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Amazon.co.uk Review
Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet was unique in its day for casting kids in the play's pivotal roles of, well, kids. Seventeen-year-old Leonard Whiting and 15-year-old Olivia Hussey play the titular pair, the Bard's star-crossed lovers who defy a running feud between their families in order to be together in love. Typically played on stage and in previous film productions by adult actors, the innocent look and rawness of Whiting and Hussey resonated at the time with a burgeoning youth movement from San Francisco to Prague. The tragic romance at the centre of the story also clicked with anti-authority sentiments, but even without that, Zeffirelli scores points by validating the ideals and passions of strong-willed adolescents. Less successful are scenes requiring the actors to have a fuller grasp of the text, though the best thing going remains the unambiguous duel between Romeo and Tybalt (Michael York). Lavishly photographed by Pasquale de Santis on location in Italy, this Romeo and Juliet brought a different tone and dimension to a story that had become tiresome in reverential presentations. --Tom Keogh
Product Description
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), French ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), German ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), Italian ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), Spanish ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), Danish ( Subtitles ), Dutch ( Subtitles ), English ( Subtitles ), Finnish ( Subtitles ), French ( Subtitles ), German ( Subtitles ), Greek ( Subtitles ), Italian ( Subtitles ), Norwegian ( Subtitles ), Portuguese ( Subtitles ), Spanish ( Subtitles ), Swedish ( Subtitles ), Turkish ( Subtitles ), ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN (1.85:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Anamorphic Widescreen, Interactive Menu, Scene Access, Trailer(s), SYNOPSIS: Director Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet was touted at the time of its release (successfully, if the box-office receipts are any indication), as something of a "youth trip" movie. This is because Zeffirelli broke the long-standing tradition of casting over-aged, sometimes grey-haired players in the title roles. Seventeen-year-old Leonard Whiting plays Romeo, with 15-year-old Olivia Hussey as Juliet. The youthfulness and inexperience of the leading players works beautifully in the more passionate sequences (some of these breaking further ground by being played in the nude). Among the younger players are Michael York as Tybalt and John McEnery as Mercutio. The duel between Romeo and Tybalt starts out as a harmless, frat-boy exchange of insults, then escalates into tragedy before any of the participants are fully aware of what has happened. Photographed by PASQUALINO DESANTIS on various locations in Italy, Romeo and Juliet was one of the most profitable film adaptations of Shakespeare ever produced. Its most lasting legacy is its popular main theme music, composed by Nino Rota. ...Romeo and Juliet (1968) ( Romeo e Giulietta ) ( Romeo & Juliet )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
75 of 76 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Appropriately enough, Zeffirelli's masterful production had its cinematic debut in the "Summer of Love". It is certainly an authentic reflection of the youthful exuberance and vigour of its era. Yet it also succeeds brilliantly in capturing the colour and atmosphere of the Renaissance in Italy. It was filmed on location in Tuscany and Umbria and many of its scenes are so gorgeous as to seem almost like canvases by Raphael or Titian, magically brought to life. The music is also outstandingly fine and has now achieved a wide level of circulation beyond the film as a quintessential love theme.
Zeffirelli's decision to cast the leads at their correct ages has been controversial. Certainly, Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey (who were respectively 17 and 15 during filming) do not give performances of technical theatrical brilliance (for that in a Shakespearian lead, you should see Kenneth Brannagh's Henry V). Nevertheless the leads are utterly charming, convincingly passionate, genuinely moving and wholly credible and I would suggest that these attributes are far more essential than technical mastery in the context of this particular play.
In the supporting roles, which are superbly cast, there are many performances of great theatrical accomplishment. Performances of memorable flare are turned in by Pat Heywood as the nurse, Milo O'Shea as Friar Laurence, John McEnery as Mercutio and Michael York as a surprisingly fearsome Tybalt.
It is the greatest tribute to this film, as I know from personal experience, that it has the power to turn intelligent teenage detractors of the Bard into his keenest advocates.
