A Timeless Love Affair: Revisiting Romeo & Juliet After 20 Years
First Kiss & First Crush
It all started when I was an 11-year-old girl who had never been kissed. Along with my cousin and our best friends, we were excited beyond measure to watch Leonardo DiCaprio for the first time on screen. For us, this was not just a movie outing—it was a life-changing experience.
Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo & Juliet had us all captivated. The movie, with its vibrant colors, intense romance, and modern soundtrack, made an indelible mark on me. I had no idea at the time that this film would stay with me for over two decades, shaping my perceptions of love and romance.
20 Years Later: Love & Life’s Lessons
Fast forward to 2016. A lot has changed. I’ve had countless kisses, experienced a few heartaches, and navigated the twists and turns that life throws at you. Despite all these experiences, one thing remains unchanged—my love for Romeo & Juliet.
This time, I’m heading to see it with my girlfriend, Sarah. We’re no longer inexperienced teenagers; we have a better understanding of love and the challenges that come with it. But the excitement of watching Romeo & Juliet still remains.
Our venue for the night is St Mary’s Church on York Street, an enchanting and cozy setting perfect for such a classic love story. As we walked in, we couldn’t help but gasp at how stunning the place looked. Even for someone unfamiliar with the film, the ambiance alone was enough to leave an impression.
The Perfect Cinema Experience
We were greeted by a friendly staff member dressed in a Hawaiian shirt, which immediately set the relaxed and fun tone for the evening. After collecting our tickets, we headed to the bar, indulging in pick ‘n’ mix candy, popcorn (sweet and salty, of course!), and treated ourselves to prosecco and ice-cold gin and tonics—perfect for the summer heatwave we were in.
Once it was time to take our seats, we climbed the stairs and sank into the comfortable chairs, ready for the magic to unfold once again. The opening lines of the play, „Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona where we lay our scene…” set the tone, transporting us back to that iconic world of star-crossed lovers.
Reliving the Magic
Although I don’t want to spoil too much for those who have yet to experience Backyard Cinema’s Romeo & Juliet screening, I must say, it was nothing short of magical. As the opening credits rolled, I was swept away, just like I had been 20 years ago.
The soundtrack—featuring artists like Garbage, Radiohead, Des’ree, The Cardigans, and even classical giants like Mozart and Wagner—remains one of the most memorable aspects of the film. The combination of its music, fast-paced cinematography, and the electrifying chemistry between DiCaprio and Claire Danes brings everything to life in a way that feels timeless.
Watching the film again as an adult, I couldn’t help but reflect on how it cemented my romantic ideals when I was just a child. The intensity of Romeo and Juliet’s love—so pure, passionate, and ultimately tragic—set the foundation for my own unrealistic expectations of romance. I am, and will always be, a hopeless romantic.
An Unforgettable Evening
There wasn’t a dry eye in the entire church that night. From the moment the film started to its heart-wrenching conclusion, the audience was captivated. Watching Romeo & Juliet again, I felt the same mix of awe and heartache I had felt as a young girl. It reminded me of the power of cinema to move, inspire, and challenge us. This was more than just a movie screening—it was an emotional experience.
In fact, I would go so far as to say this was the best cinema experience I have ever had. Backyard Cinema has managed to create an immersive environment that draws you into the story, making you feel like you’re part of it.
Backyard Cinema: More Than Just Films
Backyard Cinema doesn’t just screen films—it offers a wide range of music and film events throughout the year, each with its own unique twist. Their website is worth checking out if you’re interested in catching upcoming events. Right now, their music film festival in Camden is showcasing documentaries about iconic artists like Bob Marley, The Beastie Boys, Kurt Cobain, The Beatles, and more.
For anyone who hasn’t experienced Backyard Cinema yet, I highly recommend it. Whether you’re revisiting an old favorite like Romeo & Juliet or discovering a new film, the magic they bring to the experience is something you won’t want to miss.
In the end, it’s not just about the films—it’s about reliving the emotions, memories, and magic they bring.
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