Watch BBC Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet

In 1978, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) produced a television adaptation of William Shakespeare's iconic play, Romeo and Juliet. The movie starred Patrick Ryecart as Romeo and Rebecca Saire as Juliet. It also featured notable actors Celia Johnson and Michael Hordern in the roles of the Nurse and Friar Lawrence, respectively.

The production was faithful to Shakespeare's original text, utilizing the playwright's language and setting the story in Verona, Italy. The costumes, sets, and music also reflected the play's historical context. The movie was directed by Alvin Rakoff and produced by Cedric Messina.

The movie follows the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet, the children of two feuding families in Verona. The Capulets and Montagues have been enemies for years, but Romeo and Juliet fall in love despite their families' long-standing hatred. The play is a study in contrasts, with the intense passion of Romeo and Juliet's love juxtaposed against the violence and hatred of the feud between their families.

The movie features strong performances from the entire cast, but Ryecart and Saire stand out for their portrayals of Romeo and Juliet. Ryecart's Romeo is sensitive, romantic, and impulsive, while Saire's Juliet is innocent, passionate, and determined. Their chemistry is electric, and their scenes together are some of the movie's most memorable.

Johnson and Hordern also give strong performances as the Nurse and Friar Lawrence. The Nurse is a confidante to Juliet and provides much of the comic relief in the play, but Johnson also brings a depth of emotion to the role. Hordern's Friar Lawrence is a wise and compassionate figure who tries to help Romeo and Juliet navigate their difficult circumstances.

The production values in the movie are high, with detailed sets and costumes that transport the viewer back to Renaissance Italy. The music, composed by Stephen Oliver, also enhances the mood and atmosphere of the play, from the playful opening theme to the haunting strains of the final scenes.

One of the most impressive aspects of the movie is its use of Shakespeare's language. The dialogue is often complex and poetic, but the actors handle the text with confidence and nuance. The play's themes of love, passion, and violence are explored with depth and insight, providing a rich, rewarding experience for viewers.

Overall, the BBC's adaptation of Romeo and Juliet is a faithful and well-crafted production that showcases the best aspects of Shakespeare's play. The strong performances, detailed production values, and use of Shakespeare's language make it a must-see for any fans of the play or of Shakespeare's work in general.

BBC Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet is a 1978 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.