The Film: Moulin Rouge is a celebration of truth, beauty, freedom, but above all things, love -set in the infamous, gaudy and glamorous Paris nightclub, circa 1900. Director Baz Lubrmann brings together gorgeous period design and modem-era pop tunes to create a unique comic/tragic motion picture experience.

The story of Moulin Rouge stems from the Orphean myth of a young poet-musician who descended to the underworld in search of ideal love. "It's a myth about idealism and adulthood, and the recognition that life throws up things beyond our control: the death of loved ones, relationships that don't last," Luhrrnann explains. "According to the Orphean myth, this will either destroy you, or you'll go into the underworld, face it and return having grown from the experience."

My Comments: This movie is my favorite movie. Moulin Rouge is an extraordinary achievement. I love the way Baz has mixed the songs, pop love ballads recurring throughout the film between Christian and Satine. Ewan sings Elton John's "Your Song" with such feeling and youngfullness. Christian and Satine manage to tell their story through song and what delightful voices they both have. The version of "Roxanne" was a masterpiece you could see Christian's pain in his face, his walk and his voice. I loved the insane funny duet between Zidler and The duke, "Like A Virgin", a highly rememberable scene.

Ewan plays the part of Christian with just boyish enchantment. Right from the films beginning you can't but help be caught up in all the fun of the top-hatted gents and high-kicking courtesans of the Moulin Rouge.