Romeo + Juliet

Baz Luhrmann reinterprets Shakespeare's romantic tragedy of two ill-fated, star-crossed lovers, in a contemporary Verona Beach setting. The two youngsters (Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes) from rival families, the Capulets and the Montagues, enter a passionate but illicit romance.

While Luhrmann and scriptwriter Craig Pearce retain Shakespearean dialogue, the warring families become mafia empires and swords are replaced with guns (with brand names "Dagger" and "Sword" to preserve the play's language).

"Two households, both alike in dignity. In Fair Verona where we lay our scene. From ancient grudge break to new mutiny. Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, a pair of star-crossed lovers take their life."

Less