A marvellous contemporary update of Shakespeare's tragic romance. Building on camp aesthetic, hectic editing and beautiful visuals that marked his earlier film Strictly Ballroom and went on to play an even greater part in Moulin Rouge!, Luhrmann's MTV-inspired masterpiece displays an uncanny understanding of his source material. Exposition is kept to a minimum. Instead we're treated to ecstasy-infused dances in drag (a glorious interpretation of Mercutio's Queen Mab speech), a colourful gas station brawl and a soundtrack that includes Prince, The Cardigans and The Wannadies.
Wisely choosing to preserve the original language of the text, Luhrmann's "Verona Beach" setting (actually a mixture of Miami and Mexico City) highlights the melodrama of Shakespeare's story, something which this movie has in spades. The hot young cast are perfectly spearheaded by DiCaprio and Danes, both of whom have never been cast better. Fast, furious and gloriously watchable.
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