By VICTORIA OXENDINE
Associate Editor
�My only love sprung from my only hate� is an appropriate line for the latest version of William Shakespeare�s �Romeo and Juliet.� I hate difficult-to-read literature, but I loved this �90s version of Shakespeare�s classic drama.
Recently, Shakespeare�s tale of romantic love debuted as a motion picture in local theaters. Set in 21st-century Los Angeles, it was given a �90s treatment. Yet the storyline and dialogue were left intact. Even with all the poetic play on words that were sometimes unintelligbile to the contemporary teenage ear, the leading actors, Claire Danes and Leonardo Decaprio, did an excellent job playing the star-crossed loves. Although today�s skepticism makes it hard to believe in love at first sight, this postmodern film somehow brought it back to life � just as the Zeffirelli film we all saw in freshman English did for its generation.
In the background there can always be heard an upbeat soundtrack, including music from the Cardigans, Desiree and garbage. The music keeps up with the ever-intriguing and exciting storyline of forbidden love and untimely death. The CD contains types of music from across the pop specrum, from retro to rap.
Of course, there is violence, but no more than in the original 14th-century story that Shakespeare ripped off from the Italians. There are guns instead of swords � even Juliet gets her chance to use a handgun. Although Romeo is a lover not a fighter, he avenges his friend Mercutio�s death in a dramatic tear-jerking scene where he slays Tybalt.
Although a tragedy with several fight scenes, this is not a bad film for teenagers � that is, if you don�t mind explaining every line to them. Shakespeare is notorious for making puns and other lyrical tricks to engage the viewer in the dialogue. He uses comic relief for a momentary escape from the tragedy.
With not a single dull moment, the movie keeps you on the edge of your seat praying that the two youths will come through in the end. But, of course, they don�t. That�s why they call it tragedy.
Even with the medieval English, the new production of �Romeo and Juliet� is both educational and entertaining. A perfect date movie for young men and women to enjoy with their loved ones, this tragedy gives the viewer an enlightened belief in love at first sight.
�Romeo and Juliet,� directed by Baz Lurhmann. Rating: PG-13.
Victoria Oxendine is a junior at Smith who likes art and tennis.
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