Search - My Shakespeare - Romeo & Juliet for a New Generation, with Baz Luhrmann on DVD

The best example of what "reality" entertainment should be

Tobytime | Morrisville, NC | 01/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is really great reality entertainment, in all the best ways. The idea of inner-city-kids-meet-Shakespeare could be gimmicky, but it's not. Rather, the story is presented so freshly and truthfully, you immediately get caught up and begin to root for all the participants. It is exciting to watch these kids find their way into the characters they play. In particular, the storyline of Khpal (who plays Juliet) was a highlight - her gradual transformation from a shy, giggly girl to a confident actress (and person) was just plain inspiring. In fact, the whole film leaves you inspired, and it does it without being preachy, fake or cloying.

Well worth your time and money--Highly recommended."

My Shakespeare - Romeo & Juliet for a New Generation, with B

W. Martin | MA, USA | 10/10/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I stumbled across this version and absolutely fell in love with it. Usually, I don't watch much Shakespeare, but this behind-the-scenes of a Shakespearean production with amateurs was fascinating. It truly gave me hope not only for these young people from harsh backgrounds, but anyone who struggles with adverse life circumstances,(myself, included)! It was definitely worth the watching."

Good teaching film

Eden Rush | Tallahassee, FL | 09/19/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I paired this with a unit on Romeo and Juliet for my middle school drama students. We read a shortened version of the script from Theatrefolk, then watched scenes from both the Luhrman and the Zefferelli films to compare them. We finished up by watching this documentary. Because the actor behind the project and most of his recruits are urban minorities, it caught the attention of all my students. In fact, combating stereotypes and racism is a strong thematic element here. My students got to see the process of a full amateur production in all it's wretched glory - the idealistic director badgering and cajoling his actors into embracing the reality of their characters, the actors who alternate between nervousness, ethusiasm, frustration, giddiness and determination, the promising actor who can't hack it, the newbie who catches onto Shakespeare's fiery comet and becomes a person transformed. Drama students know this intense process from the inside, but it's great to see it from the outside as well, and you couldn't ask for better material.

This was appropriate for my students, although there is a scene that discusses the sexuality of Romeo and Juliet's relationship. It involves some close contact so I suggest you preview before screening."