Starts off with a bang! Ends with a whisper.

Rating: 7/10 (9 July 2001)

Just the first few minutes of "Moulin Rouge" totally blew me away! Everything from the set designs to the art direction to the editing to the cinematography to the costume designs are absolutely spectacular! The movie should win Oscars in ALL those categories. I can honestly say the first half of this movie is like nothing you've ever seen! And it is undescribable. All I have to say is it took a huge, vivid imagination. Of course, you have to watch "MR" with an open mind. Let your imagination run wild! Especially when you have modern songs being sung in 1900 France. There's even a scene where everybody in the club starts singing "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana. Just like I said about "A Knight's Tale" scenes like that are totally innaccurate--historically speaking--but they're great to look at. Speaking of things that are great to look at, Nicole Kidman couldn't have looked more beautiful! If you see some of her outfits in this movie--WOW! It's beyond comprehension. Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman sang great, and it was nice to find out they used their real voices--I at least assumed McGregor might've been lip-synching. On a musical level, this film works out splendidly, working in many modern hit songs into the soundtrack that will keep you singing along.
However, I was disappointed by the second half. The first half is so upbeat, so in-your-face and gets your mood so pumped up. Then the film suddenly takes a dramatic turn. It takes on a dreary tone, and I felt quite uneasy about the transition. When you have a spectacular opening like this, it's hard getting adjusted to a more quiet, downbeat, depressing tone. I had a hard time keeping myself awake! But I have to say, that climax with the gun is very creative and I got a kick out of that.

The first half of "MR" is so striking and original that I have to give it a recommendation. It's blend of great music, fast pacing, unrelenting energy, humor, sexual innuendos and beautiful visuals will keep you captivated! In the second half, you might want to go out for popcorn. Some may appreciate the sad tone towards the end and will squeak a few tears, but I had a hard time dealing with the transition. For that, I will let you use discretion.

My score: 7 (out of 10)