Although Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was written as a melodramatic tragedy, the foundations of his 16th century play are still being used 500 years later, across all genres. I have selected 5 films in different genres which adapt the classic work.
West Side Story (1961)
Directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins
Musical
Perhaps the most famous adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, the 1961 film based on Robbins’ 1957 stage musical of the same name, reimagines the Capulet and Montague families as feuding New York City gangs. The Sharks, who are recent immigrants from Puerto Rico, are led by Bernardo, older brother of protagonist Maria. The opposing gang, the Jets, who are white, are led by the impulsive and brash Riff, best friend of former Jets member, Tony. These four characters parallel the original play’s Tybalt, Juliet, Mercutio, and Romeo. Both the 1961 film and Stephen Spielberg’s 2021 remake received numerous Academy Award nominations.
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Directed by Baz Luhrmann
Crime
While Luhrmann’s 1996 crime film retains the original Shakespearean dialogue, it reimagines the Capulets and Montagues as warring mafia empires in modern day America. While the film originally garnered mixed reviews, it has become a cult classic known for being an accessible and entertaining way to introduce students to the play. Romeo + Juliet established Leonardo Dicaprio, who was 22 at the time, as a Leading man in Hollywood.
The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride (1998)
Directed by Darrell Rooney
Family/Animated
While it is well known that the hit 1994 Disney film The Lion King is heavily inspired by Shakespeare’s Hamlet, it is less known that its direct-to-video sequel is also inspired by the Bard. The film centers on Simba and Nala’s daughter Kiara, who falls in love with Kovu, a lion from an exiled pride once loyal to the first film’s antagonist, Scar. The family film, of course, gives the star-crossed lovers a happier ending, where they survive and convince the estranged prides to reunite and live in harmony.
Romeo Must Die (2000)
Directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak
Martial Arts
The Polish director’s first film transplants Shakespeare’s tale to contemporary Oakland with African American and Chinese-American gangs representing the feuding families. Han Sing (Romeo), an ex-policeman, is jailed in Hong Kong for a crime he didn’t commit, and he breaks out to avenge his brother’s death in America. There, he meets Trish O’Day (Juliet), who is played by the late Aaliyah, and as they fall in love, she helps him in his search. While West Side Story is known for it’s elaborate dance sequences, Romeo Must Die opts for breathtaking fight choreography.
Warm Bodies (2013)
Directed by Jonathan Levine
Horror Comedy
Levine’s film, based on a 2010 novel of the same name, places the lovers in a post-apocalyptic future, ridden with zombie gangs. When a zombie, going by the name R, meets a living girl, Julie, and rescues her from the attack of his fellow walking-dead, they embark on a strange relationship. Julie experiences inner turmoil as she balances her role as R’s friend and the daughter of Colonel Grigio, who leads the effort to eradicate the zombies. This film also opts for a happier ending, swapping the double suicide with the couple surviving and witnessing the end of the apocalypse.
