The "old" Romeo and Juliet movie has many similarities and differences compared to the contemporary version. The first release of the movie and the modern adaptation both follow the original story line. The two films diverge in their portrayal of the tale by employing dissimilar weaponry and scenery and are comparable when approaching the theory of fate and the conclusion of the play. .
The physical features of the two pictures are distinct. The weaponry used in the first version included swords and daggers while the recent edition used guns. This shows the difference in the time periods in which the films took place. This also illustrates the progression of technology. Furthermore, the scenery in the older movie is historical with its" castles, market, and use of horses as a means of transportation, whereas the eldest film is cast in a decaying, urban location where fast cars are used for transport. The older production gives the viewer the feeling of the Shakespearean era. Also, the modern edition shows that the plot can be contemporized. In the first film, the viewer is transported back in time and in the second the setting can relate to how we are living now.
The two versions are parallel in the way they approach the concept of fate and the conclusion of the play. For example, both depict the tragic timing of Romeo's suicide and Juliet's awakening. This shows that the theme of destiny is central to both versions because fate manifests itself in all of the events surrounding the lovers. This also shows that Romeo and Juliet are governed by fate. In addition, in the two films, Romeo and Juliet both commit suicide and thus, the ending is identical. This shows that the play was a tragedy. This also shows that the two lovers could not escape their destiny. The older movie and the modern day setting version are faithful to Shakespeare's theme in that the lover's outcome was predetermined.