Romeo and Juliet

Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. 2008. 105p. 182 mins. Available as an audiobook from Overdrive.

The Western world’s most famous love tragedy, Romeo and Juliet tells the trials and tribulations of two young lovers who, unfortunately for them, belong to two rival houses who are sworn enemies. Having met by accident, Romeo and Juliet fall in love quickly and determine to keep their relationship secret, knowing that their respective families will oppose their union. They plan on marrying first, then revealing their deed so their families will have to accept their marriage.

Unfortunately Romeo is involved in a scuffle following the Prince’s edict that there be no more fighting between the two sides which results in his friend Mercurio’s death. He avenges Mercurio, a relative of the Prince, and kills his assailant. Forced to defend his edict and inflicting punishment, the Prince banishes Romeo on the pain of death. Juliet’s father decides to marry her to Count Paris, another relative of the Prince to make amend. Juliet, not wanting any of it, drinks a potion that will make her appear dead. She is discovered and buried in the family crypt. Word is to be sent to Romeo so he can come and retrieve her.

Unfortunately word does not reach Romeo in time, and hearing of Juliet’s death by poison resolves to do the same. He breaks in the crypt and is confronted by Paris, whom he kills. Having killed another relative of the Prince, and facing a life without Juliet, he drinks the poison and dies. When Juliet comes to from the effects of her sleeping draught, she finds Romeo dead at her feet, and, facing a life without him, kills herself with his dagger.

Horrified at these senseless deaths, the two families reconcile and end their feuds. The lovers, who could not be together in life, continue to be the quintessential star-crossed youth who could not get what they wanted.