The 1996 Romeo and Juliet portrays the sad love story through various means. The set design, for instance, is often gloomy and reflects the dark situation of their love. The dialogue is also full of emotion. Romeo and Juliet's words to each other are not just expressions of love but also of the sorrow that comes with their circumstances. Also, the music in the movie adds to the melancholic mood. It heightens the emotions during the tragic scenes, like when Romeo is about to take the poison or Juliet is about to stab herself.
The movie uses a modern - day setting with a Shakespearean script, which gives a unique perspective on the sad love story. The young actors bring a fresh and energetic take on the characters while still maintaining the tragic essence. The use of color in the film also plays a role. The bright colors of their love are often contrasted with the dull and dark colors of the feud. This contrast emphasizes the sadness as their love is constantly being overshadowed by the family conflict. Moreover, the pacing of the movie is such that it builds up the tension and the sadness gradually, making the final tragedy even more impactful.
It uses vivid visuals and passionate acting. The actors' expressions and the way they interact show the pain of their love. For example, when Romeo looks at Juliet, you can see the love and the sadness of their situation in his eyes.