The 1996 version of William Shakespeare's classic tale of star-crossed lovers was an excellent adaptation
using modern-day scenarios while keeping the power of the original tragedy. Montague and Capulet are business giants
in Verona Beach and their children (played by Clare Danes and Leonardo deCaprio) meet at the Capulet's mansion and fall instanly in love. After setting up secret meetings and
a secret wedding, Romeo must hide after killing Tybalt and Juliet must avoid her parents and her arranged marriage. Their rendez-vous
is set, but Romeo never gets the message. He kills himself at Juliet's side, and she wakes and does the same.
The movie is brought into today's terms with fast cars and new weapons. Guns bear the names "sword" and "daggar". Romeo's pals
are ever=present, including the free-spitited Mercutio, who attends the Capulet costume party in drag.
The original language is well preserved and easily understood in the modern setting. This is definetly a must-see!
