At what age (if ever) would you allow William Shakespeare's

[Excelsior! Academy]

Romeo and Juilet with Leonardo Dicaprio and Claire Danes.

 

 

Eta: for Shakespeare study. I was thinking of having my older dc watch the older movie version, this, and the new one coming out this summer to compare and contrast all three. Dh is wary. What says the hive?

[PeterPan]

Well this is gonna sound warped, but I saw it a LOT of times growing up (my mom liked it) and I don't even recall that much bad.  That's weird, because we're a G-rated movie kind of family, kwim?  So I think there's a sense in which adults get things that kids don't.  There's a flashing scene the morning after, so fast forward through it.  Was there that much else?

 

Now a modern version, that will surely find some way to be overly educational in the biology department, etc. etc.  You can wait till the family-friendly reviews come out online and decide for yourself.

 

If you give up on the movie versions, there's always an Ambrose production.  Check, because they probably have one.  It will be the more theatrical style.  But really, I think you're going to be able to fast forward through the dab of objectionable in the older movie and make it work.  I haven't shown it to my dd, but I wouldn't hesitate to under those terms, remote in-hand. Also, how old are your kids?  If they're not in high school, maybe wait and do comedies instead?

 

PS. As I remember back, there was more lewdness in the play production I saw at William & Mary one summer than there was in the movie.  Like it was so lewd they way they brought it out, it really stuck in my mind.  I think with the movie it's just so beautiful overall, you don't get stuck on things, kwim?  

 

Oh mercy, I just realized you meant a more modern version!  What I saw was the Zefferelli 1968 version. That you just fast forward through a dab and it's otherwise beautiful.  Havne't seen a new version.  

 

[Excelsior! Academy]

I meant that one, too. The boys' tights bugged me more than that scene! We will fast forward through that particular part, because we might have my 11 year old watch this version. It is doubtful that we will allow the 11 year old to watch the newer ones.

[Mandy in TN]

Hmmm! My middle ds watched the Dicaprio version. I think he was either in 9th or 10th.

 

You could watch the 1968 version- fabulous, fabulous acting. You totally believe their young, crazy-out-of-control love for each other. OTOH, there is, of course, the nude scene with Hussey. Also, watch West Side Story. :)

 

HTH-

Mandy

[indigomama]

Well, I must have seen it at least 4 times in the theater as a high school freshman..... and I turned out ok :tongue_smilie:

[Maela]

Maybe twelve?  I don't know for sure; my kids aren't at that age yet.  Dh and I love that movie, so I'm pretty sure sooner rather than later...

[Excelsior! Academy]

West Side Story! My dad loves that one. :)

[teeniebeenie6]

I wouldn't let my kids until they were like 16 (if at all). It has lots of drug scenes. I owned it as a teen and later trashed it.

[My3girls]

Oh gosh, I watched the 68 version when I studied Shakespeare in high school. Lol I'd let my 11 year old watch the Claire And Leo one watch it. She's 11.

[Farrar]

I would let my kids watch the Zefferelli version now.  They're 8.  They know the story and sat through the ballet at the Kennedy Center, so I'm thinking they would actually probably enjoy it.  I know you see her naked from behind, but I wouldn't have a problem with them seeing that.  Heck, I'd rather they see it now when they won't care then in a few years when they will.  Ds said of the ballet that they really should have shortened it, maybe by cutting that overly long scene with the balcony.  Ha.

 

The Baz Luhrman version... I'd need to rewatch to be sure, but I think by age 11 or 12.  But I'm on the liberal side about this stuff compared to the Hive.