I saw Baz Luhrmann's MTVified version of Romeo and Juliet first. I enjoyed it immensely. My sister came home one day and, her being in ninth grade at the time, said that her English class had started watching this version in class. She said she had to buy it because it was so amazing. So on the day she bought it, my sister and I sat down to watch it. What I saw moved me in inexplicable ways. I think that Olivia Hussey has to be the most incredible Juliet ever to grace the screen. Sure, some people have said that she acted the part too immaturely, but come on! The girl is fifteen. And she's going through most of the same problems as Juliet is going through. I think that's what Franco Zeffirelli is trying to convey. And Leonard Whiting. God, why did this guy disappear? He was such a convincing Romeo. The scene where he goes to visit Juliet in the tomb was the first one that had me bawling like a baby. And plus it doesn't hurt that the kid is beautiful. I mean, come on! The guy is hot! Well, not now...but...you know. But that isn't the only reason that this movie is wonderful. It makes Baz Luhrmann's version look like a oversized music video. And, who could forget the hilarious portrayal of the Nurse by Pat Heywood and John McEnery. They are so funny! I was laughing myself sick over the scene with the nurse going to talk to Romeo. And what about the balcony scene?? Ahhhhh! The balcony scene is the most romantic scene in the history of literature, and they totally pull it off. I love the fact that they are both filled with wild passion, but also complete love for each other. You see that Baz?? When it's called a balcony scene, it usually is on a BALCONY! But I still love the Leo version. It's just that this one takes the cake. And if you see it for anything, see it for the haunting music by Nino Rota. It was the music that first made me cry.
Review of Romeo and Juliet
