Moulin Rouge! Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A poet moves to Paris, falls in love with a sparkly woman, sings a bunch of pop songs, and then she dies from a cough; the end.

🍿 Moulin Rouge!: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Christian’s Arrival in Paris

In 1899, Christian, a young, idealistic writer, arrives in Paris seeking the Bohemian revolution and inspiration for his writing. He quickly falls in with a group of artists, including Toulouse-Lautrec, who are trying to pitch a new show to the Moulin Rouge.

Satine and the Duke

The Moulin Rouge, run by Harold Zidler, is the hottest nightclub in Paris. Its star, Satine, is a beautiful courtesan promised to the wealthy Duke of Monroth as a means to finance the club’s new theatre. However, Satine mistakes Christian for the Duke during their first encounter.

A Forbidden Love

Christian and Satine fall deeply in love, defying Zidler’s plans and the Duke’s expectations. They secretly develop ‘Spectacular Spectacular,’ a play within the Moulin Rouge, as a metaphor for their forbidden romance, using their rehearsals as a cover for their meetings.

Jealousy and Betrayal

The Duke becomes increasingly jealous and suspicious of Satine’s affections. He threatens to withdraw his financial support if Satine doesn’t commit to him exclusively, putting pressure on Zidler and the rest of the troupe. The situation escalates, leading to dangerous consequences for Christian and Satine.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Christian (Ewan McGregor): A young, penniless writer who falls in love with Satine at the Moulin Rouge, defying social norms.
• Satine (Nicole Kidman): A beautiful courtesan and star performer at the Moulin Rouge, torn between love and duty.
• Harold Zidler (Jim Broadbent): The charismatic and flamboyant owner of the Moulin Rouge, struggling to keep his business afloat.
• The Duke (Richard Roxburgh): A wealthy and possessive aristocrat who desires Satine and is willing to use his power to get her.
• Toulouse-Lautrec (John Leguizamo): A talented artist and friend to Christian, representing the Bohemian ideals of truth, beauty, freedom, and love.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Christian: “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.” – This is the core message of the film, spoken by Christian, summarizing the bohemian ideals.
• Satine: “A life without love… terrible, terrible.” – Satine expresses her deep longing for true love, contrasting it with her life as a courtesan.
• Toulouse-Lautrec: “Tell our story, Christian, that way I can live forever through your words.” – Toulouse-Lautrec encourages Christian to immortalize their tale of love, truth, and beauty.
• Harold Zidler: “The show must go on!” – Zidler’s declaration embodies the spirit of the Moulin Rouge, emphasizing perseverance despite challenges.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $50,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $57,386,607
• Worldwide Gross: $184,935,252

💥 Moulin Rouge! Reviews

Personal Review

I first saw Moulin Rouge! when I was a teenager, and it blew my mind! The colors, the music, the raw emotion – it was unlike anything I had ever seen. The “Elephant Love Medley” is still one of my favorite scenes of all time; it’s just pure, unadulterated romantic bliss. Every viewing gets me so invested in Christian and Satine, and their tragedy rips my heart every time.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of musicals and romantic dramas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate visually stunning films”
  • “Those interested in bohemian culture and turn-of-the-century Paris”
  • “Fans of Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes including prostitution and terminal illness”
  • “Some suggestive content and brief nudity”
  • “Scenes of jealousy and attempted assault”
  • “Flashing lights and rapid editing that may affect sensitive viewers”

Professional Reviews

• New York Times: “Luhrmann overwhelms the senses with a hyperactive spectacle, blending modern music into a period setting. While visually stunning, the emotional core can get lost in the frenzy.
• Rolling Stone: “A delirious, dazzling, and audacious film that reinvents the movie musical. Luhrmann’s confidence and the cast’s commitment make ‘Moulin Rouge!’ an unforgettable experience.
• Entertainment Weekly: “A dazzling, sometimes exhausting, but ultimately exhilarating cinematic ride. The sheer audacity of Luhrmann’s vision is both its greatest strength and its occasional weakness.

Audience Reactions

The music is so creative and fun.: Viewers praise the innovative use of modern songs in a period setting and the energy brought by Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor.

The visuals are breathtaking and overwhelming in the best way.: Audiences agree that the cinematography and costumes are gorgeous.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and musically inventive film that divides audiences; some find it exhilarating and romantic, while others find it overwhelming and melodramatic.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Art Direction-Set Decoration)- 2002
2. Academy Award (Best Costume Design)- 2002
3. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)- 2002
4. Golden Globe (Best Actress – Musical or Comedy)- 2002

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “During filming, Nicole Kidman broke a rib and tore her knee cartilage, requiring her to use a wheelchair between takes.”
• “The film features an eclectic soundtrack that blends contemporary pop songs with traditional musical arrangements, creating a unique and innovative soundscape.”
• “Baz Luhrmann’s signature visual style, characterized by rapid editing, vibrant colors, and elaborate set designs, is prominently showcased throughout the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Moulin Rouge!?

Moulin Rouge! is available for streaming on various platforms including Prime Video (rental/purchase), Apple TV (rental/purchase), and Vudu (rental/purchase). Check local listings for potential availability on other streaming services and cable providers. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can be purchased through Amazon and most major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Moulin Rouge!, you might like these similar films:

• Romeo + Juliet (1996): Also directed by Baz Luhrmann, shares a similar visual style and heightened romantic themes.
• Cabaret (1972): Explores the dark side of nightlife and romance in a decadent setting.
• La La Land (2016): A modern musical that captures the dreams and struggles of artists pursuing their passions.
• Chicago (2002): A musical with a blend of sex, violence, cynicism and high entertainment value.

🛒 Moulin Rouge! Related Products

• Moulin Rouge! (20th Anniversary Limited Edition): A collector’s edition Blu-ray/DVD set featuring new behind-the-scenes content, interviews, and exclusive memorabilia, celebrating the film’s 20th anniversary.
• Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Original Broadway Cast Recording: The soundtrack of the Broadway musical adaptation of Moulin Rouge!, featuring new arrangements and performances of the iconic songs.
• Moulin Rouge! Poster – Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love: A high-quality art print poster showcasing the iconic Moulin Rouge! imagery and the movie’s core values: Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Love.
• Moulin Rouge! Inspired Jewelry Set: A set of jewelry inspired by Satine’s iconic look from the movie, including a sparkling diamond necklace and elegant earrings.

🎧 Soundtrack

Moulin Rouge! features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Lady Marmalade” – performed by Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya & Pink
• “Your Song” – performed by Ewan McGregor
• “Come What May” – performed by Ewan McGregor & Nicole Kidman
• “El Tango de Roxanne” – performed by Ewan McGregor

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Christina Aguilera, Lil Kim, P!nk & Mýa Perform “Lady Marmalade” | 2001 MTV Movie & TV Awards

Get ready to belt out the lyrics to “Lady Marmalade” with this iconic live performance from the 2001 MTV Movie & TV Awards. The energy and chemistry between Christina Aguilera, Lil Kim, P!nk, and Mya is electric, and it’s a must-watch for fans of the movie.

Moulin Rouge – SNL

Get ready for some laughs with this hilarious SNL sketch parodying Moulin Rouge! Ariana Grande shines as Nicole Kidman’s character, and the sketch perfectly captures the over-the-top drama and romance of the movie.

The Moulin Rouge In a Nutshell

Get a quick and hilarious rundown of the iconic movie Moulin Rouge! in this animated summary. It’s the perfect way to refresh your memory on the story or to share the movie with someone who hasn’t seen it yet.

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