Wow

Rating: 9/10 (10 June 2001)

I came with the expectation that this movie would be slightly strange, seeing as the director was the same as the one for Romeo and Juliet. I was not particularly impressed with the filming in Romeo and Juliet, but I admired the rest of the film. Moulin Rouge went way beyond my expectations for a movie. I had no idea the movie was about love, as the trailer had been slightly confusing and vague. What I discovered at the theater was a true gem. The movie very unassumingly takes its place within the category of musical, though the music in no way draws from the plot or the acting, but merely draws you into the story. Most musicals seem ridiculous in the way characters spontaneously break into a song or dance. This movie was in no way ridiculous. On top of that, the songs were familiar. In A Knight's Tale, a use of modern music was attempted, but to some haphazardous effect. In Moulin Rouge, the familiar music was wonderful because it was performed in an entirely new light. For example, I am not at all a fan of Elton John's "Your Song," but Ewan McGregor performed it so beautifully and with such feeling that I could not help falling in love with it. The acting was very impressive and believable, though Kidman was a bit over-the-top, but true to character. On the whole, this movie had a beautiful message to contribute and was expertly and entertaininly conveyed. A delight to watch