Still Star-Crossed (2017) User Reviews (25)

Clearly, the actors are competent and not chosen based on the color of their skin.

[Sasori_89 · 7/10 · 30 May 2017]

As only episode 1 has been released from the new TV series Based on the book by Melinda Taub, Still Star-Crossed, I can only review the one, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

The scenery is bustling and rich, episode one starts you off just before the demise of Romeo and Juliet, setting the scene of the relationships the different character have with each other while also painting a grim picture of the threats that loom over the fair city of Verona.

The actors are competent and endearing, while again only one episode has aired I don't feel it in any way deserves a 1 star review, but then that could be summed up to bigotry and racism.. what else can you call someone who can't look past the colour of someone's skin? I especially like how Lashana Lynch has made Rosaline come alive on screen, from what I've seen she is a strong and fierce woman who speaks her mind.

It receives a strong 7 from me and I will be tuning in for episode 2 guaranteed!

Diverse

[cha_nae280 · 6/10 · 16 September 2018]

Some of these reviews are really mean. The show wasn't that bad, maybe dramatic yes but it is Shakespeare. I really enjoyed the romance in it and was getting into the mystery before it was cancelled. It wasn't my favorite show but it was still entertaining to watch another version or loosely based show of Shakespeare's. I think some take any version very seriously and may be upset if it's not exact. I didn't have a problem with it. Some reviewers were not a fan of the diverse cast. Everyone who is familiar with Shonda knows she doesn't cast based off race and appearance. You should expect a diverse cast from her, which is something I admire about her. She doesn't let race dictate her casting. One reviewer went as far as to say that the protagonist wasn't the most attractive, I don't know what they were looking at but I thought she was beautiful and even if she wasn't that's just very superficial and sad to expect the main characters to be drop dead gorgeous. But I know that's Hollywood's fault too. I know I personally want to see a cast with regular people, all shapes and sizes, that's just more realistic.

A superb start - very much looking forward to more!

[Tamith · 31 May 2017]

Well done for a first episode. It wasn't perfect and did have its faults, but the casting is superb despite, perhaps, being a little inconsistent in terms of family lines (as a personal desire, it'd be nice to have consistency there for immediate families). But the actors and actresses themselves, do a great job capturing their character perspectives, particularly when one takes into consideration the plot, time period, and what would have been their ages. They also did fairly well with the writing they were given, which was lacking at times, but that, of course, wasn't their faults.

And for all of those making claims that this "turns Shakespeare on its head," or that it's pushing "political correctness" or pushing unnecessary diversity, such are knee jerk reactions from uneducated individuals who cry about authenticity, but usually have no problem with the fact that women are acting in the productions, even though authenticity would mean men playing the women's parts; it's selective outrage that's usually R.W.S.-based.

Please don't let negative reviews that have no legitimate criticisms of the show itself persuade you from watching it, especially if you're like me and have a personal interest in Shakespeare anyway which has pushed you to do your proper due diligence, leading to the truth of yes, there being Black people around at the time (as if Othello didn't make that obvious, anyway). For those still not convinced and in need of visuals, a page online titled, "People of Color in European Art History" (the pg is: medievalpoc) proves it, too.

Besides, let's be honest, if nothing else, it's a great breath of fresh air from what we usually see with such renditions. In Leo DiCaprio's version of R+J, for example, it was nice to see Harold Perrineau, Vondie Curtis-Hall, etc, but the production was still pretty boring in terms of lead character casting, and bland in terms of their performances. It is nice to see TV branching out to cover more period pieces, and as far as diversity goes, I hope things like this continue, as they promote what is a more genuine sense of authenticity and truth, ignoring what is popular belief about the time period in question.

So... based on the first episode, at least, I hope the show's given room to grow into another season or more, allowing it to continue improving and continuing to surprise me. Much like one of my fav shows, "Reign," I have a feeling this, too, will end up blossoming into a wonderful show if it's given a chance/time to.

Simplistic young adult soap opera

[talonjensen · 1/10 · 15 July 2017]

I think my summary says it all, if you are looking for a simplistic, young adult soap opera with stereotypical characters then you will probably like this. I know there was at least one period in my life where that would have been okay.

Don't expect anything mentally challenging, other than the inconsistencies/inaccuracies in plot, language, costuming and scenery.

