rose-18

While this modern version of Romeo and Juliet does have problems, it succeeds enough to win my recommendation. Set in a world that seems modern but even somewhat out of this world, this visualization is like a Salvador Dali painting, fascinating, new, strange. Some faults include excess modernization or costuming like Pete Posthlewaite's tattoo, Tybalt's "gangsta" like slickness and definitely Mercutio's drag outfit! That last scene and also the first are very weak and the film can occasionally be a bit awkward. However, Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio are excellent. Both have done much of their previous and future work in depressing or tragic roles and both are very convincing with their agony and emotions here. Some of the cinematography is beautifully shot, notably the kiss in the elevator and the aquarium scene. This film should also be commended for exposing teenagers or other modern movie watchers to Shakespeare and how his work is completely relevant today.

I love this movie- lusty, funny, witty, touching. A quintessential example of Kenneth Branagh's great talent at bringing Shakespeare to life and to modern understanding (while his Hamlet is much better, Much Ado is accessible to anyone while Hamlet is more intense, concentrated and complex- of course!) Except for Keanu Reeves, who succeeds only in action flicks like Speed and consistently brings down period pieces (see also Dangerous Liaisons), the cast is top notch, especially Branagh, the always-wonderful Emma Thompson and Denzel Washington. And the scenery is gorgeous!

The Thin Red Line begins slowly and not so auspiciously, but if you're willing to sit through the slow beginning, the rest is well worth it. At least it was for me. I found the beginning too slow, with too much voiceover, and I hated the John Travolta cameo. I thought he looked as though he had had a silly little mustache painted on and it bothered me. But once the soldiers got ready to fight, the film became excellent. It was beautifully, stunningly, brilliantly shot. The cinematography should be a paradigm for future cinematographers to study! The film gave an interesting perspective by seeing the men as one unit instead of developing specific characters and illustrated the bonds and ties they felt toward each other. So, I'd say, you need to be patient since the beginning is slow, but if you are, you will see one of the best movies of the year.