“Romeo + Juliet” is a story of “division” that you should watch now

A truly “modern drama” that you want to see now.

“Romijuri” is considered one of the most representative love stories, but the essential part is probably the tragedy brought about by “division.” It's often said that ``love is blind,'' but this is clearly true for these two, especially Romeo. This can be seen from the way he tries to meet Juliet at first sight, without regard for his own life. However, what should be noted is that he is ``forced'' to do so due to the ``division'' between the two families.

Although the Capulet family is his enemy, from Romeo's point of view they are the family of his beloved Juliet. No matter what grudges lie between the two families, their feelings for their loved ones remain unbroken. He tries to walk alone. However, the divide that has been passed down from generation to generation is not so easily bridged. The people around me won't allow it. The same is true in our current society. Race, gender, and other ``differences'' that exist everywhere create ``division.''

"Romeo + Juliet" (c)Photofest / Getty Images

However, is it only possible for those who have distanced themselves from the people involved to realize that this is nothing more than a trivial matter? Depending on where you look at it, it could be as silly as a simple argument like ``Which is more superior, Mushroom Mountain or Takenoko no Sato?'' However, rifts arise, grow, and eventually lead to conflict. Even today, this is a daily occurrence.

In the first place, it is not easy for us, each with our own unique values, to truly interact. It's the same thing as the blue sea and blue sky separated by the horizon. Even though they may seem close, no matter how far you go, they will never completely intersect. If the sky turns black and lightning strikes, the sea surface will immediately swell and spray, which can't be helped. In that case, I think we should hope for "harmony." Like the original "Romijuri", in this story the deaths of a young man and woman cause the two families to begin walking the path of harmony, but this is progress that comes at the cost of sacrifice. Which is more important: progress or the lives of young men and women?

In this work, a news program broadcasts the end of this incident, and the audience sees it. The tragedies that arise from division are repeated every day, and many of us are just bystanders. I can't help but think that this "modern dramatization" of the production brings into sharper relief the problems we are currently facing. This work is entertainment that you should watch now.

Text: Yushu Orita  

Writer. Born in 1990. The main areas of coverage include movies, theater, actors, literature, fashion, and bars. In addition to contributing to numerous movie theater pamphlets, he also serves as MC on the movie talk show ``Katsuben Cinema Club.'' My favorite directors are Yasuzo Masumura and Douglas Sirk.

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(c) Photofest / Getty Images