Review of Moulin Rouge! (2001) by Rami N — 22 Jan 2012

Nice! Now that's how a love story should be done! I wasn't very impressed the first time I was introduced to this movie, but that was years ago and I was also tired and in a rather bad mood to boot.

So now, cut to 3 years later. I decided I should give Moulin Rouge! another go since the reviews were so good and because I gained more of an appreciation for musicals after seeing the awesome movies Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and Repo! The Genetic Opera.

What really impressed me was the originality. Sure, it's a love story, but the movie's got so much style! My favorite scene is in the beginning when we're taken inside the Moulin Rouge. Not only were the set designs, costumes, and overall visuals absolutely phenomenal beyond belief (let's not forget to mention the godly choreography), but I just loved how they remade popular songs that are rather modern despite the fact that the movie takes place in 1899 and put them into one fun mix.

A remade version of Lady Marmalade, a remade version of Smells Like Teen Spirit, then creatively joined and sped up? Awesome, just awesome. Even if you're not a fan of the music that's being remade and used, you will enjoy listening to the songs for sure.

The plot was pretty good and the acting was great. Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor have so much chemistry on screen! Baz Luhrmann sure knows how to cast. The love between the characters was really strong, I almost teared up at the ending.

What bothered me a little was the length of the movie. Sure, I enjoyed it a lot, but 2 hours and 6 minutes is a lot for this kind of movie. Also, some of the music wasn't too memorable despite the fact that the lyrics are good and the fact that I enjoyed it.

The movie infrequently dragged on in a few parts, but it's not enough to detract from the fun that is to be had. Moulin Rouge! is a musical for people who don't like musicals, I recommend you see it at once, it's quite a feast.