Alejandro Sanchez I was bored yesterday night and decided to watch another LGBT movie. This one, "Private Romeo" was on my watch list for a couple of weeks now so I decided to see it. So I was really confused at first. Yes, I read that it's an adaption of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" but some things were confusing for me, (which I figured out successfully later on during the film). Everything takes place at a military academy, and basically the whole Romeo and Juliet love story is represented into these individuals in the military. In an attempt to keep the original script and not change it, the characters were still called Romeo and Juliet, even though they were both guys. I understood this later on, but what I found weird at the same time was how they would read the play in class yet when they're dealing with their problems outside, they're literally saying everything? Or still talk in Shakespearean English and drink beer and stuff? This was a bit of a reason why I took off points. I don't know if they're other people like me that had this issue (when first watching it), but then I figured out basically that the whole military setting is an attempt to represent metaphorically Romeo and Juliet in a different way. It made much more sense after I realized this, therefore I enjoyed it a lot more. Especially the ending. I didn't watch this with subtitles unfortunately, and everything was in Shakespearean, so it was difficult for me to get the hang on the exact story since I haven't read the play. But I knew some pieces to what was going on because I've read other plays by Shakespeare (such as Macbeth and Julius Caesar) that consist of Shakespearean English. I'll be watching this movie again on DVD or something and probably read the play as well. After doing so, I might give the movie a higher rating than a 7 because that way I'll embrace the movie itself more with my knowledge of what's going on. I think the actors in this movie deserve a huge round of applause for being capable of memorizing the lines, acting it out masterfully and bringing out the emotions of this play. As well, great cast!Otherwise, this is probably one of my favorite movies. I recommend it and I do agree with the other reviewer's that William Shakespeare himself would've liked it. Extra points awarded for utilizing gay actor(s) in this film (Matt Doyle).Characters (all): 7.0 Music: 7.0 Script: 5.7 Plot: 6.6 Cinematography: 7.6 Opinion: 7.0 Concept(s): 6.0 Emotions: 6.4 Acting: 7.6Final Rating: 7.0 -IMDB Rating: 7/10

vowelljb This was really a nice adaptation of "R&J'...Yes it took some liberties, but it was well acted and, in the end, a very sweet tale.I am not sure why it has gotten such negative reviews. No...it is not your typical "gay" movie...which is why it works. THe movie is dependent on the Shakeperean text which may have turned some off. The actors are all believable, and if not the best acting I have seen, it is much better than a lot of cheesy movies of the genre. The two leads, Seth Numrich and Matt Doyle play their angst and conflict quite well, drawing the viewer in to their plight.If you go into this film with no expectations you should enjoy it. I think if you are looking for a "gay" film or a masterful adaptation of Shakespeare you will be disappointed. Take it for what it is and enjoy it.

jm10701 I LOVE this movie. I loved it the first time I watched it, and I've loved it even more each of the three times I've watched it since then; it continues to astonish me.The adaptation of Romeo and Juliet to an all-boys' military academy is very effective, and Seth Numrich (Sam/Romeo) and Matt Doyle (Glenn/Juliet) have the most electrifyingly romantic scenes I've seen in a long time - maybe ever. Hale Appleman (Josh/Mercutio) is riveting, the best actor in a very gifted cast (all of whom are young New York theatre actors who had prior experience with Shakespeare on stage).Familiarity with Romeo and Juliet will help a lot in following the fast-moving and sometimes chaotic story, and multiple viewings are well worth the time and effort.Many people who don't like Private Romeo just don't like Shakespeare, which is understandable in a generation raised on reality TV and crap like Avatar and the superhero/action movie that gets remade under a different title several times every year.At the opposite end of the spectrum, serious devotees of Shakespeare may have a problem with the liberties taken, not only in the male Juliet but in the slightly changed ending; but they cannot fault the amazing spirit of this movie - Shakespeare would be writing an even more glowing review if he were here. For people who love Shakespeare but are okay with free adaptations and low budgets, this is about as good as it gets. Even intelligent straight people may like it.The "balcony" scene is especially glorious, the most perfect mating of language and feeling I have ever seen; but all four or five of their love scenes are revelations. I wish I had a hundred stars to lavish on this most excellent little movie.(People who see elements of the defunct "don't ask - don't tell" policy of the US military are projecting their own issues onto the movie, which contains not even the slightest hint of homophobia. The fact that both the lovers are male is in no way the cause of any conflict in Private Romeo. Somewhat as in Shakespeare, it's a rivalry between cliques in the school and has nothing whatsoever to do with the sex of the lovers.)

moviesilike i loved this movie !!! it was so intense ,unique and authentic-original ! for me this movie is a must see !I mean the dialogs between the actors .The re-edition of the classic Romeo and Juliet , the acting , everything ! I could say it is a fresh romeo and Juliet adjusted to the present.Actually i loved the fact that all the dialogs were taken from the original (with some changes) and the way the actors pronounced them . it was the best movie i have seen for a long time .it captured me from the first time because i was watching something for the first time ,and the acting was so good . i watched it in one breath . sorry for my English.