On the plus side, the diverse casting is better than average.

Absolutely WONDERFUL

[kristen-62707 · 10/10 · 30 May 2017]

This is the show I've been waiting for, seriously. Not only because it explores the aftermath of one of my favorite Shakespeare plays, but because of the amazing cast! Just WOW WOW WOW.

The cast is beautifully diverse, the acting is absolutely phenomenal, the chemistry between the characters is literally to die for (pun intended).

And everything else about the show? On point. From the costumes and sets, to the dialogue, to the fight sequences? Just A+++, folks. I saw absolutely no disappointments in the premiere and I doubt I'll see many in future episodes.

Just please please please give this show a chance. It's worth it, I promise.

I so wanted to like it, BUT...

[StorieLuver · 2/10 · 1 June 2017]

When I first read about this show, I was definitely intrigued...what English major wouldn't be? A story about what happened in "fair Verona" after the most famous literary event there ever? However, when I watched the first episode I was horribly disappointed. The acting was like watching a high school drama club production, and then there was the poorly considered casting. What Shonda Rhimes apparently does not comprehend is that when you're doing Shakespeare, you can only go one of two ways: either absolute & total spot-on accuracy in setting, costuming and casting (1968 "Romeo & Juliet," "Shakespeare in Love," Anonymous") or completely, blatantly adapted/adjusted/modernized, where you get to change whatever you want to make whatever statement you want (Branagh's "Hamlet," McKellen's "Richard III" or Luhrmann's "Romeo + Juliet"). Instead of choosing one direction or the other, Rhimes decides to straddle the fence. She gives us the beautiful period-accurate sets and costumes that others have noted (which is the only thing that earned the second star from me) but then she absolutely ruins the illusion she's trying to create with what can only be described as a politically correct cast. As I once read in a review elsewhere, there's only so much suspension of disbelief possible for a viewer. When I'm too distracted by trying to figure out why the black prince has an Iranian sister and how a Latina mother gave birth to a lily-white daughter, your show has lost me. As another reviewer noted, perhaps if the casting had been more uniform at the very least along the family lines (ESPECIALLY in a story where the main conflict is the feud between two families!), it would've been less jarring and confusing. However, that's not even the worst fault; that came at the end of the pilot episode, when it became clear that the least talented, least attractive actress of the diverse-for-diversity's-sake-only cast was meant to be the main protagonist of the show. Seriously, who could be blamed for not wanting to marry her? Even if I could wrap my head around the rest of the completely disjointed cast to attain that suspension of belief necessary to be entertained by this show, I wouldn't want to waste anymore of my time subjecting myself to her high school drama club level of acting. When I checked Lashana Lynch's filmography, I was not surprised to find only a few unheard-of, D level movies, nor do I expect much from her in the future if her performance in this show is any indication. Again, just a complete disappointment from a story concept that had so much potential.

Shakespeare in Shondaland :)

[beck0974 · 9/10 · 31 May 2017]

It's interesting how certain reviewers (is it even released in Luxembourg yet?) are reacting negatively to the casting. It's a TV show based on a YA novel that used secondary characters from a play where all female roles were played by men. Mind you, Shakespeare borrowed heavily from other sources ("The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet" and "Palace of Pleasure"), rewrote and adapted other writers' concepts, and his history plays are straight up Tudor propaganda. Oh, not to mention all of the in jokes and innuendos throughout his plays. I bet he'd be tickled that his play spurned a new tale AND TV show.

All that to say that I enjoyed the episode. While fast paced, it did do the job of establishing the conflict, introducing the players, and teasing just enough to whet your appetite.

I think the casting is phenomenal. So many talented English, Australian, and American actors. While the writing was clunky in bits, I do believe the actors elevated the material, which usually doesn't happen. The costuming is exquisite and so vibrant. I appreciate the attention to detail (although some costumes are a bit out of time, it's not too distracting, especially when so many get it right).

But truthfully, the star of the show is Salamanca (standing in for Verona). For a show set in one city, the fact it's filmed on location gives the scenes so much more power, authenticity, and depth that a sound stage would remove. You feel as if you're there with them walking the streets of this beautiful city.

I'm pleasantly intrigued by what is to come, and if the preview is any hint, it'll be explosive!

