If destiny is against us, so much the worse! Although death wants to put an end to a passionate love story, for Romeo and Juliet it actually becomes the seal of their eternal love. And even when their future seems completely and hopelessly in the hands of fate, they still struggle in order to be together, at all costs!
Verona in 1303: two households, the Montagues and the Capulets are at war with each other. Romeo is a Montague, Juliet a Capulet. They meet at a masked ball and they fall in love at first sight. They decide to marry secretly with the help of Friar Laurence. But immediately after their marriage Romeo is banished from Verona because he kills a man in a fight. Even if their relationship will bring an end to the deeply rooted hostility between the two families, as everybody knows, this is not a typical happy ending. Still it’s more touching, more moving, it’s food for thought…
And do not worry: this is not only a tear-jerker story! There are also some hilarious characters who will tickle you a great deal. This reminds us how the genius of Shakespeare mingled comedy and tragedy and amused his audience: you cry and laugh while watching the same play.
Zeffirelli’s version of Romeo and Juliet is an Oscar-winning one, for Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design. In particular the historically accurate period costumes are worthy of note, as well as a very powerful soundtrack by Maestro Nino Rota.
When it came out the film caused a sensation because of the age of the two protagonists, who nonetheless acted brilliantly, interpreting masterfully the roles of the two young lovers. Even if it dates back to 1969, the production is still one of the best versions – if not the best – of Shakespeare’s tragedy.
It’s an undying film masterpiece, to be seen at least once in a lifetime, if for no other reason than in order to thoroughly appreciate Shakespeare’s greatness.
Autori: Chiara Franzin, Beatrice Lorenzon, Eleonora Pavan, Alissa Scabbia e Asia Spaziani
