Rating: 
Summary: This is definitely my movie of the year!!!!
Review: This film is superb. I drove over an hour to go see it at a theatre, due to its limited release, and decided that this movie is definitely a keeper. Three of my girlfriends and I, all smitten by the film, went to see the film several times as well while it was at the nearby dollar theater so that we could take advantage of the bigscreen. If you like Shakespeare or historic pieces then you'll love this sensous film, which will arouse your mind and eyes with its lush scenery and witty dialog. If you've seen the recent release "Elizabeth" and enjoyed that, then you'll be blown away by this film.
Rating:
Summary: Breath taking!
Review: I thought the movie was just amazing! It was beautifuly done. It's a daring love tale about taking risks against a cultures set norms for a woman. There was great acting, beautiful sets, and emotional plots.
Rating:
Summary: A truly "enchanting" treat.
Review: It begins with simplicity and innocence that soon matures into the complexity of love gone awry. A lush treat for the heart and mind. Beautifully cast and a moving masterpiece. A MUST see. Mesmerizing.
Rating: 
Summary: If you are going to be a courtesan, be the best you can be
Review: We are told at the start of "Dangerous Beauty" that this is based on a true story, and indeed Veronica Franco was a well-born Venetian beauty during the Renaissance who decided to become a courtesan. The argument is that for an intelligent woman this was a better choice than being forced into an arranged marriage with some old rich guy or to end up poor. This is especially true when Veronica (Catherine McCormack) is told by the man she loves, Marco Venier (Rufus Sewell), that they cannot marry because they are in different classes of Venetian society. So when Veronica's mother, Paola Franco (Jacqueline Bisset) reveals that she had once been a successful courtesan, the daughter is persuaded to follow suit, especially once her mother tells her that a courtesan can go one place that is off limits to other women: the great library of Venice.I had two major concerns in watching this movie. The first was the idea that this was a true story, because I had the feeling at some point my credulity on this score was going to be tested. This indeed turned out to be the case, because at the climax of this film Veronica ends up being called before the Inquisition and being one of the most public prostitutes in Venice actually turns out to be an advantage. Veronica might not be a saint like Joan d'Arc, but apparently some sins are much better than others in Venice in those days. The second was that Rufus Sewell was in the film, and having seen him in "A Knight's Tale" and the "Helen of Troy" mini-series, I was predisposed to think of him as a bad person. Yes, this 1998 movie was made before either or those productions, but such was my thinking and it took me a while to understand that his character was actually a good person, albeit one constrained by the strictures of his society and class. Just as I was surprised by who was to be the "hero" in this film, relatively speaking, I was equally surprised by the villain turning out to be Oliver Platt, who plays the studious Maffio Venier. Veronica makes her public reputation as a courtesan due in large part to a verbal duel she has with Maffio, but when she refuses his attention because she values his friendship, the duel become a more literal one. Maffio then goes in the completely opposite direction and comes up with a logical, but unexpected way of bringing her to task for her refusal. This sets up the big finish, where Veronica learns that she apparently she is tolerated more than respected, despite the service she has done to her city-state. This is only the second film that Marshall Herkovitz has directed, the first being 1993's "Jack the Bear," although most would be familiar from his work on television's "thirtysomething," "My So Called Life," and "Once and Again." I did not know if I realized how often Herkovitz's constant partner Edward Zwick was doing the work behind the camera. Of course in any sort of costume drama the key is to have a good cinematographer (Bojan Bazelli), art direction (Stefania Cella and Gianni Giovagnoni), set direction (Ian Whittaker), and costumes (Gabriella Pescucci), and Herkovitz has all of those in his favor. However, in the end I am curious as to whether the ending was originally in Margaret Rosenthal's book or created by Jeannie Dominy's script, because if I had not been told upfront that this was essentially a "true" story, I would have been judging the big finish quite differently and probably not as harshly.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful film with a stupid title
Review: "Dangerous Beauty," despite it's insipid title, is a witty, romantic, sensual, dramatic, intelligent, well cast and visually stunning film. It's based upon the true story of Veronica Franco, a poet and renowned courtesan of 16th Century Venice. One might assume that a film about a courtesan would be demeaning to women, and if so, one would be wrong in this case. "Dangerous Beauty" is based on a scholarly work for gender studies and European history called "the Honest Courtesan", so much so that much of the dialog in the film has been lifted directly from the letters of the character's historical counterparts. The book and film depict a true feminist who is forced to chose a prostitute's life because of the very limited possibilities afforded to women of the times. She excels at her profession, but not because of her beauty alone... her profession and station complicate her love affair with one of Venice's senators, and eventually leads her to be put on trail by the Spanish inquisition. Will she prevail and reunite with her one true love? You'll have to watch the movie to find out! But be forewarned; even men who generally don't care for "chick flicks" or historical dramas may find this one on their "top ten" list after a viewing!
