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Audience Rating: Parental Guidance Binding: VHS Tape Brand: Paramount Home Entertainment (UK) EAN: 5013037193787 Format: HiFi Sound, PAL Label: Paramount Home Entertainment (UK) Languages:EnglishOriginal LanguageAnalog Manufacturer: Paramount Home Entertainment (UK) Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: Paramount Home Entertainment (UK) Release Date: February 05, 2026 Running Time: 132 minutes Studio: Paramount Home Entertainment (UK) Theatrical Release Date: October 08, 2025
Amazon.co.uk Review: Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet was unique in its day for casting kids in the play's pivotal roles of, well, kids. Seventeen-year-old Leonard Whiting and 15-year-old Olivia Hussey play the titular pair, the Bard's star-crossed lovers who defy a running feud between their families in order to be together in love. Typically played on stage and in previous film productions by adult actors, the innocent look and rawness of Whiting and Hussey resonated at the time with a burgeoning youth movement from San Francisco to Prague. The tragic romance at the centre of the story also clicked with anti-authority sentiments, but even without that, Zeffirelli scores points by validating the ideals and passions of strong-willed adolescents. Less successful are scenes requiring the actors to have a fuller grasp of the text, though the best thing going remains the unambiguous duel between Romeo and Tybalt (Michael York). Lavishly photographed by Pasquale de Santis on location in Italy, this Romeo and Juliet brought a different tone and dimension to a story that had become tiresome in reverential presentations. --Tom Keogh
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Simply stunning Shakespear
Like many people, I first encountered Zeffirelli's masterpiece during a school trip whilst studying the play for 'O' level. The film swept me - and my classmates - off our feet; I recall seeing the entire 1st XV front row crying like babies, and time has blunted neither the charm nor the power of the classic tale's definitive version. The performances coaxed from the appropriately very young cast are amazing: it is impossible not to fall in love with Olivia Hussey's mature ... Read More
Rating: - A stunning piece of cinematography
I brought this film last year, after vague memories of having adored it when I saw it as a youth. It is simply stunning. I have seen it about 10 times this year and every time I am inconsolable. Never has a death scene provoked me into such a state of emotion as this one. Hussey and Whiting make a beautiful pair. My only complaint is that some of the lines have been cut out. eg from the balcony scene. Also, the end was a little rushed, but it keeps my emotions running high, so is not necessarily a bad ... Read More
Rating: - Excellent film, shame about the ending.
This film kept me gripped. The casting had been done extremely well in my opinion and all of the characters were excellent throughout. Mercutio was particularly strong and turned in a fine performance. The main praise though must go to the young lovers. For being only 15 and 17 they were both exceptionally talented. The costumes were also sumptious and beautiful. I'm afraid I couldn't comment on the dialogue as I'm nowhere near qualified to judge on the standard of the Shakespearian language. However, ... Read More
Rating: - One of the best productions.
The youth of Romeo and Juliet in this production adds a huge ammount to its popularity. The childish innocence of the lovers is well portrayed although at times Shakespeares language and meaning seems to get lost. A popular production, this one is far suprior to the recent "jazzed up" version and is profoundly moving. An excellent film.
Rating: - Beautiful!
I first saw this film when I was 7 and has since remained one of my favourites. Although dated, in my opinion this is a classic, beautifully shot and very well directed. This, in my opinion, is the best on screen portrayal of Shakespere's tragic play and would definitely recommend it over the version with Leo di Caprio and Clare Danes, which to me is a poor Hollywood-esque attempt at a 'West Side Story' modernisation of a great play.
- Simply stunning Shakespear
- Excellent film, shame about the ending.