Rating: 
Summary: I Still Maintain It Is the Best Movie Ever
Review: There are however a few requirements you probably have to meet if you're going to enjoy this film.
1. You have to know Baz Luhrman's film style, it's very unique. You also have to be able to get his humor.
2. You have to love musicals obviously. And musicals that are a stretch, seeing how this one is like no other I've ever seen.
3. You also must realise this film got a love/hate reaction, either you're going to be completely obsessed or you're going to think it's terrible.
Now that that is over, I'll say why I liked it. A lot of reviews here seem to say that the two main actors (Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor) have no chemistry and cannot sing. I guess this is a matter of opinion, becuase I think they are gorgeous together and they both have beautiful voices. I saw this four times in the theatres, and every time something very dramatic happened, or there was a very important part, the audience reacted heavily. This was the only movie I've ever seen in theatres that caused the audience to have a very visible reaction. And as I left each time I noticed over half the people were crying. People you don't usually see crying too, like college guys and stuff.
One thing that has also been heavily criticized about Moulin Rouge is the fast paced filming style. Baz Luhrman used a unique panning in and out and just moving really fast style to create an atmosphere. By making what's onscreen appear fantastical, he keeps the audience aware that they're watching a movie, yet also lets them feel as if they're a part of it.
If you already knew you liked the movie, I definetely suggest the DVD. There is so much extra stuff on the second disk, and also on the first there are two different audio commentaries. I usually don't like those commentaries, but at least one is really fun because it lets you go behind the scenes of only certain scenes to see how they were made. The HBO Making Of special is also included, which is great.
If you're still wondering, "This story is about love." I think it's one of the greatest love stories ever told, and anyone with an open mind would like it.
Rating:
Summary: The BEST DVD In My Collection. Period.
Review: I missed "Moulin Rouge" in the theatres.In retrospect, the best way to see "Moulin Rouge" WAS in the moviehouse. The energy and passion of this undescribable film DESERVE and DEMAND the biggest screen possible, because the extravaganza leaps from the screen in its full, warped Technicolor glory. "Moulin Rouge" is either a movie that you "get" or you "don't." If you "get" it, "Moulin Rouge" will most likely become your favorite movie: for example, it has become my "Chase Your Blues Away" flick...that "Dance Around Your Living Room In Your Underwear Just Because You Can-Can" flick. But if you don't "get" it, "Moulin Rouge" just will not appeal to you AT ALL. It's that devisive. I'm not certain why, as I think "Moulin Rouge" is the cat's meow...but that's just how it is. You either completely "get" it...or you utterly don't... ...and for me to describe "Moulin Rouge" would be a great disservice to the movie. Does it have more energy than any movie I've seen in years, yet is not an action testostronathon? Yup. Is it a pop-song composed musical set in a parralel trippy-verse where we're asked to believe not only that Christian (Ewan McGregor) is the world greatest poet, but that his poetry consists of modern pop-music? Yup. Do Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman generate more chemistry than any screen couple EVER, whilst singing Elton John-Nirvana-Madonna-Queen songs to one another (to say nothing of the rest of the brilliant cast)? Yup. And then some more of that same insanity. You'll either love it or you'll hate it. Regardless of which side of the coin you're on, "Moulin Rouge" has one of the best DVD treatments you'll ever encounter, with lots of featurettes and documentaries detailing the structure behind the madness, a couple of commentary tracks, multi-angle dance sequences...where you pick one of four angles and shuffle through to "edit" your own dance sequence (of four.) And there's so much more. Much like the movie, my words are only scratching "Moulin Rouge's" shiny surface. Regarding "Moulin Rouge," I have found that for those who "get" it, the connection is deep, romantically intense and personal in nature. For myself, it acts as a spiritual remedy for life's trying times...whether the trial is individual, such as career apathy and dissatisfaction, or more universal in nature: a reminder of the good, the true, and the joyful creations of man at a time when the "real" world is responding to humanity's dark side. So check it out. If you "get" it, buy it. It will become one of your favorite DVD's...one you'll watch over and over again, with every viewing just as remarkable as the first. Or you'll really hate it.
Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating re-interpretations
Review: The reason to see this movie - asides from the eye-candy aspect - is for the re-interperations of some well-known songs. The two standouts are "Material Girl" and "Roxanne." They are by no means jazzed-up pop redos, but pieces that have real texture and fit the plot.
Rating:
Summary: Oh, now I get it...
Review: When I saw Moulin Rouge in theatres this Spring, I hated it. I thought, what a pretentious, overblown piece of junk! But I gave the film a second try on DVD and it's like...WOW! This movie is great! In order to appreciate this movie you must see it as pure camp. Otherwise, if you take it seriously, then you lose the point of the movie. What I thought were the films flaws are really its virtues. The camera makes many, MANY cuts and jumps all over the place until your eyes turn beet red. But the film also has many elegant and even hilarious touches. For example, the rendition of Madonna's "Like a Virgin" is a performance that must be seen to be believed. I was rolling in my chair in laughter. But this is, really, a sad story concerning a young aspiring writer (Mc Gregor) who falls for a showgirl (Kidman) who's dying of a disease. I won't reveal any more plot details, but if you have a taste for kitsch and high camp, you canNOT miss Moulin Rouge. Recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Dazzling...!
