the-actual-Verona photography, and it condenses and plays with the source material with respect. An entertaining, very straightforward period-piece rendering of the play. No major complaints.

I would give it *** and 1/2 out of ***** or B.

[EPlay]

Saw this yesterday. I adore Zeffirelli's version and am biased to it, but I hoped this would be a decent version.

I felt this film was a bit like "Shakespeare for Dummies". Too much of the dialogue was rewritten to be more palatable for the target audience. I think viewers are smarter than that. (I mean, really -- "Thy lips are warm" and its implications should be an emotional, heartbreaking moment and "Your mouth is warm" just did not cut it.) The changes in the last 15 minutes were pretty blasphemous, in my opinion.

I felt Douglas Booth was fine as Romeo and actually had an emotional connection to his lines. Hailee Steinfeld didn't fare as well, either having expressions out of whack with her lines or speed rushing some of her lines without enough emotion. It's hard to find an actress that embodies the role like Olivia Hussey did.

They should have given the audience credit and not changed so much. Hopefully, it will encourage some people to check out the Zeffirelli version with its perfect casting and beautiful score.

[Canada]

I am surprised at the negative reviews this is getting considering the talent involved in this. I guess when their making a movie as well known and done so many times as Romeo and Juliet there has to be something that stands out.

[remake]

God damn this movie was long, boring and unnecessary.

[Chloenator]

Just got finished watching this. I'll be honest, I did enjoy this, but it wasn't great. I do agree that it was kinda long, but I don't think it was boring. I blind bought it for about $10 from the Foxconnect 50% off sale. I originally had it pre-ordered for $17.99 from Amazon and canceled it. I'm glad I did. If anyone is interested in seeing it, I recommend either renting it or waiting until the price drops. I bought it because I do like the story. I own the 1996 Leonardo Dicaprio and Claire Danes version. I would buy the 1968 version on Blu-ray in a heartbeat if it ever gets released because I love that version! Another reason why I bought this new version is because I love Hailee Steinfeld. I've been a huge fan of hers ever since seeing her work in the remake of True Grit.

[chris_sc77]

Originally Posted by Holmes

I enjoyed it. It is not a mind-blowing revelation. It won't completely change how you understand or admire Romeo & Juliet. But I enjoyed the performances (Paul Giamatti is terrific) and the on-location-in-the-actual-Verona photography, and it condenses and plays with the source material with respect. An entertaining, very straightforward period-piece rendering of the play. No major complaints.

I would give it *** and 1/2 out of ***** or B.

That about sums up my feelings.
I wish they got a better actor for Mercutio and maybe a few other roles.
Too much dialogue is cut as well but overall it's pretty enjoyable. It looks good and the score is one of the better scores of last year and the leads did very well.
Still think the Baz luhrman version is the best version of the story ever though.

[Lionclaw]

Just finished this and although the story of Romeo and Juliet never sat well with me this film was not bad. The movie was beautifully shot and the main theme was very good. Romeo was perfectly casted in my opinion and was very believable. Juliet was ok but is the weak link because the way she says her lines were just not believable. Anyways, I'd buy this for a cheap price.

[Holmes]

This definitely has one of 2013's most beautiful scores. A shame it will always be rather obscure due to the minor nature of the film.