... the sense of tragedy and inevitability that makes Shakespeare's work such a timeless masterpiece. This is achieved through the opening monologue which tells the audience of the fate of the two "star cross"d lovers." The recurring flash forwards remind the audience of the tragic but inevitable end of Romeo and Juliet. The sense of tragedy in the film is also magnified enormously ... through the dramatic irony. Juliet opens her eyes and watches unknowingly as her lover poisons himself. This increased dramatic irony makes the two lover's deaths far more tragic and moving than in the play. ...

• Word Count: 1523
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate