“Romeo X Juliet” is the latest adaptation of William Shakespeare’s famous romantic play called “Romeo and Juliet.” However, this is very much adapted into a popular Japanese anime series that is still ongoing. The storyline and concept is very much original despite the influences it has from the actual Shakespearean play. I had grown to enjoy watching the series.
The characters in Romeo X Juliet have been converted from the actual play into this great anime series. But the roles have been swapped in the series. It seems that Juliet is going to be the warrior while Romeo is the damsel in distress. However, the two of them are highly proficient in use of the sword. The location is set on a floating island in the sky called Neo Verona in the near future.
Instead of two feuding families like in the beginning, the Capulet family is nearly wiped out in a coup orchestrated by the Montagues years prior to the current events of Romeo X Juliet. As a result, the Montagues have taken over Neo Verona and ruled over it with an iron fist. They treat all commoners as mere garbage while they live the high life. It looks to be a dystopia as the aristocracy reigns supreme.
Juliet poses as a boy named Odin to conceal her identity. As Odin, she puts on the guise of a masked swordsman known as the Red Whirlwind who is a hero of the commoners.
Romeo’s betrothed Hermione takes on the role of Paris. Mercutio is portrayed as a cunning backstabber trying to eliminate Romeo and take the throne for himself. Tybalt is portrayed as a noble and fearless warrior. Benvolio remains one of Romeo’s good friends.
There are characters with names from Shakespeare’s other works such as: Ophelia from “Hamlet” and Petruchio from “Taming of the Shrew.” There is even a character named William who is writing all sorts of plays. He looks to be a caricature of the great William Shakespeare.
For those who enjoyed Shakespeare’s works such as Romeo and Juliet, Romeo X Juliet remains a great series to watch. This is the first time I have ever seen one of Shakespeare’s works be converted into a Japanese anime series. They have definitely done a good job with Romeo X Juliet.
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