This is undoubtedly the definitive cinematic version of Shakespeare's second greatest work. Beware of pale imitations!
56 of 58 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Other people have mentioned a lack of 'technical perfection' as a criticism of the acting in this film, which I continue to rate as my favourite of all time. This film is not about technical perfection - it is above such calculated and clinical ideas. The concept of Stanislavski's method and similar such approaches has no place here - this film is about the emotional involvement of two outstanding young actors in the awe inspiring work of Shakespeare. Both are beautiful and Olivia Hussey, in particular, makes wonderfully effective use of her powerful eyes throughout.
Zefirelli's direction is detailed but maintains a sense of humanity rarely afforded big screen interpretations of Shakespeare. The setting of every scene combined with wonderful camera work, creates a tangible sense of atmosphere which even overcomes the monoaural sound and early technicolor pictures. Nino Rota's score is divine and serves the content of the film rather than itself - it binds the plot together, building pathos and portraying the sensuality of the famous star-crossed lovers. Costumes are beautifully designed. Unlike many more modern adaptations, the use of nudity in portraying the sexual attraction between Romeo and Juliet is subtle and all the more effective for it. The film does not try to 'be' modern or groundbreaking but, in it sensitive adaptation of a great story achieves an untouchable quality. This is 2 and a quarter hours of movie perfection which, in my opinion, will never be beaten. Do yourself a favour - buy this instead of the rather brash and garish Baz Luhrman modernisation, and enjoy Shakespeare at its best. Stunning.
35 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
My first experience of the magic of Shakespeare was through this beautiful film. I was 15 years old, and remember that - going to the "pictures" - Romeo and Juliet was a set "O" Level piece, and that I should watch it. The book was - as I recall it - unreadable. Zefirelli's wonderful film started a love affair with Shakespeare that has endured into my fifties. If you only ever watch one film of a Shakespearian work, make it this moving and truly wondrous masterpiece.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Best ever
My granddaughter has moved back to the family home to save money bringing with her a tape of this Romeo and Juliet. Read more
Published 18 days ago by Mrs. Hilary M. Phillips
best production of Romeo and Juliet
I loved this production when I first saw it in the seventies. I would strongly recommend it to both Shakespeare lovers and
to those who have never watched any of his work... Read more
to those who have never watched any of his work... Read more
Published 24 days ago by maggie
The most beautiful film of all time
Yes, it is the most beautiful film. In my mind the film deserves five stars for the scenario, dramatic play, costumes and of course beautiful Nino Rota music. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Adela Avene
What is a youth...
Poignant, operatic, and beautifully filmed, Zeffirelli's 'Romeo and Juliet' is one of the finest adaptations of Shakespeare's great love story. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mr. D Burin
She LOVED it.....
Bought as a Christmas present after some persistent hints. I surmise it is a return to youth full (sic) memories, in part, that made this version of the ancient chick flick... Read more
Published 5 months ago by KiwiDunc
Sumptious
Like many other reviewers , I first saw this film whilst in my late teens. Never a complete philistine, Shakespeare was not completely incomprehensible to me and so, arid... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Phil
"Romeo and Juliet" "par excellence"!
CAUTION - SPOILERS
Made in 1968 by Franco Zeffirelli, this is the nearest audiences can be to what Shakespeare intended without being in the theatre. Read more
Made in 1968 by Franco Zeffirelli, this is the nearest audiences can be to what Shakespeare intended without being in the theatre. Read more
Published 9 months ago by RR Waller
Great if you are studying the play at school!
This is a very good version of Romeo and Juliet. If you are studying this play at school, then choose this one rather than the very exciting Luhrmann version (but do see that one... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Scampo
Would have been a 5 star otherwise...
Item received promptly and as described. Only able to play it on my computer due to it being a European DVD. Live and learn........
Published 11 months ago by Pat A.
Love it
Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet has been filmed many times, but never as visually stunning as this version from 1968. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Ra Rising
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