Log in / Sign up
 
    Share this page

    Romeo and Juliet

    Reviewed by
    pietroantoni@

    Franco Zeffirelli's monumental 1968 production of Romeo and Juliet is the real deal from every possible angle. Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey were the exact ages that R and J would have been. They are such a fetching couple with unbelievable screen chemistry that worked perfectly. One truly needs to point out how incredible the performances were from John McEnery as Mercutio to Pat Heywood as an incredible sassy NURSE to Milo O'Shea, the real deal as Friar Laurence. Even Robert Stephens (Dame Maggie Smith's ex husband ) commands authority as the Duke. It sticks to Shakespeare much more faithfully than the 2013 quite horrendous version with Haile Steinfeld, a terribly miscast Juliet and Douglas Booth whom I found very engaging as Romeo.

    But when all is said and done it is Franco Zeffirelli who has created a masterpiece with this beautiful version, every department under his leadership providing the best of all possible worlds. And that included the music and song from the film which were Oscar Nominated. Of course, the film was nominated as Best film of 1968 as was Zeffirelli as Best Director, but OLIVER took home the top prizes, the last musical to win best film until CHICAGO in the 21st century. The Academy was still giving musicals all the great awards till 1968 when MUSICALS literally became a thing of the past OVERNIGHT! One could actually say this body was musical crazy to the point that many winning musicals made the Academy look bad, a truly bad bad organization with their ridiculous choices.

    You must try and see this particular version of R + J. None other of about 8 other filmed productions can compare to it in any way. This 1968 feature will move you like Shakespeare has never moved you before. Seeing this R + J with a group of friends, the ladies needed some tissues by the end and I must categorically admit I was moved to a degree I never expected. A tear from a man is no crime as they would have us believe in North America. It's an exceptional film!

    9
    HelpfulNot helpful  Reply
    pietroantoni@  8.4.2015 age: 36-49 14,551 reviews

    Show all reviews for this movie
    Note: The movie review posted on this page reflects a personal opinion of one user. We are not responsible for its content.

    Did you see ''Romeo and Juliet''?

    There is a problem with your e-mail address and we are unable to communicate with you. Please go to My Account to update your email.

    How do you rate this movie?

    Select stars from 1 to 10.
    10 - A masterpiece, go, see it now
    9 - Excellent movie, a must see
    8 - Great movie, don't miss it
    7 - Good movie, worth seeing
    6 - Not bad, could be much better
    5 - So so, okay if you don't pay
    4 - Not good, even if you don't pay
    3 - Poor movie, not recommended
    2 - Very bad, forget about it
    1 - Worst ever, avoid at all costs

    Please explain. Write your comment here:

    Please choose a username to sign your comments. Only letters, digits, dash - or period. Minimum 4 characters.

    Your age and sex:

    We publish all comments, except abusive, at our discretion.