1996's "Romeo + Juliet" is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's classic tragedy. Set in the urban city of Verona Beach, the film uses the Old English dialogue to tell the story of two star-crossed lovers.
The film's cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, John Leguizamo, Pete Postlethwaite, Brian Dennehy, Paul Rudd, Miriam Margolyes, Dash Mihok, Diane Venora, Edwina Moore, Christina Pickles, and M. Emmet Walsh.
Verona Beach is the setting of our story. The city is run by two feuding houses: the Montagues and the Capulets. A voiceover sets the scene: "Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair
Verona, where we lay our scene.From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where
civil blood makes civil hands unclean.From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, a pair of star-crossed
lovers take their life."
A gun battle between the two warring houses causes the city to slip into chaos. (Added to Shakespeare's words is some additional dialogue, such as: "Go forth, I will back thee!")
Captain Prince of the police force tells the Montagues and Capulets to mend their ways or else their lives "shall pay the forfeit of the peace".
Romeo and his cousin Benvolio have heard of a party being held at the Capulet Mansion, and the two plan to sneak in.
As preparations are in full swing at the Capulets', Mrs. Capulet is searching for her daughter Juliet. "Nurse, where's my daughter? Call her forth to me!" she instructs Juliet's beloved nurse.
We find out that the Capulets have a husband in mind (Dave Paris) for Juliet. Mrs. Capulet is frustrated at Juliet's refusal to commit herself to the man. She leaves the room in a huff, allowing Juliet time to prepare for the party.
The party gets going, and Juliet gazes around at the festivities from her balcony.
Romeo, however, is having second thoughts about going. "My mind misgives some consequence yet hanging in the stars," he says.
It turns out to be some crazy party, not helped by the fact that Romeo took some drugs before he arrived. He heads off to the bathroom to clear his mind as the drugs wear off.
And it is there at a fish tank separating the men's and women's bathrooms, that Romeo first lays eyes on Juliet. He is captivated by the lovely woman staring back at him.
Juliet's mother, however, whisks her away so she can have a dance with her intended fiancé.
Romeo finds a way to finally speak with Juliet. Their connection is instant, and the two share a kiss.
Eventually, they realize that they are from feuding families. However, they decide to pursue a relationship. They even decide to get married.
The wedding is held in secret in an empty church. The bride and groom couldn't be happier, though.
Juliet's nurse is their to witness the marriage of the little girl she brought up. Father Laurence, a trusted friend and priest, performs the ceremony.
The happiness can't last. Juliet's cousin Tybalt kills Romeo's friend Mercutio. Romeo shoots and kills him in retaliation. He shouts "I am fortune's fool!" and goes into hiding. The Capulets want Romeo's blood, but Captain Prince banishes him from Verona Beach instead.
Juliet's future is quickly decided by her parents. They inform her that her wedding date draws close. She refuses to marry Dave Paris. Her father promptly disowns her.
She goes to Father Laurence and threatens suicide. He gives her a potion that will put her to sleep but make everyone believe she is dead. When they put her in the vault to bury her, Romeo can come to her after he is informed, and the two can run away together to Mantua.
Juliet drinks the potion and enacts the plan. An elaborate funeral is held, and everything seems to be progressing on schedule. There is only one hiccup. Romeo never receives the message saying that Juliet will be waiting for him alive.
He returns to Verona Beach, and, wanting to die as well, gets some poison from an apothecary. He visits Juliet in the tomb and is overcome with grief.
He drinks the poison. Just as he does, Juliet awakes. As he dies, Juliet finds his gun. With the pull of the trigger, she ends her life, and she and Romeo are together forever.
The Montague and Capulet families are forced into a truce as a result of the unfortunate deaths. It is said, "For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo".
Christina Pickles...............................Caroline Montague
M. Emmet Walsh..............................Apothecary
And that's it for Romeo + Juliet. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes actually didn't get along during filming. She felt he was immature, and he felt she was too uptight. However, during his speech at Juliet's bier, Claire Danes actually was moved to tears by DiCaprio's delivery.
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