There are several versions of the play Romeo and Juliet. The play has been set in different times and places. It is often taken from its Renaissance setting and placed in a different historical period. It's impossible to determine objectively which is the most popular. I can simply give you my opinion as I review three versions of the play which have been turned into movies.
1. The first big screen version of Shakespeare's classic was done in 1936 starring Leslie Howard, Norma Shearer and John Barrymore. It is an excellent adaptation using actors who were well versed in delivering Shakespeare's lines. The fact that the actors are way too old is somewhat of a drawback. Barrymore is well into his 50's when he played Mercutio. Basil Rathbone, who often played the villain, is excellent as the "fiery" Tybalt. Overall, this version is very much worth watching even if it is quite dated.
2. Baz Luhrmann's 1996 filming of the play takes us away from Verona to Verona Beach, a futuristic setting which seems to be almost like a parallel universe. Instead of swords the actors use guns, which are named "Sword." Luckily, Luhrmann preserves Shakespeare's original dialogue in this fantastical interpretation which includes a Latina Nurse, a black Mercutio and ultra violent scenes involving explosions and gun fire. Leonardo Di Caprio and Claire Danes play the two young lovers and they do a nice job of reflecting the youthful love of the main characters. The ending is quite disconcerting as Juliet awakens just before Romeo dies and Romeo realizes he has made a terrible mistake. The modern settings are exotic and the acting, especially Pete Postlethwaite as Friar Lawrence, is engaging.
3. By far the best version is Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 classic which was nominated for Best Picture during that year's Academy Awards. It takes us to a luscious Verona with colorful costumes and excellent acting all around. John McEnery's Mercutio is one of the best acting interpretations of any Shakespearen character on film (maybe only Olivier's Hamlet is better). Olivia Hussey is a quite young Juliet (she was only 15) and radiates the immediacy of her first encounter with love. She is particularly brilliant in the balcony scene. The fight scenes are the best ever filmed. Act III, Scene 1 is an intense spectacle that takes us through the streets in a fast paced brawl which features lively sword play between Mercutio and Tybalt (Michael York) before it turns deadly and vicious after Mercutio dies and Romeo challenges Tybalt.
There is also a newer version (2014) which got very poor ratings, but I have not seen. One of the best alternate renditions of the play is the Broadway hit "West Side Story" which is set in New York City in the 1950's. It replaces Shakespeare's language with songs.
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