Romeo and Juliet (1996)
(Baz Luhrmann, 1996, US/Mexico, 120 min., 35mm)
In Verona Beach, the Capulets and the Montagues are two rival business empires. The animosity of the older generation is felt by their younger relatives. A gunfight between Montagues led by Benvolio, Romeo’s cousin, and the Capulets led by Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin, creates chaos in the city. Being the third civil brawl, the Chief of Police, Captain Prince, reprimands the families, warning them that if such an event occurs again, their lives “shall pay the forfeit of the peace” That evening, there is a Capulet party which the Montagues decide to crash. While there, Romeo meets Juliet and a tragic love affair ensues. The film was nominated for and won several Academy Awards, providing a launching pad for stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes and director Baz Luhrmann (Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge).