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This is a story of a young and tragic love, set in the aerial city of Neo Verona. Tyranny rules this island in the sky after the Montague family took control 14 years prior. The disparity among the wealthy and poor is apparent in the present state, the earth dries and water stagnates. The sky itself is wrapped in a deep dense fog. Both Romeo and Juliet's lineages are of present and past ruling families of Neo Verona. Romeo is the son of the current Montague dictator, Juliet (a beautiful woman) masquerades as a man (Odin), she's the last descendent of Capulet the previous rulers who were killed by an assasin's dagger 14 years ago. Her true background is not to be revealed to her until her 16th birthday while being raised by her sister. The cruel hands of fate introduces 2 people who will become "Star Crossed Lovers".

Fansub Groups:

Umai
Shinsen

Characters:

The story begins with the young Juliet Capulet that lives as the heroine of her day with astonding swordsmanship and agility. She disguises herself as a boy as instructed by her guardians unknown to that fact that she is a Capulet and that fact was to remain a secret until her 16th birthday. However, the Montague (mainly Romeo's father, except for Romeo himself) has massacred every possible Capulet due to their opposing threat when Juliet was just a young child, unable to remember the past. The Capulets were the former rulers of Neo Verona until the Montagues visciously took over. Romeo is part of the nobility livng lavishly while Juliet lives as a meager commoner. However, through fate, they occasionally meet and their passion fuels their desire to be together.

Story:

The Montague family has become a dictator-like regime that previously massacred every Capulet (the former rulers of Neo Verona) except for several, including Juliet, the last of the Capulet. Her true identity as a Capulet is even unknown to herself and she is advised to be in disguise as Odin, a young boy. However, through a set of circumstances, Romeo and Juliet will only intensify their passion through every meeting.

Animation:

The animation in the 1st episode was impressive and it was one of the reasons that inspired me to write this entire thread. The action scenes (although short in ep. 1)are well thought out with good sound to match. The background imaging is also detailed and truly depicts wonderful Verona in a different fashion. The main scene in which Romeo and Juliet (as a woman, not Odin) fall in love at first sight, that truly begins this passionate piece by Shakespeare was well drawn, timed, and you could literally grasp that moment with your eyes. Unfortunately, although this is quite common in the anime industry, animation quality's been down a bit as the story moves on probably due to the budget. Well, as long as they save money for the most important scenes, than all is fine.

Music:

The OP is "Inori ~You Raise Me Up~" by Lena Park has a soft tone, but somewhat dull. However, on the contrary, the ending song, "Cyclone" by 12012, is more volatile and is the very opposite of the OP due to the style of how it's sung, but still pretty good.

Verdict:

Overall, the show started off well and the animation is impressive too. Hopefully, they'll maintain the quality. The story and plot is also solid and there are so many possibilies and turns the show can take. Although this is technically bad when it comes to being an adaption of Shakespeare's play, as an anime series, it has a lot of potential and is good so far.
Verdict: 9/10

Pics(6 total):


Romeo x Juliet


Juliet(disguised) and some other character


Juliet


Romeo


Neo Verona

Note: This show has some huge differences compared to the play when it comes to characters, plot, story, setting, and plenty of other things, which is one of the reasons why I personally enjoy it. ^_^

The animation of this one is really good. considering that it is made by GONZO. i really liked the OP. really good series, so far. i'm currently downloading episode 2.

The animation of this one is really good.

I watched this the other day and it really is good. The basics of the story is still there but with a nice reversal which makes a nice change. Like other romance stories this is nothing too corny and scene settings are eye catching too. thoroughly recommend it!

greengum

The animation of this one is really good. considering that it is made by GONZO. i really liked the OP. really good series, so far. i'm currently downloading episode 2.

The animation is good, but I don't know if they'll be able to keep that quality forever. I just hope the animation stays at the same level of quality as it did in the first episode.

It seems okay for the first episode, I hope it gets better! :]

Really wanna watch it soon, currently downloading first EP

It's good but not 'omgawesomefantastic' good. But it is by Gonzo and I've always liked Gonzo's series. I'll admit that I do love the music for this. The music is impressive. The character designs are rather charming and cute, though.

The other character happens to be Cordelia. XD

I watched the first 2 episode, it's pretty good, just didnt get into it

I like this anime,the pictures are pretty good,the character designs are quite good as well~

I know this might be too soon to say, but I don't want them to die . GONZO will probably have to incorporate that into the story in order to keep some of Shakespeare's key points since he's changed so many things. I'm actually happy that he didn't make it identical to the play otherwise I never would have watched it due to boredom. Such a wonderful couple destined to fall into a tragic love.

I think I was like most people when I say that originally I didn't think too much of what this series would be like. I mean EVERYONE knows the story of Romeo and Juliet, so I didn't see what the draw would be.

However, I did catch the first episode thanks to some strong peer influence, and found the artwork just stunning and breathtaking. Moreover, romance animes typically have this harem feel or are too over the top without much plot, but this animes stays quite focused on the conflict between the Capulets and Montague family which is really cool.

I am also interested in how this story will end? Will they remain true to the original story or will they stick to the true script? I particularly enjoy the subtle changes in the fact they have they flying horses and the different environment, the floating island, puts a lot more romance into the plot.

So far having seen 3 episodes, I definitely recommend it, its quite possibly my favorite of 2007!!

I've only watched the 1st episode so far, but it's been strangely captivating. i don't know abt you guys, but i was quite touched by the 1st meeting btw Romeo & Juliet. felt really innocent and tragic at the same time. anyhow, i'm starting to get used to the character designs, especially their eyes. it took me a while to get adjusted.

the OP and ED really are fantastic though, although it's a japanese rendition of josh groban's song. but it works so well for this anime. it really sets the scene and mood for the episode.

XD i'm watching this one.

So its basically like the story of Romeo and Juliet but in anime form?

HopelessDreamer

so its basically like the story of Romeo and Juliet but in anime form?

Pretty much, but there are huge changes. Let's put it this way, if this anime show was just like Shakespeare's, then I would not watch it. But the thing is, it's so much more interesting, captivating, dramatic, and romantic than what you think it may be. Just try the first episode and you'll see what I mean.