The first thing that is different between the film and the book is the place or setting. In the film it seems to be a modern city, where the Capulets and the Montagues live as rich men, not as Lords of Verona. And in the book, the setting is a city from the medieval times, from the 10th century.2.Imagery
The water in the film simbolizes the safety when Romeo and Juliet meet for first time, the fire means the passion, and the black clouds of storm, they mean that there is a terrible fate to meet. Even though I haven't got the soul of a poet to understand all those things.
3.Language
In the movie there are many characters, but they don't speak with the same language. Romeo and Juliet they are the main characters who speak in verse, but it also have character like Mercutio or Tybalt who also speak in verse, or even the Friar Laurenc or the Nurse. Other characters speak in prose, like Lord Montague and Lord Capulet, and their wifes. The narrator of the film is the TV presenter from the news.
4.Fancy dress party
5.Elements
All in the story has changed, the sword for guns, the houses for rich men in a modern city, the "forest of Verona" has turned into a beach, the horses by cars, etc... But everything can seem strange if you have read the book before you see the movie. But after you see the movie you understand all those changes