My one great complaint is about the DVD itself; it's not a true widescreen edition (they took the fullscreen and chopped off the top and bottom). The cover is awful too; it gives no indication of the time period or subject of the film (it could just as well be a modern murder mystery). Plus, there are no bonuses, such as director commentary or a portfolio of costume designs. Warner Brothers made some serious mistakes when naming and promoting this film, and has continued to bungle it with this DVD edition, which is as bad as the ones they initially put out for "Amadeus' and "The Iron Giant."
Rating:
Summary: Dangerous Beauty
Review: I was babysitting one late night and I was of course channel surfing. The only thing to do when the kids go to bed. This movie for some reason caught my eye. I was not sure if I was going to like it. It was one of the best movies ever made. I am not a huge person on romantics but this is so much more. How Veronica puts herself out there and deals with her love for Rufus and his love for her. And surviving the trial. I got home from watching it and just had to buy it.
Rating: 
Summary: 3.5 stars; let's be fair...
Review: I equate watching this movie to reading a really good trashy romance novel. It's gorgeous, and most of the performances are fine (exception: Oliver Platt, after he becomes a priest; could he deliver his dialog any more woodenly?)
I enjoyed it, but I'm a little sorry I bought the DVD instead of renting it. Catherine McCormack gives a great performance, and the music & the scenery are really beautiful -- so I have a hard time criticizing it too much. I could wish Rufus Sewell was just a little more handsome. Sometimes he looks great, then he would look just "ehh".
See what I mean about it being like a trashy romance novel? If the movie had been seriously trying to tell me about the trials and tribulations of this woman's life, I wouldn't have cared that the hero looked pop-eyed on occasion. I'd have been really caught up in her story & would have felt emotionally involved in the characters. As it is, I just enjoyed the movie for what it was: a guilty pleasure. Like a nice chocolate; remembered fondly for a moment while the taste is still in your mouth, but the pleasure's gone and forgotten quickly.
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie
Review: This movie is so beautiful. The scenery, the costuming, the storyline. Rented it once on a whim, as I LOVED Catherin McCormack in BRAVEHEART, and was so pleasantly surprised. Very under rated movie.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best movies ever made....
Review: This movie is in my opinion one of the best movies I have ever seen. I am not a big fun of romantic movies, but this one is very special. Actually calling it a romantic movie is not descriptive enough, this is also an historical movie, since it is based on a true story and it deals with an important historical event, which is the "Holy Inquisition".
On the other hand this movie is able to express somehow the beauty of Venice and of a time period in which it shone to its fullest light.
I recommend buying this movie to all since I believe you will be watching this movie way more than one time.
Personally me and my wife watch it every time we have the wonderful opportunity to go and visit the wonderful city of Venice.
Catherine McCormack is simply great, I don't believe anyone could have done a better job, this movie could not have been as wonderful without her.
Rating:
Summary: I like it!
Review: I watched the DVD borrowed from library last night, and I have decided to buy DVD to own it today. Why? The answer is simple:I like it! It is not easy to find out a movie you become to like it after the first time watching, both in brain and heart.
I have many reasons, but the primary one to me is: I can strongly feel the passion of love, life, beauty, poem, freedom, etc.in this movie,which is not enough in our (at least my) daily life. And the movie moved me deeper and deeper with the story goes on, esp. the last confess in the court near the end of the movie, very touching! In short, I have stronger willingness to lead a truly beautiful life in the seeming boring reality, after watching this movie.
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