Attack on Shakespeare and his legacy

[barabecvarova · 1/10 · 30 May 2017]

Another American attempt to put European classic on its head and call it "innovative". Actors looked clearly uncomfortable in their roles because everything around them was over the top and all dialogues were made up of bold statements as if real people really could communicate in such a way. Please don't drag this failure to the second season.

Such a great show

[kimberlynfacebook · 10/10 · 30 May 2017]

Loved it. Can't wait for more. I am so glad to see this on television. I love everything about Shakespeare. We need this on television. Anytuhing Shakespeare is needed on TV today. The actors are very competent in their parts. The custom designs are beautiful and the scenery is outstanding. Anyway all and all I think people need to give it a chance and watch it. This series is a great artistic piece.

Aaarrrrggggghhhh

[jeffarecord · 1/10 · 30 May 2017]

This program is just painful. The only good thing about it is that (hopefully) the actors got paid. A poor attempt to commercialize an old story. The 1st reviewer said it all so well. Make it stop. I wish the review didn't have to be five lines long - there just sin't that much to say about nothing. Poor quality, over done, high school theater class would do a better job.

Shameful plot less ho hum trash.

[MoonCobra74 · 1/10 · 3 July 2017]

Still Star-Crossed, the show, dresses up the idea wonderfully but renders it all rather lifeless by trying to out-drama itself at every turn in a decidedly Shondaland morass of overworked histrionics. Oddly, this manages, at points, to come full circle and become interesting again by offering up near-cornball drama in situations that actually require all the drama you would think you could muster.

This show takes itself just a little too seriously to be the fizzy fun fans have come to expect from a Shondaland production. It sure looks good, though: There are horses, there are castles, there are laced- up bodices, prince's balls, clanging sword fights, potions, and secret passageways.

. . . But . . . Unfortunately, there's also leaden dialogue and predictable plot twists. Rosaline and Benvolio have a "meet aggressive," so of course they're perfect for each other and will soon be sharing stolen kisses behind satin draperies. Lord and Lady Capulet telegraph rich arrogance and the Montagues humble righteousness, so soon the former will get their comeuppance, while the latter will get their due. Ho hum, blah blah blah, there's just no spark in anything, nothing that makes the viewer go "ooh!" or "Oh no, she didn't!" Like so many Shakespeare high school plays, it all winds up being something you think you should watch, and want to enjoy - but might not.

I predict it will not last longer than its already ordered 10 episodes. Its ratings are in the toilet. ABC is taking their sweet time in finally canceling this garbage.

soapy delight

[sweetrupturedlight · 10/10 · 1 June 2017]

I love this. It makes no attempt to pretend that its some kind of historically accurate representation - costuming for example is all over the place! But the fact that the cast is diverse - and its not an issue, it just simply is - is really refreshing.

Still star crossed is the post Romeo and Juliet story, focusing on the Montague's and the Capulets in the aftermath of the teenagers' deaths. Rosaline and Benvolio are forced into an arranged marriage in an attempt to unite their families and as you can imagine, there is a rocky road ahead as these two figure out they actually DO like each other.

I've seen this show get some heat, which I don't understand. Its not the best thing on television. But its certainly not the worst. Its fun, its a period drama and thus far, the cast seem great.

I'm definitely watching.

It's just okay. I can see hints of oomph, but it needs a LOT of help!

[harconn21 · 2/10 · 25 June 2017]

It's not quite as bad as some shows I've come across, but it needs to pick up its socks; there are hints of interest, but the show needs to get going, a la pick up some speed. Otherwise, it'll go bye bye.

While I'm curious to see what might happen, it'd be nice if the show moved things along a lot sooner. It's moving at a snail's pace!

Absolutely Phenomenal

[shantallester · 9/10 · 10 June 2017]

I'm not a fan of Shakespeare but after watching this show all I could think about is DAMN, its really good. The actors are completely invested in their characters and it shows on screen. I love it. The first episode was good and then the second one, OMG it was intense. I am intrigued and completely on board with this drama. I really hope I can see it all unfold.

I HATE Period Dramas

[amberrenee-02393 · 8/10 · 5 June 2017]

I hate classical dramas and such because of the loaded vocabulary that means BS to me. Period dramas are boring and dull, until BAM! Sex scenes that are eye catching full with nipples, boobies, and booty. That is all I have to say about the genre of period dramas.

