Romeo and Juliet (1968)

Synopsis: Director Franco Zeffirelli's penchant for period love stories find its perfect outlet in this classic Shakespeare tragedy, and many consider it the best filmed version of the story. As the title... Director Franco Zeffirelli's penchant for period love stories find its perfect outlet in this classic Shakespeare tragedy, and many consider it the best filmed version of the story. As the title characters, fifteen year old Olivia Hussey and seventeen year old Leonard Whiting bring a touching amount of spontaneity and innocence to their roles, which works in the favor of the film, if not always the text. The exquisite cinematography by Pasqualino De Santis and haunting score by Nino Rota are also key elements in the films effectiveness. A supporting cast of largely unknown actors lend the film terrific urgency, especially Michael York as Tybalt, whose duel with Romeo is nothing short of gut-wrenching. This film was a huge hit with young audiences when originally released, and was considered a symbol for the anti-war, pro-peace youth movement. It remains something of a cultural touchstone, a romantic idealization of youth that still strikes a deep, reverberating chord. [More]

Starring: Olivia Hussey, Leonard Whiting, Milo O'Shea, Michael York

Starring: Olivia Hussey, Leonard Whiting, Milo O'Shea, Michael York, Paul Hardwicke, John McEnery, Laurence Olivier, Natasha Parry, Bruce Robinson

Director: Franco Zeffirelli

Director: Franco Zeffirelli
Screenwriter: Franco Brusati, Franco Zeffirelli, Maestro D'Amico
Story: William Shakespeare
Producer: John Brabourne, Anthony Havelock-Allan
Composer: Nino Rota

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