Moulin Rouge! is a 2001 American jukebox musical romantic drama film directed, co-produced, and co-written by Baz Luhrmann. Set in Paris in the year 1899, the story revolves around a young poet named Christian (played by Ewan McGregor), who falls in love with the star of the Moulin Rouge, cabaret actress and courtesan Satine (played by Nicole Kidman).
The film follows Christian, who arrives in Paris with aspirations of joining the bohemian culture and becoming a writer. He meets Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (played by John Leguizamo), who introduces him to the world of the Moulin Rouge. Here, Christian meets Satine, and they fall in love, despite the opposition from the Duke (played by Richard Roxburgh), who has his own designs on Satine. The plot unfolds with themes of love, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of the entertainment world.
Moulin Rouge! is distinctive for its use of contemporary pop music in a period setting, featuring songs by artists like Elton John, The Soundtrack includes popular hits reimagined in the context of the late 19th century. The film's score was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Come What May."
Moulin Rouge! received widespread critical acclaim for its originality, visual flair, and performances. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning two, and also garnered attention at the Golden Globes, where it won three awards. Despite some criticism for its frenetic pace and unconventional approach to musical storytelling, it has since been recognized as a modern classic in the musical film genre.
The film's success led to a Broadway musical adaptation, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, which opened in 2019, showcasing the enduring appeal of Luhrmann's vision. The film has influenced subsequent musicals in terms of structure and style, emphasizing the integration of modern music into historical settings.