Romeo and Juliet’s first scene where Romeo meets Juliet is essential for all plays, as their history is beginning. Romeo met Juliet at the ball organized by Lord Capulet, the head of Juliet’s family, a rival to Romeo’s family Montague. They have a short talk, during which they feel sympathy for each other and kiss each other (Shakespeare, 2004). The scene from the film Romeo Must Die, where Han met Trish first, has similarities despite meeting in the car. Han, who fled from prison, was pretending to be a taxi driver and drove Trish; they had a short talk, where it can be seen that they became very interested in each other, despite not even touching each other. Those scenes mark the beginning of love stories in the center of both narratives.
The second scene, which I have found noteworthy, is the end scene, which is tragic for the lovers. Romeo finds Juliet in her family crypt, presumably dead, although, in reality, she was sleeping deeply from the potent sleeping potion. He, in despair, kills himself with poison; Juliet, when awakened, sees that and kills herself with Romeo’s dagger. Their families reconcile on the basis of common woe (Shakespeare, 2004). In the film, Trish met Han close to his house, where his father had committed suicide, and hugged him; the film ended as Trish and Han walked together. It can be concluded that, in the case of the original Romeo and Juliet, the main heroes are dying, but their families reconcile. Contrary to that, in the case of Romeo Must Die, the main heroes are alive, but their family members are dying or suffering.
The first film’s scene is portrayed not very clearly: Trish meets Han in the taxi, and it is unclear what will be next and what to expect, compared with a bright scene of Romeo and Juliet’s first meeting. The second scene, the last of the film, is portrayed much better: the consequences of each hero’s actions can be seen clearly, and the film ends with the main heroes walking together, happy in their love. Romeo and Juliet are important for all times because it shows the archetypical plot of love, tragic due to the hostile environment. This plot evokes emotions in people, as they can easily feel themselves in the place of the heroes, both primary and secondary.
Reference
Shakespeare, W. (2004). Romeo and Juliet (Folger Shakespeare Library) (B. A. Mowat & P. Westrine, Eds.; Annotated ed.). Simon & Schuster.