A scholar once said, “We are but men, driven to act in the name of vengeance which we believe to be 'justice.' But when we call our vengeance 'justice,' it only breeds more vengeance. .. forging the first link in the chains of hatred." The conflicting morality of love and hate has led people to feel indifferent to each other. William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet establishes the theme of hate and the lesson that only love can drive out hate. Franco Zeffirelli's film adaptation of the play, produced in 1968, effectively promotes Shakespeare's original intention of hatred. Zeffirelli's film adaptation managed to achieve such an effect while maintaining the original plot. Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet describes the story of two lovers from opposite families who wish to be together, without getting involved in the fights between their families. Whether it is despising one person or an entire group, the theme of hatred is presented between members of both families through the use of Shakespeare's actions and dialogue. The first event showing hatred was when Gregory and Sampson made a rude gesture to the Montagues, sparking a conflict. “I will bite my thumb/ them, which is a shame if they bear it” (Ii43-44). The desire to start a fight just because an enemy is nearby shows how the Montagues felt provoked by the presence of the Capulets. Tybalt arrives moments later and declares his hatred of the Montagues, stating, "How I hate hell, all the Montagues, all of you, / Having you cowardly!" (Iii72-73). Tybalt is one of the characters in the play who shows a lot of contempt towards the Montagues, as seen during Capulet's party where he felt like fighting Romeo because he was "a villain". Romeo is called that because he is a member of...... middle of paper......rse seems to have no negative feelings towards Romeo during their first meeting before Romeo and Juliet's wedding. This makes the audience believe that the bond between Romeo and Juliet has the power to change a person's point of view and opinion of each other. Romeo and Juliet's love for each other was the key to ending the bitter conflict between Capulet and Montague, but at the cost of their lives. Shakespeare presented this lesson using dialogue and actions to show the hatred between families and how Romeo and Juliet's love continues to change it. Zeffirelli manages to present this theme also through the choice of lines, actors for the show, scenes, costumes and acting for the film. Overall, Zeffirelli did a magnificent job showing how in the dark depths of hate one can find hope and the ability to change others with love..