: It was a massive hit, grossing ten times its initial budget and premiering at No. 1 at the US box office in November 1996.

: Driven by their intense connection, they are secretly wed by Friar Laurence , who hopes their union will finally end the bloody conflict between their families.

Romeo + Juliet made love feel epic The 1996 film starring ... - Facebook

The 1996 film , directed by Baz Luhrmann , reimagines the classic tragedy in the high-octane setting of "Verona Beach".

: The film is famous for its vibrant, frenetic energy and use of modern props , like handguns engraved with "Sword" or "Dagger" to stay true to Shakespeare's original dialogue.

In this modern retelling, the Montagues and Capulets are not just feuding noble families but warring .

: The peace is shattered when Juliet’s cousin, Tybalt, kills Romeo’s best friend, Mercutio. In a blind rage, Romeo kills Tybalt and is subsequently exiled to Mantua.

: Amidst a city plagued by gang violence and gunfights, Romeo Montague (Leonardo DiCaprio) sneaks into a Capulet party. There, he sees Juliet Capulet (Claire Danes) through a fish tank, and the two fall instantly in love.