Christian - Ewan McGregor - has come to Paris, to that den of corruption Montmartre, to seek out freedom, truth, beauty and love. Love isn't too hard to find after he enters the infamous nightclub the Moulin Rouge where he's instantly smitten by the courtesan Satine - Nicole Kidman. She mistakes him for the Duke - Richard Roxburgh - she's meant to seduce for money. But just like so many musical comedies the mistake strikes sparks of romance.
The narrative in the film is just an excuse for a show and what a show it is as Baz Luhrmann and his team pull out all stops to take you on a breathtaking theatrical ride through pop music and musicals of the twentieth century and the romance that inspired them. With acknowledgements to everyone from Monroe to Madonna and to every Luhrmann production from Strictly Ballroom to La Boheme, Moulin Rouge is a spectacular achievement. Score from guest Reviewer, David Caesar, 2 stars.
