A Different Take on the Original Version

I am currently watching the fansubbed version of Romeo x Juliet (by Shinsen-sub), and I am at episode number 8.  Honestly, I thought this would be an over-worked version of the much abused, misused and over-used plot by Shakespeare. But as soon as I pushed the start button, I knew that I turned into a believer. The opening theme song alone would make anyone fall in love with the series.  It is actually a Japanese version of Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up.”  Hearing the song and watching the opening theme, I immediately knew that Romeo x Juliet would not be a cliche but would be an exciting, fresh and novel take of its original predecessor.  True enough, I just could not help myself but get into that romantic, you-and-me-against-world emotional psyche.  Most of the times I get teary-eyes even if it is just beginning but sometimes I cry all through-out!

Perhaps my favorite scene is Romeo and Juliet’s kissing scence.  It is by far the most romantic, heart-felt, sincere and passionate pre-kissing, kissing and post-kissing scene that I’ve witnessed among all the animes I’ve watched.  The english version of You Raise Me Up provided the perfect mood.  There were no unnecessary words or actions, only the truest were conveyed.  Just when you wished for fireworks during the scene’s climax, as if on-cue, fireworks lit the skies and set the perfect backdrop for Romeo and Juliet’s gentle but fervent kiss.  It lingers on the mind and evokes passions leaving the viewers wanting more…

If you want to take a sneak peek of this series, you can watch some of the episodes at YouTube, or download the Shinsen-sub fansub version for quality translation.  As of date, they have released the 12th episode.   

Teasers:

1.     It is refreshing to see Juliet wielding a sword and Romeo roaming the skies searching for Juliet on a winged horse;

2.     ”What’s in a name that which we call a rose?  By any other name would smell as sweet.”  Only this time it is not a rose;

3.     Shakespeare gets a small, supporting role;

4.     A manga-version of Romeo x Juliet was recently released;

5.     The series would conclude on September 20, 2007 on its 24th episode. 

Rating:

9.5 or even a 10.  It is that good. 

N.B.

I accidentally deleted the original review while I was posting the pictures.  I tried my best to rewrite the whole thing. Sorry!

This entry was posted on Saturday, September 15th, 2007 at 10:55 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.