Romeo and Juliet directed by Baz Lurhman- Analysis of symbols shown in the film

Luhrmann uses water as a representation of love. The water is a recurring image and representation of baptism and rebirth. It symbolizes the start of a new life together and cleansing. Romeo and Juliet's first encounter incorporates water as the two lovers gaze at each other through a fish tank which serves as a physical barrier between the two lovers, even though there are also a lot of emotional barriers. Romeo later submerges his head …

…the characters are surrounded by to reflect the depth of their religion, all are just token symbols. The reality of their society is not represented by these symbols at all. Instead, the city is corrupted and overwhelmed with violence. The repeated focus on the Jesus statue and other religious icons in the opening scene, comments on how religion, like the law, is no longer an effective means of maintaining peace and harmony in modern society.