"Romeo + Juliet" Film Review Movie Review Examples

- The 1996 film “Romeo + Juliet” directed by Baz Luhrmann modernizes the classic drama by using more urban scenery instead of the more traditional Elizabethan/Renaissance scenery of earlier “Romeo and Juliet” adaptations. For example at the moment when Romeo and Juliet meet, their eyes meet through an aquarium in amidst of a costume party. Although the room is modernistic it reflects the original scene when the couple meets at a costume ball. The aquarium scene captures the magic of love and expresses the theme that even though they are so close they are still kept apart. The glass is a metaphor for the drama that is to come between them.
- I feel that the scene at the costume party most closely relates to the original theme. Juliet is shown wearing an innocent white angel costume. This is very symbolic of the purity and innocence of her character. Mercutio’s cross dressing costume reminds the audience of his outgoing, flamboyant manner. Romeo’s knight costume reminds the audience that he is the hero and harkens to a time where the good knight (Romeo) would rescue his oppressed damsel (Juliet).
- The lighting is used to express change. For example in the film where Romeo is looking for revenge on Tybalt, we see his change in emotion expressed in the lighting. The lightning rapidly gets darks the closer Romeo comes to approaching Tybalt eventually falling into complete darkness.
- The sound expressed the theme by creating a soundtrack for Romeo and Juliet’s relationship. This is a unique concept compared to more traditional Shakespeare’s works that do not incorporate music. Music gives a voice to the emotions that the characters are feeling without them having to say them.
- I think that the main theme of this film is forbidden love. The director wishes to express that this concept is timeless. He modernizes this age old story and makes it more relatable to today’s audiences by setting it in present times. The story and theme of love essentially remain the same despite the change in time period.
- The protagonists in this film are Romeo and Juliet, because they are both working to overcome those that seek to keep them apart and right the wrongs of their families. The antagonists are Lord and Lady Capulet, Lord and Lady Montague, and Tybalt because they seek to keep the lovers apart and can’t overcome their hatred for each other. For example, in the film Tybalt confronts Romeo and kills his best friend.