The Otaku Review: Romeo X Juliet

There have been several modified versions of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, “Romeo and Juliet,” but none quite like this! “Romeo X Juliet” is the first anime version of the play, and quite an accomplishment on behalf of the Japanese. The basic storyline is the same – two families are pitted against each other by the names of Capulet and Montague, and the children of each house, Romeo and Juliet, fall for each other despite all odds. Yet, this particular interpretation still has some unique differences.
This extraordinary series starts off with the slaughter of the House of Capulet. Juliet and her caretaker (who takes the role of the nurse in this version) are the only two who survive the Montague’s deadly rampage. In present Neo-Verona, Juliet is in hiding and posing as a teenage boy who fights for the justice of others in a very Zorro-like fashion. Yes, Juliet is pretending to be a teenage boy named Odin.
This anime includes magic in many different forms, such as spells and flying dragon steeds. Being saved by Romeo on one of these creatures is how Juliet meets her fated love to begin with. Odin (Juliet) is very embarrassed by the fact that she needed to be saved by a nobleman, and in turn tells him off, instead of thanking him.
The ball that Juliet crashes (as opposed to Romeo attending uninvited as he does in the play) is actually where they meet for the second time. Here, she is dressed in a beautiful gown, and is sitting on the edge of a fountain bathing in the moonlight when Romeo sees her. The beginnings of their love may be extremely different, but the force of their affections for one another is no less passionate.
The intensity of this anime is immense from the very first episode. First off, I have never imagined a Juliet who could kick around city guards! The characterization is unbelievable and offers a completely new spin on the cast. While the story is incredibly different from any version ever performed, it is definitely worth watching. To be honest, the art alone makes this show worth viewing. The animation is absolutely impeccable.
I highly recommend this anime to otaku as well as to those who are just getting into anime. With its flawless art, exciting storyline, and the new world of Neo-Verona, it would be an absolute shame to miss out on what can become a beautiful masterpiece in the world of anime.

 

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