Welcome to Verona Beach, a sexy, violent other-world, neither future nor past, ruled by two rival families, the Montagues and the Capulets. Wealthy, selfish, ruthless and powerful, the parents share an enmity that has become the birthright of their offspring.

So begins Shakespeare’s beloved play “Romeo & Juliet,” which is celebrating its 400th anniversary this year. These famous lines and the vivid language of this cautionary tale drive director Baz Luhrmann’s cinematic interpretation.