Watch Romeo & Juliet

The 1968 film adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet follows the iconic love story of the titular characters, played by Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey. Set in Verona, Italy, the film depicts the age-old feud between the Montagues and Capulets, with Romeo and Juliet's love acting as a catalyst for even more violence and tragedy.

The film begins with a bustling prologue, with the Montagues and Capulets engaging in a chaotic street fight. We are then introduced to Romeo, who is passionately in love with a woman named Rosaline. However, upon seeing Juliet at a Capulet party, he immediately falls head over heels in love with her. Juliet returns his affections, and the two begin a secret romance, helped along by Romeo's friends and confidantes.

As the film progresses, tensions between the two families reach a boiling point, with the lovers at the center of the storm. Romeo is banished from Verona after killing Juliet's cousin in a duel, leaving Juliet to devise a desperate plan to be reunited with him. But as with any tragedy, this plan ultimately leads to the film's devastating conclusion.

The chemistry between Whiting and Hussey is palpable throughout the film, and their youthful energy amplifies the intensity of their love story. Additionally, the decision to have Hussey's Juliet be among the youngest actresses to play the role (she was only 15 at the time of filming) adds a new layer of heartbreaking and tragic realism to the story. The film's stunning cinematography also adds a dreamlike quality to the film, with lush sets and intricate costumes transporting the audience to Renaissance-era Verona.

Overall, the 1968 adaptation of Romeo & Juliet is a stunning retelling of the iconic story, with Whiting and Hussey's performances leaving a lasting impact on audiences even decades later. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves Shakespeare, tragic romances, or just great filmmaking in general.

In conclusion, the 1968 film adaptation of Romeo & Juliet is a timeless classic, with stunning performances, beautiful cinematography, and unforgettable emotion.

Romeo & Juliet is a 1968 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 69.