Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare early in his career about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families. It was among Shakespeare 's most popular plays during his lifetime and, along with Hamlet, is one of his most frequently performed plays. Today, the title characters are regarded as archetypal young lovers. Romeo and Juliet belongs to a tradition of tragic romances stretching back to antiquity. The plot is based on an Italian
bet with Queen Elizabeth I about whether or not a play can show the real truth and beauty of love, the prize wagered is fifty pounds -- the exact amount Will needs to achieve his goal. Of course, by the end of the film, Shakespeare´s Romeo and Juliet has proven both the bittersweet truth and unwavering romance of true love, and Queen Elizabeth determines that Will´s play has won the bet. Nevertheless, whatever the side we take (either the purist or the Anti-Stratfordian)