As a young child Juliet witnessed her family murdered in front of her when the Montague’s took over control of Neo Verona. With the help of others Juliet escaped before the same fate took her life. For years she lived hidden disguised as a boy but unaware of her heritage and destiny. She fights for justice, standing up against those that choose to oppress the weak. When she turns 16 her past is revealed and choices must be made. Romeo lives a life of luxury but he is unhappy. His mother gave up on the life long ago and lives away from Romeo’s father. His father wants him to be harder, take control, and step on whoever it takes to keep the Montague’s in power. His father has arranged Romeo’s marriage; but Romeo grows tired of his life being planned for him and has a strong distaste for the actions his father wants him to take.

When their paths cross both Romeo & Juliet’s lives are shaken. Love blooms between them and even after their heritage is revealed they are willing to work together to change the world they know. With every obstacle in their way, all the odds against them, people they know dying and a country living in fear, it will be up to how strong their love is if they are to survive.

Seeing as this is a series you need to be prepared for the story having been changed. Granted I do not know how they are going to end it as this is only the first 12 episodes so they could bring the story back around to have the same closing. Still be ready. Juliet mimics actions similar to that of Zorro in the beginning; running around in a costume, fighting for the citizens, showing up at public executions. Romeo has a Pegasus that he rides. They are both able to fight, jump launching themselves from buildings or up several stories in the awesome anime acrobatic ways. Certainly not the Romeo & Juliet that I am use to seeing; but had there not been changes made and the action made bigger when using a medium like anime I would have been greatly disappointed.

They do manage to capture the hopeless star-crossed lovers feel that was present in the original story. There are even some of the same lines delivered throughout the series. The animation is beautiful; but did not offer up anything new or unique to call its own. Since the story takes more time to develop the love between Romeo & Juliet I felt an attachment to the two characters that isn’t necessarily stronger than it was to the original; but it is more understanding of how deep their love is and the actions they will take in the name of it.

I honestly enjoyed this anime. I will admit though that in some places with what was not only drawn out storyline wise but changed it really does being to resemble a completely different story. Being a Shakespeare fan will not guarantee that you will like this anime; but it may help. On the other hand being an anime fan you have a much better chance of becoming a fan. Just realize that while there is action throughout it is more a romantic/drama if you couldn’t guess based off of the subject matter. An interesting interpretation, nicely animated, the characters that are well written, and decently put together creation. Hopefully it will pull off the ending well in the next collection.