Atarashii Prelude

Romeo x Juliet

The concept of literature of being well boring and dull has finally been broken? With the release of Romeo x Juliet this spring, many have been surprised its outcome. Although being a well-known literature material originally composed by William Shakespeare, this anime does not bear as much boring scenes compared to its written version? Is the modification of the plot and additional action/fights in this anime the source of its attraction? However nothing matters as long it’s a good interesting anime ;)

Romeo x Juliet!

The story starts off very different from Shakespeare’s work, Laertes Montague as head of the House of Montague ordered the massacre of the House of Capulet and seized control of Neo Verona, spreading lies about the corruption of the Capulets to justify himself and tricked everyone in the city. As the new ruler of Neo Verona, He believes it is the right of the Montague House to oppress and exploit the commoners. Those who joined him and agreed with his ways and methods were made nobles. Montague then ordered to kill every single descendent of the Capulet House. Lucky enough, young Juliet along with her best friend Cordelia was saved by the Captain of the Capulet’s Guards, Conrad.

Laertes Montague ordering the massacre of the House of Capulet.

Juliet and Cordelia saved by Conrad.

After barely escaping Montague’s massacre 14 years ago, Juliet was taught to hid her gender and name. She then disguised as a male character also known as Odin spending her time with Antonio ( Conrad’s grandson) saving innocent commoners from the castle guards as a heroic figure known as the “Red Whirlwind” with very little memory of her past and identity. On the night of the Rose Ball, she was then asked to put on a dress accompanying Emilia to the ball. After seeing the interior of the castle she recalls a little of her childhood and runs of to the courtyard after seeing Montague from a distant. Taking a breath by the fountain in the courtyard is when Romeo first meets “Juliet” with a Irises in her hand. The Irises is used to represent the House of Capulet whilst the Rose is used to portray the House of Montague.

Juliet a.k.a. Odin a.k.a. “The Red Whirlwind”.

Romeo first meets “Juliet”...

However all fun ends early, on Juliet’s 16^th birthday she was then told of her secret heritage and presented with the sword of the House of Capulet by Conrad. After much pain and suffering Juliet then vows to take down the Montague House for the sake of the people. Although saying this, her love for Romeo is not wavered. Soon Romeo finds out of her identity and promised to create a place where the both of them could live. They both flee away from Neo Verona but were caught when Lord Montague issued a search for his son.

Juliet vows to end Lord Montague's reign.

Romeo and Juliet both on a “love run”?

Returning to Neo Verona, Juliet was caught in prison while Romeo was given a harsh lecture. Core members of the Capulet Restoration Faction, Francisco and Curio, along with Antonio quickly came to Juliet’s rescue. However it was Romeo who became the true hero securing Juliet’s escape. Furious at Romeo’s actions, Lord Montague then banishes his son to a forsaken mine outside of Neo Verona where prisoners were worked to their death. Learning the truth of his father, Romeo works hard in hope to one day end his father’s cruel-some ruling. Juliet continues her escape along with Francisco, Curio and Antonio away from Neo Verona.

Romeo intends on renouncing the name of Montague? O.o

Ophelia the keeper of “Escalus”.

Perhaps it is the change of plot and the insertion of fantasies and mystique creatures in this anime that leads much excitement to its viewers. The subbed version of the anime is currently at episode 15 while the raws are at 17. Much excitement is to be anticipated in this featured anime. What will become of both Romeo and Juliet? What’s the story behind the two great mystique trees, “Escalus” and its un-aging caretaker Ophelia? Will the anime end with the suicide of both Romeo and Juliet just like the work of William Shakespeare? Well its all to be answered in the future episodes! Be sure to watch this great exciting series of Romeo x Juliet. Evern out.