Experience is Absolutely Enthralling!

Rating: 9/10 (23 January 2002)

To view this movie, one must prepare to lose oneself in the greatness of Baz Luhrmann's imagination. I had initially seen this movie in theatre and could not just watch it once. I had to return again and again. And every time I was there, I would lose myself in the world that is the Moulin Rouge! And now that I have had the opportunity to include it in my own DVD collection it has not left my player for very long.
I have been a fan of Luhrmann's since I had the opportunity to watch "Strictly Ballroom" and that in turn led me to see "Romeo + Juliet" But after watching "Moulin Rouge!", I am convinced that this man is a genius. The costumes and the set design compliment his vision of Paris at the turn of the century. Plus his choice of the colours, the lighting and the shading, highlight or accent the emotions and the drama of each scene as they unfold.
And where to begin with the score? To hear modern songs sung in the style of a "rock opera" just absolutely blew my mind. Your senses will soar every time a character breaks out in song. The medleys are inspiring and you could see that each actor put himself/herself on the line to perform the numbers. Their dedication is evident, and makes the songs more powerful and wonderful. The chance they all took to sing with such emotion and strength, is something to admire and be amazed by. And don't worry, the choreography is not out done by the music, rather it's on equal ground. The dance sequences are absolutely magical and tell a story itself.

If you take a step back to just lose yourself in the movie, you will have a moment of clarity and fully understand what Luhrmann is all about. The vastness that is his imagination is captured in all of the elements that make up the masterpiece that is the Moulin Rouge!
But this film would not have been as brilliant or so inspiring if it wasn't for the cast, and especially Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. They were so real that the audience could not help but feel what the two forbidden lovers felt, and saw what they saw. The talent that these two possess is unlimited and they definitely gave Satine and Christian the depth and development that they richly deserved.
If you dismissed "Moulin Rouge!" the first time around, don't pass it up on your next opportunity. This is definitely a movie that will leave you breathless by the time the curtain closes. And you will want to experience that intensity all over again.