PHOTO PROVIDED Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio star as star crossed lovers, Juliet and Romeo, in Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 adaptation of the classic Shakespeare play.

Hi everyone! It’s been far too long since I’ve written a Throwback Thursday column… a crime really. I’ll admit my movie watching has been limited to some in-theater movies and I’ve been binge watching “Law and Order: SVU” (Olivia Benson is an icon) while at home.

But it’s time I get back to my roots! Those roots being me babbling about a movie to you fine folks who are kind enough to read my thoughts.

This week I decided to dive into the 90s, specifically Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo + Juliet” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.

I’d only ever seen snippets of this movie, or pictures on someone’s Pinterest board, so I wanted to actually see just how good it is.

In my research I learned a lot of English teachers introduce their high school students to Shakespeare’s famous play through this movie. (I only ever watched the 1960s version in school.) I can certainly see why they would.

Luhrmann’s take on the well-known romance between Romeo of the Montagues and Juliet of the Capulets is much more modern, taking place in Verona Beach (think Miami, where some of it was even filmed!).

The two houses, instead of just being high born, are instead mafia-style families who are constantly at war within the city.

Though the movie takes place in a more modern setting — where swords are replaced with guns — the dialogue remains the same. I’ll admit I was thrown by this at first. You don’t really expect a bunch of dudes in Hawaiian shirts to be waxing poetic and speaking like they’re from another century. But once I got into the swing of things it was easy to tag along for the ride.

I won’t bore you with a synopsis — I’m sure you all know the tragic tale of our star crossed lovers.

I will say I found this version intriguing. The cinematography and set designs were unique and I really enjoyed it. From the wreckage of a theater where Romeo and his friends spend their time to Juliet’s over-the-top family mansion — Luhrmann and the set design crew really created a gritty, city landscape for our characters.

The costume designs were also fun. I enjoyed the contrast between the Montagues with their laid back, flowery button up shirts versus the Capulets tie and vest combos that were much more business. Shout out to Mercutio (played expertly by Harold Perrineau) also. He had some amazing costumes paired with stellar acting.

Of course, the most iconic outfits from this movie come during the party when our little Romeo (DiCaprio) and Juliet (Danes) first meet. Romeo, sporting his somewhat lowkey knight’s armor and Juliet with her angel’s wings and white dress. I’ve certainly seen those costumes recreated at Halloween and images of the original ones online.

Speaking of our titular couple — DiCaprio and Danes did a great job playing the two. The chemistry between the two, and their passion in the characters and line delivery really sell the whirlwind, and tragic, romance this couple find themselves in.

I know more often than not people talk about DiCaprio’s performance, which was certainly good, but I want to focus more on Danes.

A reminder that she was only 17 when this movie came out. Seventeen! And she delivered her lines with such expertise you’d think she was older and with way more acting experience under her belt.

She really helped bring this tragedy and romance to life in a way that I hadn’t really seen before. Not only could she play off of DiCaprio well, she did the same with other characters — such as Dave Paris (Paul Rudd), the man her parents’ wished her to marry; or Nurse (Miriam Margolyes), who supports her and Romeo’s forbidden romance.

To be honest, Luhrmann’s take on “Romeo + Juliet” helped me appreciate it a bit more. I still feel that the two needed to pump the breaks a little bit near the end. But that’s the nature of romance I guess. Sometimes the passion and feelings you can have may just throw any form of logic out of the window and send it splattering onto the street below.

Overall, I really enjoyed this adaptation. Between the great casting, amazing set and costume design and some killer music (I didn’t know I needed a choral version of Prince’s “When Doves Cry” until now) it makes for a unique and timeless classic. Something that I’m sure has truly helped many an English class filled with moody teens appreciate Shakespeare just a bit.

“Romeo + Juliet” is rated PG-13 and may be watched on Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV and Fandango.

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Laura Jameson is Managing Editor of The Express.