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Romeo and Juliet
1968 138 min Italy, United Kingdom, United States of America PG 12+
★8.5
Drama, Romance
Director: Franco Zeffirelli
🎭 Based on
«Romeo and Juliet»
byWilliam Shakespeare
Trailers
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EN
EN
Description
Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet fall in love against the wishes of their feuding families. Driven by their passion, the young lovers defy their destiny and elope, only to suffer the ultimate tragedy.
Worldwide:
$38.9M
Starring
Leonard Whiting
Actor
Olivia Hussey
Actor
John McEnery
Actor
Awards
BAFTA 1969
— Best Costume Design
Golden Globe 1969
— Best Foreign Film in English
Golden Globe 1969
— Best Debut
BAFTA 1969
— Best Director
BAFTA 1969
— Best Production Design
BAFTA 1969
— Best Costume Design
BAFTA 1969
— Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music
Academy Awards 1969
— Best Director
Golden Globe 1969
— Best Original Score
BAFTA 1969
— Best Film Editing
Golden Globe 1969
— Best Foreign Film in English
Golden Globe 1969
— Best Director
Golden Globe 1969
— Best Debut
Golden Globe 1969
— Best Female Debut
Academy Awards 1969
— Best Costume Design
Academy Awards 1969
— Best Cinematography
Key opinion
Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 adaptation is widely regarded as the definitive screen version of Shakespeare's tragedy, praised for its authentic Italian setting, period accuracy, and the youthful sincerity of its lead actors. While nearly universally acclaimed for its immersion and emotional resonance, some viewers find specific aspects of the costume design or individual performances less compelling.
| Acting | The casting of age-appropriate teenagers Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey captures a raw, fresh sincerity that defines the film's emotional core. | |
| Production | Nino Rota’s haunting score and the film's lush production design successfully transport viewers into an authentic, immersive Renaissance Verona. | |
| Adaptation | The film remains remarkably faithful to Shakespeare’s original dialogue and tragic narrative structure. | |
| Cinematography | The visual recreation of 16th-century Italy through location photography and meticulous costumes creates a timeless aesthetic that persists decades later. | |
| Acting | Opinions on the lead performances are divided; while many find them perfect for the roles, some critics feel Hussey's portrayal lacks the necessary depth or conviction. | |
| Production | The use of historically accurate male costumes is a point of contention, with some viewers finding the aesthetic choices distracting or unappealing. |