Comedy,Drama,Romance,Thriller
United States of America
Tromeo & Juliet, released in 1996, is a modern retelling of William Shakespeare's classic play Romeo and Juliet. Directed by Lloyd Kaufman, the co-founder of Troma Entertainment, the film is an irreverent and ultra-violent adaptation set in contemporary New York City, where the rival Montague and Capulet families are now feuding over the pornography market.
Tromeo (played by Will Keenan) is a punk rocker and member of the Montagues who falls in love with Juliet (played by Jane Jensen), the daughter of the Capulets. Despite their families' long-standing feud, Tromeo and Juliet embark on a wild and hedonistic romance, full of sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. Meanwhile, Juliet is engaged to the abusive and sadistic Duke of Capulet (played by Stephen Blackehart), who will stop at nothing to keep her away from Tromeo.
As the story unfolds, the film takes great liberties with Shakespeare's original plot, adding new characters and subplots, and skewering many of the Bard's signature tropes and themes. There are numerous nods to other famous works like Night of the Living Dead and The Toxic Avenger, and the film is filled with over-the-top violence, gross-out humor, and punk rock attitude.
Although Tromeo & Juliet received mixed reviews upon its initial release, it has since gained a cult following and is widely regarded as one of the best and most outrageous adaptations of Shakespeare's works. The film was also notable for featuring appearances by several punk rock legends, including Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead and Debbie Rochon of the punk band The Rejects.
