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William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet (Special Edition) Customer Reviews (1 - 3 of 75 Reviews)

Tips for teaching Romeo & Juliet with Luhrmann along for the ride
As my bio states, I'm a former English teacher. For 9th grade students, Romeo & Juliet was the most anticipated/dreaded time of the year - with the girls anticipating and the guys dreading. In teaching the play, I used both this movie version and the 1966 Zefferelli version. As a former teacher, allow me to share some tips.

There are lots of good things about this movie. While the two title roles are only good in execution, some roles are truly great, Tybalt and Harold Perrineau's Mercutio among them. It is a worthy film in its own right, but it is also an EXCELLENT teaching tool.

Now to the teaching tips:

(1) Don't show this movie all at one time. Students will miss 90% of what they need to see.

(2) Show the movie simultaneously with Zefferelli's film. Both movies have much to offer and some weaknesses. Invite students to compare and contrast the two, acting as experts.

(3) Show both movies a few scenes at a time, as you read the play. Invite them to analyze what each director/screenwriter included/left out. As them why the director/screenwriter made those choices.

(4) Remember at all times that Shakespeare was not writing a "work of literature"; he was writing a play, intended for performance. No student will fully understand any of Shakespeare's plays unless they SEE them, preferably in as many forms as possible.

Practical Example: Read the prologue and explain the function of the "chorus". Have students translate the lines and explain what they mean. View Zeferelli's prologue (under a minute)and discuss. Then view Luhrmann' version (about 1.5 minutes). Ask them what might have inspired him to do a prologue with a newsreporter as the chorus. Have them pick out the symbols, foreshadowing, etc. And finally let them vote about which one they like best and why.

Repeat the process with each section of the play. It will take a little longer than showing the film at once, but you will be surprised how much 9th grade students will be able to understand (on their own) by the end of the play.

Wierd but creative movie
I thought this Romeo and Juliet was a little strange. It was easier to understand though because it was set in modern day times. I much prefer the classic Romeo and Juliet to this version. Still though a worthwhile Movie to watch.
Submitted by Bea


I am in love
I love love love love love love love love love love love this movie soooooooooooooo much beyond words can explain. It's beautiful, strange, wonderful, and incredible romantic. Claire Danes is gorgeous and Leonardo is of course absolutely wonderful. its the same story only modern w/ gangs and enemies and lovers. What more could you want? Nothing. Once again i am in Love with this movie.

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