Shakespeares famous play is updated to the hip modern suburb of Verona still retaining its original dialogue. The gun-toting members of the families wage a vicious war on the streets as the star-crossed lovers meet their tragic destiny.
Review
I highly recommend this for those who find the reading of Shakespearean text difficult but have a desire to explore his masterful works. The modernday setting and the brilliant dramatic interpretations rendered by the actors (all wonderfully cast incidentally) transform Shakespeares tragic masterpiece into a modernday cinematic tour de force. DiCaprio and Danes are believably cast together (although Danes natural conservatism is occasionally apparent though not to any detrimental affect). Sorvino as Capulet is forceful powerfuland immovable (just what this viewer believes Shakespeare probably had in mind as he penned the classic). Mercutio (Harold Perrineau Jr.) is powerfully moving in the entirety of his portrayal. This movie is visually mesmerizing. I HIGHLY recommend this movie to anyone with an open mind and appreciation for excellent theatre.