Force Fed Films: "Moulin Rouge!'

I never actually knew what "Moulin Rouge!" was about, just that it was a musical and a drama. When these two things collide, I am not all that passionate about it. I just assumed after watching the music video for Lady Marmalade it was a toss away movie. Thankfully, Jim forced me to watch it. Because I fear I might have missed this movie if he hadn't. And there was no way in hell I would have checked this out by my own will.

To my surprise the movie is a romantic tragedy between a young writer, Christian (Ewan McGregor), and a courtesan, Satine (Nicole Kidman). It all happens in 1899 when Christian falls in love with Satine while trying to impress the Moulin Rouge's, a night club in Paris, owner Harold Zidler (Jim Broadbent). But soon after the two fall for each other, duty calls when Satine is force to entertain a wealthy Duke who also falls for Satine. Jealousy overpowers both men as they fight for the one they love, but she only loves Christian. The lovers play a dangers game trying to hide their forbidden love from the Duke and the rest of Moulin Rouge.

True love cannot be broken, at least we are told that.

Right off the bat, I started to really love this movie. As sort of a music nerd, and hearing all the songs, originals or not, they were awesome. I was head bobbing along and singing (very poorly) at most of the tunes. What was nice is that not all of the songs were originals, some of the songs were remixes of popular songs. And when I mean remixes, I don't mean the UNCE UNCE remixes you hear on the radio during Friday nights, I mean great mixes of songs. At one point, they worked their way from "All You Need is Love" by Lennon and McCarthy to Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You". It was my favourite song and scene from the whole movie. Just great! Here is the clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QspTBmTar5U

I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked the story for the movie. I thought it would just be another boring romance movie at the start of the movie. But no, this love story is more than just troubles with two lovers. I am so used to watching Bollywood movies with my parents, which are essentially romantic musicals, that I even blocked out some of the good ones from Hollywood. Not saying all Bollywood movies suck, just a lot of them do. Now I hate to be that guy, but the movie sort of has that Romeo & Juliet feel, essentially the forbidden love feel between the rich and the poor. 

The show must go on!

After really breaking down the movie in my head, I can't say I loved the movie, but I still really enjoyed it. Essentially the movie is a great series of songs and music videos that tie together a great love story. Everything else was passable, and it won't stay in my memory for too long. It's just these songs were SO great, I still can't stop listening to it. Jim has told me that in the future I will be watching another musical, and I really hope it is anywhere as good as this movie.