Cherie C (Cherryripe47)

It is about time I actually wrote a half decent review for this film considering I keep coming back to it over and above anything else. I have always kept a soft spot for it, and I think, always will. Baz Luhrmann is a director not afraid to push the limits, demanding from his actors performances that span everything from the naively truthful, the outrageously unbelievable, the comic and the heartfelt. His visions of an unrealistically heightened world in which a very real love is depicted could have left one horrible mess of a film. Instead, its one of the most outstanding films I have seen to date. From the mixed reviews I have read, it is a film, you will either love or hate, with a passion. Ewan McGregor turns out a brilliant performance as Christian, an optimistic penniless writer with idyllic notions of love. It is easy to be caught up in his almost childlike naivety and actually believe that "all you need is love". Nicole Kidman brings heart and truth to her character Satine, the Moulin Rouge's star courtesan; beautiful, seductive, yet bound by the confinements of her position and longing to be free. The two together produce wonderful on screen chemistry, which really is a joy to watch. Initially fast paced, the quick cuts and tight editing immediately draw you into the centre of bohemian madness in 19thC, Paris, heightening the crazed and alluring lifestyle, whilst also accentuating the fact that Christian doesn't belong within it. The film draws upon many a cliché but it somehow just works. The storyline is not necessarily remarkable, in fact, it is relatively simplistic. The reason the story doesn't fail abysmally lies in its presentation and the solid visions of Baz Luhrmann. Hurling through a massive amount of emotions taken from the raw to the extreme, the film explores love, jealousy, betray, anger, passion, infatuation, pain, all with consequence. Love, in all its forms, is the key though, repeatedly expressed throughout the film as being the ultimate desire giving weight to one of the films memorable quotations; "The greatest thing you will ever learn, is just to love, and be loved in return". This film is a testimonial to the fact that its two leads can sing, and sing incredibly well. It is almost impossible not to fall for Ewan McGregor in each and every viewing of this film. His rendition of Elton Johns "Your Song" is nothing short of enchanting. He sings beautifully, absolutely beautifully. Nicole Kidman too is exceptional, nailing pretty well every number she sings, effectively breaking initial scepticisms of her talents. The soundtrack is one of the most notable features of the film and often a point of criticism. The ingenious compilations of numerous well known songs of old to form the likes of the "Elephant Love Medley" are, in my opinion, incredibly well done. The more modern sounds can be seen as out of place, however it is obvious the film is not concerned so much with historical accuracy. The soundtrack serves more as a means of enhancing the heightened and seductive world of this Moulin Rouge and somehow works rather well. The only completely original song in the film, "Come What May", is somewhat heartbreaking in what it connotes, and I love it. Cinematographically, what Donald McAlpine produces is excellent. Those that have described Moulin Rouge as a feast for the eyes are not exaggerating. Everything from the vivid colours, outrageous costumes and stunning sets, work to create an enthralling visual display. Moulin Rouge is equipped with some of the most elaborate and stunning sets created for film. Everything from the full scale replica elephant in the garden, to the magnificent dance halls, to the bohemian residence to the gothic tower, are beautifully presented. Moulin Rouge revived the musical genre and pushed it to new heights. It is beautiful, extravagant, captivating and I love it. It rates highly as my musical favourite and I never tire of it. So hire it, borrow it, buy it and immerse yourself in the Moulin Rouge experience and the Bohemian ideals of "Truth, Beauty, Freedom and above all things Love".

I can say with absolute sincerity that Australia was everything I had hoped for. Thank goodness it was in Baz Luhrmann's capable hands and I cannot imagine another director who could have made us more proud. Australia deals with some very tender issues, particularly the "stolen generation" and later the bombing of Darwin during World War II. Baz has given the film an amazing sense of authenticity and it has been a long time since I have felt that to this extent in a film. For a 3 hour film, I never once felt time drag. Every moment demands your attention. Assembling such a large Australian cast of stars and actors has not really been done like this before. Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman are certainly the major draw cards and my gosh do they deliver. I don't think Hugh Jackman has been so suited to a role, ever. He has been severely underrated for a long time but if anyone ever needed proof of his talents, here it is. Rough and rugged, striding about with authority, riding horseback and breaking in brumbies, he is always impressive to watch. Nicole Kidman is amazing moving smoothly from an English Aristocrat to a compassionate woman ready to fight for what she needs and who she loves. The intimate moments between her Lady Sarah and Hugh Jackman's "the Drover" are so beautifully shot. The most captivating peformance in Australia comes from Brandon Walters. He is so magnificent that it's hard to believe he has never acted prior to this film. He effectively carries the film with such sincerity and realism that all you can do is watch with sheer amazement. I don't believe it is possible to take your eyes off of him when he is on screen. This so, so beautiful, so talented young boy. The sweeping shots of the Australian landscape are absolutely breathtaking. The land really does look like that in the Australian outback. Wild, untamable but with a unique beauty about it. If you saw the film for nothing else but those moments, it would be worth it. Dramatic, romantic, humorous, emotional, captivating, breathtaking. There is a reason they call it "epic".