Romeo And Juliet [DVD] [1968]

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!

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.

But it is not just the script and direction that excel. The cinematography is perfect: you can smell Verona; feel the sun on your back and the cobbles beneath your feet and the soundtrack has become a literal classic in its own right. All of this sucks you irresistibly further and further into the inescapable momentum of events. For the student, the pacing and production reveal meaning to Shakespeare's words; even the bardic buff will get new insights into the quintessential exploration of love in its many forms, although purists may feel uncomfortable with the occasional liberty taken with the Uncle Bill's original however necessary for the difference in pacing between stage and screen. Forget Verona beach and guns, this is probably the best screen adaptation of any Shakespeare play…ever.