Still shaking off the spell...

Rating: 10/10 (6 June 2001)

This film was enchanting, and that's the best word for it. You feel almost like you've been pulled into another world, leaving all your cynicism at the door. This movie takes all of your guilty pleasures, all the things you love to love all alone, and makes it okay to love them right in broad daylight with everyone watching. It is intoxicating in its beauty, surprising in its originality, and utterly dreamlike. Ewan McGregor, who's not such a shabby actor in previous works, outdoes himself time and again - the "bohemian ideals" he espouses (truth, beauty, freedom, and - above all things - love) are clearly shown in every expression, be it lovelorn, tormented, or wholly joyous. Nicole Kidman turns in a solid performance as well, sometimes hilarious - sometimes poignant. It is, however, Mr. McGregor's film.
"Moulin Rouge" captures the quintessential nature of life - that everything we think is bad can be good and that everything we think is good can be bad, and that everything - good or bad - is magical and wondrous and should never be discarded as unworthy. Greed, lust, purity, artistic ideals, betrayal, jealousy, sacrifice, salvation, truth, and love triumphant even in tragedy - it's all here, wrapped up in a package that takes your breath away and makes you laugh, cry, and sing (and yes, you'll already know some of the words).

A masterpiece of cinematography, choreography, effects and wardrobe, this film will not change your life...it will remind you why you live.