Very impressive.

Rating: 9/10 (11 July 2001)

In my mind, this movie gets two merits:
1. That it was visually stunning, beautifully superficially appealing. By that I mean the settings, cinematography, musical numbers, were all brilliant. 2. That it had one of the most predictable, corny, rehashed plotlines I've ever seen, was full of romantic rubbish that would normally make a cynical type like me nauseous - and yet this was all pulled off so well, and with such skill, that I didn't even mind it. (To say "one of the most", I admit though, is pretty unfair, considering the state of most efforts at movies nowadays - let's just say that it didn't particularly surprise me, and, at least theme-wise, didn't really seem to step out of the mold).
So that would be my only grievance: Yes, the plot is corny, yes, the theme is simple, and the random-spontaneously-combusting passion that occurs between the two main characters is very cliche. This one gripe aside, I will now try to express why the movie is worth seeing even despite this seemingly major flaw.
The visual effects are to die for. So many scenes just dazzle with color and beauty - every detail, from ridiculously lavish interiors and buildings down to the costuming, is breathtaking. Definitely worth seeing on the big screen - it is a celebration of movement and color.
It is filmed in an interesting and unique way - not so different as to alienate its viewers, the all simplistic general public - but a refreshing change from your everyday style. Combine these with excellent choreography and the Moulin Rouge is a whirlwind of textures....a sort of living scrapbook is the only kind of way I can describe it.
The singing is surprisingly good. Kidman shines. I didn't think too much of McGregor's voice, but he pulls it off well as well. The inclusion of contemporary songs works so well, no one could even think of criticizing anachronism.
The movie is cheesy: but when it's cheesy, it's glossed to perfection. The love ballads are set in the stars, glitter and rosepetals galore, with big corny musical numbers inspiring emotion and awe despite themselves.
And it's funny, too. Spoofs galore - hilarious in contex.
I don't know anything about excellent acting, so I won't presume myself informed enough to lecture you all on that. But from what I, in my simple peasant ways, can see, Moulin Rouge is a fantastic effort. The inherent "cheesiness" of the plotline is never evident; everything is believable, and earnest. I don't think the plot has any major surprises, but the strands of the story are interwoven skillfully. It dazzles, enthralls, and flows beautifully....and worth every penny to see it in full glory on the big screen.
Moulin Rouge has something for everyone, I think...innovative camera work for the film techniquers, visual splendor for the eye-candyists, lots of sparkles, music for the musical lover as well as the contemporary music lover - contemp. music placed so innovatively throughout the film, a heartfelt story for the romanticists, a comedy for those who want light entertainment.
And even for cynics like me, always on the prowl to find originality and abuse cliches....for taking something so, so simple, and creating a great and enduring, and penultimately lovable film.