I actually didn't like Romeo and Juliet the play that much at all. (I don't mind Shakespeare, I liked Hamlet).
I read it in grade 9, so it's been a while. But from what I remember, it's not as... good at everyone makes it
out to be imo. I'm just as baffled as you as to why they call it the "greatest love story of all time",
because I didn't get any feelings of "love" from it. I guess maybe the idea of forbidden love is
interesting?
And also, it's a tragedy. Yet, I didn't sense much tragedy from it. I mean, yeah it's sad that they
killed themselves, but it's really quick and kinda for a stupid misunderstanding reason that makes it more... funny
than tragic (hey, I'm not sadistic, it's not haha funny, but more of an ironic funny). I guess on
Juliet's part, I felt sorry for her, because I think she really did love Romeo (or had a good crush on him at
least), but then again, she's only 14, so it's more like teenage love to me. That, and she's rather
innocent and naive.
Romeo on the other hand, I didn't feel sorry for him at all. I hated the Romeo in the play. The impression he left
on me was this rich, rash, whiny, teenager who was bored and looking for something to do; and when he saw this pretty
girl, he tried to woo her. (Don't forget that he was still pining for this "Rosalind" right before he met
Juliet) And Juliet, being the young girl who has probably never been wooed before, fell for his words (which I
didn't find terribly romantic, it's cheesy if nothing else, maybe it's the old English or something). The
most romantic guy, yeah right! I dunno what Juliet saw in Romeo (maybe he's good-looking or something, and
he's good with words I guess).
One scene that's particularily memorable was when Romeo was exiled, and when he heard the news, he went to the
Friar and started whining about "nuuuuu, anything but 'exiled'!". Maybe it had to do with the fact
that my English teacher had us listening to a tape of the play being read out loud, and the person doing Romeo was
literally whining >__>
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Okay, I'm done ranting about the play, I think.
Now for the anime. Where to start. I love the many twists Gonzo put in it. To start with: the setting. It's
futuristic, yet kinda archaic (reminds me of Florence Italy with the red roofs I think)
I love the new situations that Romeo and Juliet were in. Not only were they from feuding families, but also
(spoiler.....), which makes it all that more interesting and dire (it's not just because of a petty family feud
anymore).
The Juliet in the anime is a lot more independent than the play Juliet. I think it has a lot to do with the time period.
But the play Juliet was naive, docile, and innocent. The anime Juliet, althogh naive in some aspects, takes leadership
and even takes up a sword (I like the Akaikaze twist too).
The Romeo in the anime seems naive as well ('cause he's been kinda sheltered most of his life, so he's
oblivious to a lot of things). But he's kind and sweet and wants to do his best to make life better for everyone.
He has a good sense of justice. And he's not whiny like the play Romeo.
Romeo and Juliet certainly have a lot more interactions in the anime (but then again, the anime had a lot more time than
the play to develop things). But to me, it still seems like puppy love than true romantic love. Maybe 'cause
they're too young or something (that, and I don't really believe in true love at first sight). But they look
cute together.
The twist with Escalus was interesting. Though I wish they had spent more time on it. But then again, for the most of
the first half, the series focuses on Juliet and Romeo.
I like the twist with Hermione, Cordelia (Juliet's "nurse"), Mercutio, and Tybalt as well ^^
Oh, lastly, I also like how some characters are named after characters in other Shakespearean plays, like Curio,
Cordelia, Ophelia, Portia (Romeo's mom), Antonio etc.
I think Gonzo's really good at adaptations. I loved Gankutsuo (Count of Monte Cristo), and Samurai 7 (based on the
movie). And now RxJ is one of my faves ^^ I hope they do more adaptations of classics.
Okay, I'm done.