Review: From the very first scene - showing a conductor leading an orchestra in the first few bars of "The Sound of Music," followed immediately by a rousing Can-Can - you know this movie is going to be unlike anything else you've ever seen. Sensual and effervescent, Baz Luhrmann has worked his magic here again. The inhabitants of the "red mill" are marvelous to behold - Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman are excellent actors and singers, and the supporting cast never falters - The performances of Jim Broadbent and Richard Roxburgh are particularly noteworthy here.
The film is an incredible treat for the eyes and ears more than anything else - much of the music is remakes of older songs, from Rodgers & Hammerstein to Elton John, but the new arrangements are extraordinarily well done - indeed, in a few cases, I feel, better than the originals. The new songs, too, are well-written, notably "Come What May." Though not previously known for singing ability, the leads do a wonderful job, particularly in their love medley on the elephant(!). As for the visual element...simply stunning. The use of nonstop action and vibrant color make it irresistible. In one scene, we simultaneously watch a passionate tango dance at the Moulin Rouge, a steamy tryst between Satine and the Duke, and a depressed, brooding Christian, all over a fiery rendition of "Roxanne"...it has to be seen to be believed.
Also delightful are the little artistic touches spread throughout the film - from Satine's elephant domicile, to the dancing waiters, to the singing moon(!)...they all contribute to ambiance of the film.
So why wait? Watch it! By turns hilarious, romantic, and tragic...this is MOULIN ROUGE.
Rating:
Summary: LOVE it or hate it...
Review: ...this was the most engaging movie of 2001. Sadly, too many people just didn't get it. It's not about the (conventional) story, it's not about the (pop) music, or (amateur) singers, it's not about the (flashy) scenery and costumes, it's not even about the (dizzying) editing. It's drama, it's camp, it's a musical for heaven's sake! It's about a combination of incongruous elements that have never been combined in such a magical way before--and it's about HEART, all heart. For God's sake, let go and love it!
Rating: 
Summary: You need to be wasted to get into this film
Review: After trying to watch this film sober (and I couldn't), I have concluded that if it is to make any sense and/or if you really want to enjoy it, you need to get ... drunk. This film is midnight movie material along the lines of Rocky Horror . . . in other words, get into costume, drink a bottle of tequilla, and enjoy the nonsense.
Rating: 
Summary: DREADFUL!
Review: This is one of the most unwatchable messes ever to be captured on film. From the manic pacing, the endless close-ups, the childish storyline and singing of the same Elton John song ("Your Song") a gazillion times, this disaster is nothing more than a 2 hour MTV video. Rodgers & Hammerstein must be rolling in their graves.
Rating:
Summary: how wonderful life is now Moulin Rouge is in the world !
Review: I walked into the movie theater not knowing what to expect. And I walked out heartbroken ! I regret that I only saw it once in the theatre ! I rented it on video a few days ago-and it rarely left the VCR ! I also bought the Cd because I couldn't get the songs out of my head ! I have to tell you I was really impressed the first time, but I was blown away when I saw it again ! First, I have to say that the love story was incredible and heartbreaking. I could not believe the energy of the movie, but I think it's just what it needed, anything less would have been criminal ! I also was blown away(understatment here=) by Ewan and Nicole's voices ! I get goosebumps whenever I listen to the cd ! I also have to say the acting was...um, how should I put it ?...two of the finast performances(NOT kidding)I have ever seen and probably will ever see. Everything, from the music, acting, directing, cinematography, costumes, dancing, EVERYTHING works in this movie !!! It reminds me of what cinema can be like at its finast, and it makes me want more movies like it !!! I KNOW that I will be rooting for this movie to win on ocsar night !!! Moulin Rouge IS the best movie of the year, and is easily one of the best ever made !!!
Rating:
Summary: Mad Genius
Review: Baz Luhrmann is the mad genius who brings Moulin Rouge together. The visual artistry, which at times can be overwhelming, is used very effectively to create a fantasy world in which an otherwise simple story is given a breath of freah air. Although this movie is one of my favorites from 2001, it is not for everybody. The first 15-20 minutes alone are enough to give some people a headache because of the fast editing and swirling camera movement. However, those first minutes do a good job of setting the pace of the Moulin Rouge so that when the pace of the film slows down, the audience is ready for the love story. Nicole Kidman is absolutely first rate as Satine, the courtesan. She has to run the gamut from tacky, silly, to crying and dying. It may take more than one viewing to truly appreciate what a well rounded performance she gives. And, she can more than hold her own in the singing department. Ewan McGregor is also very good as Christian, the poet who loves Satine. It is hard to imagine any other actor in the role. He and Kidman have a great onscreen chemistry (it's obvious from interviews they enjoyed working together). His soulful poet is at times brash and confident and at other times a scared little boy--he is the stabilizing center of the story. Oh, and he sings nice too. The supporting actors, Jim Broadbent and Richard Roxburgh play their roles to the hilt and are both very good. Overall I would recommend Moulin Rouge to anyone who enjoys film as an art or anyone who likes a nice love story. You get both with Luhrmann's creative genius at the helm.
|
