Moulin Rouge!
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Rating: Masterpiece

Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: May 18th, 2001 (limited), June 1st, 2001 (wide)
Running Length: 2 hour, 8 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Genre: Musical (New Age), Fantasy
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, Jim Broadbent, John Leguizamo, Richard Roxburgh.
             Plot:  The film takes place in Paris, 1900.  Christian (Ewan McGregor) is a writer who falls in love with the most popular dancer at the Moulin Rouge, Satine (Nicole Kidman).  Satine eventually falls in love with Christian also, but their love mus overcome many obstacles.  As revealed in the film's opening segment, Satine is dying of tuberculosis.  Satine has dreams of being a real actress, and not someone who sells herself to men.  That dream comes at a price, as she must feign interest in a wealthy patron, named the duke (Richard Roxburgh).  She is forced into an uncomfortable situation with the duke, by the business oriented owner of the Moulin Rouge, Zidler (Jim Broadbent).  Christian, who reveres in the philosophy of love, and Satine, who enchants everyone around her, try to find peace together.
picture above from www.darkhorizons.com/news9/moul1.jpg
                        Critique:  Moulin Rouge is a creative and inventive motion picture.  It has emotional depth and complex characters.  Furthermore, the story is engaging and wildly enjoyable.  Baz Luhrman's direction is glorious; he skillfully composes his wonderfully bizarre material.  The dialogue is intelligent and honest, and Luhrman is careful to add touches of comedy when needed.  The acting is absolutely brilliant.  Nicole Kidman gives a tremendous performance, one that is easily worthy of an Academy Award nomination.  She is assured, thoughtful and emotional, helping to create a very complex character.   Ewan McGregor is sensitive, charming, and also emotionally charged.  Jim Broadbent's performance is restrained and intelligent.  Also, the cinematography is daring, and the set designs are astonishing.  The film's music is a mixture of previously published work, but the brilliance is in the presentation of the songs.  The music is put in unusual context, and they parellel the story effectively. 
                  
Moulin Rouge is a beautiful and layered motion picture.  It is genuine, comical, touching, and powerful.  Indeed, the film is a unique and rewarding experience.  It dares to travel in uncharted territory, and flourishes in it.  Moulin Rouge is a startling example of creativity.  Every aspect of the film is strong, and they all contribute and cohere to create a highly unusual cinematic experience.  The film takes a risk, and creates something wildly stylish, much like Bob Fosse's Cabaret.
                 
Moulin Rouge is a daring and innovative film.  The film is emotional and affecting throughout its duration.  Moulin Rouge is a masterpiece; I highly recommend it.

                                      review by supernothingman
Best Film
2001
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