Shakespeare Beaten by Football Gangs
by Gustavo Gonzalez

SANTIAGO, Jun 12 (IPS) - In the umpteenth adaptation of a William Shakespeare classic, first-time director Sebastian Araya has set the story of Romeo and Juliet in Chile and the world of 'barras bravas', the often violent groups of fans of professional football. The critics see it as a Chilean film industry tragedy.

”Azul y blanco” (Blue and White) premiered in 26 cinemas last month, will never be the box office success that its producers hoped for this film. It delves into the rivalry of two of the country's leading football clubs and uses as a marketing ploy the big screen debut of Ivan Zamorano, Chilean football's biggest star today.