BUT I'll have to make one exception-this exception. This is not a go-to boring old period Drama. I like it on how the cast is very diverse, it breaks boundaries and the stereotypical "black people are slaves" notion. Here black people are royalty instead of slaves in period dramas. Black people exist, and I am glad the creators decided to fall through the the plan based on talent. Though I want to acknowledge other actors/actresses who are a minority in the show as well, who I probably am unaware of their background and such because their chances to "make it big" in the industry are very slim.

There will be negative reviews on how this is not authentic to the source, how cheesy it is, and how this is part of PC culture. This is an extravagant twist on Shakespeare, it is not suppose to be the same as 100+ other versions of a Romeo & Juliet media productions- that is the point. It has it's cheesy moments, as well as soap operas like Days of our Lives that constantly plays every hour and has never gotten cancelled. Yes, it is part of inclusion of actors/actresses who have a slim chance in the TV/film industry during callbacks for lead/supporting roles or finding work-this is a breath of fresh air, welcome it.

I am not surprised because I am in Shondaland. I love Shondaland. Though I understand this is not Netflix, I hope that this show won't get cut. I have fallen in love with shows with diverse casts (specifically black and latinx) but they ended up getting cut from the lineup (talking about Sense8, The Get Down, Underground, Sleepy Hollow, etc). Again, as much as I want to love the show, I am a bit wary of it's impending demise.

Love it!!

[grilledfisheads · 10/10 · 1 June 2017]

I've only seen the first episode, but it was absolutely amazing, I cannot wait for the rest of the season. Some of the writing was a bit weak at points, but for a premiere, it was a lot better than I expected. All the actors are really convincing, I could feel Romeo and Juliet's love, even though they were in for a couple minutes. I'm very much intrigued to see where they take the story, and definitely excited for Rosaline and Benvolio.

Pleasantly Surprised

[maebdemented11 · 8/10 · 21 June 2017]

In reading some of the reviews, I was rather surprised by some of the snooty remarks about the racially mixed cast. Especially, given that all the actors did an extraordinary job. Truly, they exceptional in their respective roles. I am, however a HUGE Anthony Stewart Head fan girl. He was so very dreamy as Giles. The set, costumes, and cinematography were absolutely gorgeous. In my opinion, the script adaption was done rather well for a TV series. The only reservation that I have keeping me from becoming fully invested is it's uncertainty regarding staying in production. I never fully recovered from NBC's dick move in canceling Constantine, (seriously I truly hate them for that). That all being said, I do hope for it to become a regular, especially with Scandal coming to an end, I will need something from ShondraLand to appease my broken heart.

Absolutely Amazing!

[fabbyj-88075 · 10/10 · 6 July 2017]

This show is one of the most phenomenal medieval shows ever. Honestly, I hope they don't cancel it. So far, there's only three episodes and I am hooked! Rosalinda always have me wanting more. Can't wait to see what the future holds for her love story. I'm hoping she ends up with Benvolio and her sister gets a happy ending. WATCH THIS SHOW, ITS AN ABSOLUTE MUST (for drama and romance lovers)!

New Spin on the old classic.

[yarnsrj · 9/10 · 11 August 2017]

I really enjoyed this show. On my vacation, I had a chance to binge watch the last 4 episodes. I was very impressed with this ensemble cast, and really wish the network would have given it a chance, as 7 episodes really isn't enough for a new show. Maybe they will make a movie to tie up the loose ends and see if our main characters will actually get together. Best of luck to the actors and actresses with their respective endeavors.

After Episode 5

[rlatson27-42-899721 · 9/10 · 15 July 2017]

I love period dramas, whispering, & costumes, so this is a must see. I'm a huge Shakespeare lover as well, keeping this in mind Still Star Crossed has breakout hit potential. Shakespeare is still taught in high school & college, Romeo & Juliet is usually the most relatable for all teens. The idea of love is a fanciful dreamworld for girls & the gateway to sex for boys; so the show potentially attracts everyone. I'm intrigued by the afterlife of this historic play. So Romeo's previous heartbreak over Capulet Rosaline is ignored. Rosaline's secret love is the crown prince. The king has died, but the prince can't marry Rosaline. A union between the crown & Capulets would antagonize the Montagues & create more violence in Verona. Romeo's dad is behind Friar Lawrence's aiding the young lovers & potentially unseating the Capulets. Benvolio is to wed a Capulet. Rosaline & her sister, Olivia Capulet, are cousins of Juliet trapped in servitude; after their fathers murder. If only Olivia, the clear romantic, was chosen to marry Benvolio. Add a mysterious subplot, of Lady Capulets & Paris, subverting the crown, blowing up the town square, & framing Benvolio for murder. Exciting stuff.

