William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet (DVD, 2002, Special Edition)

This movie was unique, inspired and a risk - for me, a risk that paid off! Shakespeare's work is amongst the best literary collection ever, but one wonders, if it were not for the fact that this is often required school reading, how many people of todays generation would pick up some of his works?
Leave it to famed Director Baz Luhrmann (Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge) to interpret Romeo and Juliet in a unique and modern manner in order to bring it to the masses.
He brings all the right ingredients for mass appeal - some A-List stars - Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio, his own trademark style which can be gaudy and over the top, but makes for something that sets itself apart from the other top box office releases - and in this case, adding a big twist - a modern setting, modern scenario....with original dialogue!!
Its concept is strange to say the least but it works - for me the real beauty of Shakespeare in not simply the reading of his works, but interpreting his meaning. this story takes the guesswork out , and the intrigue, romance and drama right in, bringing the works of Shakespeare into a whole new dimension which cna be enjoyed by a younger audience!
The music is as modern as the setting and the MTV crowd will enjoy the likes of Garbage, radiohead and Everclear, whilst getting enveloped into the dramatic story line and genius that is William Shakespeare!