Went in KNOWING I would hate it, ended up liking it!

Rating: 7/10 (2 June 2001)

I have seen thousands of movies, and Moulin Rouge met many of my must-NOT-see parameters, as follows:
1. I intensely dislike over-the-top lavishness. 2. I abhor anachronistic films (like Luhrman's Romeo+Juliet). 3. I am repelled by characters bursting into song. 4. I am anything but a Francophile. 5. I am not the least bit Bohemian.
So Moulin Rouge should have instantly assumed a prominent place on my own personal Bottom 100 list.
However, as a birthday gift to my significant other, I promised to attend the movie with an open mind and not harrumph, groan, snicker, or deride. I steeled myself for the impending effort at self-control, and armed myself with a super-sized popcorn and soda planning on using the munching and slurping to stifle the involuntary sounds of repulsion I feared were inevitable.
Much to my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. If nothing else, Luhrman is a man with an intense and unique vision, and impressive skills at translating that vision to the screen. I cannot help but enjoy such unquestionable skill and artistry being displayed, whatever my predispositions.
If you have reservations similar to mine, I encourage you to open your mind and give Moulin Rouge a chance...you may be surprised, too.