Yea, thats right ladies and gents I actually watched a romance film. Not because I particularly enjoy romances (like most guys, I pretty much loathe any romantic films, especially romantic comedies), rather I made the decision because a) I heard a lot of great things about the film from both my sister and my girlfriend and b) well, at some point when you have a girlfriend you're more likely than not going to have through at least a couple of romances whether you want to or not. So, in an attempt to alleviate the inevitable boredom that i expected from a particular romance, I decided to pick one that at least had some excitement to it. Although this is a musical, its actually alot more raunchy and riske than you would expect.
The story takes place in Paris, France around 1900 during which a particular nightclub ( The Moulin Rouge) was extremely popular amongst wealthy gentlemen who were looking for a "good time". While the movie again, does have its share of raunchy exposure, it really doesn't get passed seeing up a girls skirt; there really isn't any nudity to be seen, which makes the film seem less like a porno and more of a interesting romance with a decent story to back it up. Yes, surprisingly the story is actually well written and fairly interesting. Sure it does have the cliche love songs and mushy love scenes, but again its a romance and honestly, these scenes aren't as common as you might think. In truth, they actually do an adequate job of breaking up the scenes so that you have a chance to relax between the more energetic songs and dances which are welcome in a film that, at its core, is (you guessed it) a man a woman who fall in love but along the way are met with difficult obstacles to overcome. While the story in general is fairly predictable, its the specific details that seperate it from any other romance. First of all, instead of the main character Satine (Nicole Kidman), being some whiny little rich bitch, it turns out she is actually a seductive prostitute who accidently falls in love with the charming Christian (Ewan McGregor) who swoons her with his exquisite poetry. I know, sounds lame, but really its actually quite impressive considering the woman he falls in love is in fact prostitute, and you know if you can win over a prostitute than you pretty much win over anyone you want.
Acting wise, both Christian and Santine due a superb job at portraying their individual characters, all the while singing several songs that make the their relationship seem all the more passionate. Thats the other thing I noticed: both of these actors are actually pretty adept singer; never in a million years would have expected Nicole Kidman to be singing her heart with such poise and devotion that it would actually give me a chill. McGregor is likewise just as impressive in the vocals, and never fails to put on a spectacular performance, especially in singing a duet with Kidman. The song list is actually quite impressive as well, particularly because it takes many modern artist's songs (everything from Fatboy Slim to Pink) and puts a classic and exciting twist on them which at times even rivals the vocals and excitement of the actual artist who created the songs! While most people would be inclined to think that this would take out of the experience, but in reality, it immerses you even further into this crazy and at times (yes I will say it) heart wrenching story.
Other minor character including the owner of the night club Harold Zidler (Jim Broadbent) who does a sensational job at acting as an energetic and robust man who's always around trying to keep things going throughout the night all the while trying to hook up Santine with (the man you love to hate in any romance) the Duke (Richard Roxburgh). Like the majority of the actors in the film, he also does an adequate job of acting as the seemingly evil and selfish prick who tries to seduce Santine so that she may fall in love with him
The ending as expected, is fairly predictable and won't really turn any heads or really shock anyone. But hey, its a romance, you can't really expect much in terms of a satisfying conclusion. Still though, it would have been nice to see something that at least, if nothing else satisfied the viewer that everything is going to be okay, but no, such an ending is not given to us.
However, in the end, its hard to really fault this movie entirely on basis of a lackluster ending and a cliche romantic plot. Hey, thats what this move is: a romance and it really wouldn't be one without a couple of mushy romance scenes and some drawn out duets. For the most part, the movie makes up for it with exciting, well choreographed dance scenes combined with familiar modern tunes with an old school twist which will have you tapping your feet from beginning from end. Be warned though, this IS a romantic film, and as such should be watched with a significant other preferably with a girlfriend or wife. If you try to watch this movie by yourself, you'll most likely feel awkward especially at the hardcore romance scenes when Kidman and McGregor are passionately making out. However, if you do have a special someone, and the time has come for you to finally sit down and watch a romance, than this is definitely the film for you. Hell, you may even find yourself enjoying it, and may even be attempted to watch it again so you can get the can-can song out of you're head.
4.5/5.0
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