Amazing

[xayxay1108-197-351754 · 10/10 · 3 August 2017]

I never write reviews but this show has me hooked! I love how well the actors play the characters. The story is well written and it is one of my favorite shows on TV. I have heard that it plans to cancel after the first season, if anyone reads this from the show please don't cancel. I love this show and I'm sure lots of people do. Amazing. 10 stars.

I love it!

[msjackiemoore · 10/10 · 19 July 2017]

I LOVE this show! I am a sucker for period dramas. I wasn't expecting it to be Downton Abbey-level but I suppose that's why I wasn't disappointed. You can't out-British the British. That being said, I, personally, am able to suspend belief and play along with the diversity among family members especially considering the diversity within my own family. Your children are not always carbon copies of their parents, especially in interracial situations.

I enjoy the storyline as well as the twists and turns. I appreciate getting to know the characters and seeing how they handle difference situations. I hope this show sticks around long enough to people to a) hear about it and b) give it a chance. I had the fortune of watching the first few episodes in one day and I think that helped tremendously with holding my interest. Unfortunately, I have to DVR the episodes or watch them on Hulu because I simply cannot keep schedule of every show that I watch especially when it comes to adding in new shows. I think this show has a lot of potential if it were to be handled correctly. Moving the timeslot is not going to help at all. It may have performed better as a mini-series.

Those in charge of ABC never planned for it to go far

[ismichi · 10/10 · 17 July 2017]

Well, that or they completely ignore that more and more people are switching from Cable TV to services like Hulu. By the way, this show's on Hulu.

And unless it gets super popular ASAP, they've basically cancelled it before it's half-way done. Because its ratings supposedly were low for the first episode of something NOT advertised akin to "Once Upon A Time"'s debut. And it didn't release all its episodes at once like "Orange is the New Black" so there was zero possibility for instant ideal ratings. Regardless, they have long-since began the slot changes to keep it away from viewers and even fans of the show.

But about the show, overall, this is extremely promising. You can immediately spot the talents and skills of the entirety of the Cast and the rest of production staff. Nothing is weak in any way and, better yet, it's not the "same old, same old" Casting style, in which people in charge and viewers alike are prone to pretending only White people were Europeans prior to African Slaves being brought over. As if the word "Moor" meant nothing when describing Othello; it had to have been one of Shakespeare's slang made to rhyme, not something that already existed in their society for centuries.

Okay, so away from praising the Casting, the first episode basically skims over what we know of the original play. However, it also contains prepping the (surviving) Cast for the rest of the story, and there is little reason to not be eager to continue watching ... unless you don't like the genre. Which would be strange to realize that considering its summary and reference to the famous "Star- Crossed Lovers" tale doesn't hide it.

But I truly, TRULY, encourage giving this show a try (before it's too late for Production to maybe get approved for continuing).

After all, "A Plague On Both Your Houses" never would end simply from two kids dying. There are always cousins.

And it's on Hulu.

Whit knuckles

[calebj-48682 · 10/10 · 22 August 2017]

Omg I never thought that a period piece would be so exciting so exhilarating it made me have White Knuckles lost all feelings in my extremities waiting to see the next episode can't wait for the series to pick back up again I think whoever is doing the marketing might need to make some adjustments because it's a fantastic series but the marketing not so much

Shondaland Rocks Verona!!!

[ypalacios-93219 · 10/10 · 5 August 2017]

Love the show, the story is one of my Shakespeare's favorite and I would like to see more. I always wanted to know what happened after and this show just gave us a taste of that. Please give talented cast the chance to continue with this wonderful story in lavishing places. Every episode transported me to Verona and that particular time. I think is worth to save for those that invested ourselves every week watching it.