"Romeo and Juliet" on Broadway starring Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad is a well done production. The stars were top notch. Their energy, indeed that of the whole cast, moved the story along. The Shakespearean dialogue was delivered naturally.
On the negative side, the direction could have been better for the deaths. They weren't very realistic.
In comparison to the BBC 1978 version, Mercutio was significantly more raunchy in this production. There he was more clown with some rude jokes; here he was more pervy jokester. (If you like to assume that certain kinds of jokes will go over your children's heads, this is not the movie for them.)
On the whole, though, the program was well done. It was true to original despite the cut scenes.
If you like Shakespeare's R & J, you'll probably like this one. If you don't generally like Shakespeare, have a hard time understanding his plays, or usually avoid his non-comedic works, then the quick pace and quality acting makes this version of such a familiar story very accessible.
On the negative side, the direction could have been better for the deaths. They weren't very realistic.
In comparison to the BBC 1978 version, Mercutio was significantly more raunchy in this production. There he was more clown with some rude jokes; here he was more pervy jokester. (If you like to assume that certain kinds of jokes will go over your children's heads, this is not the movie for them.)
On the whole, though, the program was well done. It was true to original despite the cut scenes.
If you like Shakespeare's R & J, you'll probably like this one. If you don't generally like Shakespeare, have a hard time understanding his plays, or usually avoid his non-comedic works, then the quick pace and quality acting makes this version of such a familiar story very accessible.