Moulin Rouge Review

I'll start off by saying that Moulin Rouge is my all-time favorite movie. I didn't much care for musicals prior to it, but now I love them (and now love other musicals including Phantom of the Opera and Sweeney Todd). I first saw it when I was eleven or twelve, and at that time, I didn't really "get it." When I saw it again at seventeen, I fell in love with it.

(Spoilers in this paragraph!)

The story opens at the turn of the century, where protagonist Christian has made his way to France with no money and barely any possessions, hoping to write about truth, beauty, freedom, and love, though he has never known love himself. He conveniently meets up with some bohemians who are writing a play for the Moulin Rouge, and noting his poetic ability and beautiful singing voice, ask for his assistance. To get the approval of owner Harold Zidler, they decide to first seek approval of the starlet, the "Sparkling Diamond," Satine. Satine mistakenly identifies Christian as the Duke, who is funding the Moulin Rouge's transformation into a theater in exchange for Satine herself. The two break the only rule of the underground by falling in love. Satine must pretend to love the Duke while conducting a secret love affair with Christian, all while struggling with an illness later to be identified as tuberculosis. Eventually finding out about the lovers, the Duke threatens to have Christian killed. In order to save him, Satine claims that she doesn't love him and is staying with the Duke. She goes on to star in the final production of Spectacular Spectacular, not expecting Christian to return to make sure of her feelings. As he attempts, through tears, to untruthfully proclaim that she is nothing to him and turns to leave, she admits through song that she loves him and wants him to return. The enraged Duke attempts to shoot Christian himself, but is rebuffed by Zidler. Having successfully thwarted the Duke and reunited, Satine and Christian complete the play to tumultuous applause. Despite their triumph, Satine finally succumbs to her illness there behind the curtain, and dies in Christian's arms. An older Christian reflects on his time with Satine and the story he wrote detailing these events. The audience is reminded one last time (as we were throughout the movie), "the greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return."

(End spoilers!)

The integration of modern music into the story-line was absolutely flawless, as if they were made for the movie. The soundtrack is moving and definitely sets the mood. The movie is also visually appealing, with many bright colors and strange attractions, like the differently themed girls working at the Moulin Rouge. With some chaotic cinematography, one really feels like they are in this wild world. The beautifully romantic story is engrossing and leaves behind lingering feelings even after the movie has ended. Anyone can also enjoy the humor thrown in at the perfect times. I myself am not generally one for "chick flicks" or overly romantic movies, but I adore this one to no end. I would definitely recommend it!