"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is to love, and to be loved in return..."

Rating: Null/10 (27 August 2003)

And so I went, journeying into the unforgettable trip that was "Moulin Rouge!" - now and forever one of my all-time favourite MOVIES (not just movie musicals) ever! I simply cannot say enough to express how very deeply this film affected me when I first viewed it...it's impossible. From the very first jaw-dropping image of the 20th-Century Fox logo bordered by a beautiful red velvet curtain and a bouncy conductor - I knew then that I was about to experience something I had never seen before. Grand, inspiring, original, flawless...everything that so many others have said in their descriptions of "Moulin Rouge!" could not be put any better. This is the reason I am now a bona-fide fan of director Baz Luhrmann. I had actually seen some of his previous work - the hyperkinetic modern version of William Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet" - and from then on was absolutely hooked onto his visual flair. Likewise with "R+J", "Moulin Rouge!" oozes with theatrical energy, gorgeous costumes/set designs, terrific music, and of course, first-rate acting from its wonderful two leads, as well as the supporting cast.
Watching the first few minutes, I could unfortunately see why this movie was ignored and laughed at by many critics, filmgoers, etc.; apparently it developed a bit of a "cult" following of sorts after that. I agree that it's not for everybody - but come on, after I finished it, I remember thinking: "What's wrong with everybody? This movie is a classic! What were the haters thinking?" Granted, if you don't like musicals, I can understand, but for others, I guess its overwhelming originality and unconventional wisdoms were too much for some people. Oh, well...you clearly can't please everybody.

At any rate, this film deserved all the praise and award nominations it received and/or won. It's certainly one of the more interesting and groundbreaking films released early in the new millennium, and it truly reminds some of us just why we love movies in the first place (or musicals, or MOVIE musicals, for that matter). It lifts our spirits with often-campy fun. It's lovely, it's larger-than-life, and it's just plain phenomenal. A joy to watch and listen to.
I'll stop gushing for now...I think I've made my point clear. Thank you.
* * * TRUTH * BEAUTY * FREEDOM * LOVE * * *