Christian is introduced to Satine, the sparkling diamond of the Moulin Rouge, portrayed sublimely by Nicole Kidman, and they fall into a passionate and yet doomed love affair. Unbeknown to Christian or, for that matter, Satine, she has consumption (tuberculosis) and is dying. Their love affair is hindered because the man who is financing the Moulin Rouge and holds the deeds to the property has set his own eyes on the beautiful courtesan. His lust drives him to utter desperation and jealousy when he realizes she is in love with Christian, the penniless poet. This is the skeletal structure around which director Baz Luhrman weaves his magical musical numbers that tell the story of Christian and Satine.

The unabashed romance of this film is what makes this a resounding success. Luhrman, the director of excess (Romeo & Juliet, Strictly Ballroom), is the only director I can think of who could pull off this musical extravaganza. Yes, it's corny sometimes... yes, the plot is a little thin... yes, the melodrama is laid on a little thick... but it works extraordinarily well.

The music itself is wonderful, all contemporary songs revamped into Broadway-esque numbers. Nicole Kidman sings incredibly well and Ewan MacGregor can belt out Elton John classics better that I could ever have imagined. Most of the songs are from the 70's and 80's and are chosen very well. They tell the story of Christian and Satine as if they were written with the script in mind.

Jim Broadbent sings a version of Madonna's 'Like a Virgin' and provides one of the film's many hilarious scenes. Kidman belts out an achingly beautiful version of 'One Day I'll Fly Away', and her duet with MacGregor on the original composition 'Come What May' is wonderful and should be considered come Oscar time as Best Song.

The look that Luhrman brings to the set is the most vividly colorful look in recent cinema history. The way he photographs the reconstructed night club is astounding... frankly, it took my breath away. Nicole Kidman is one of the most glamorous movie stars ever, but I doubt that you have ever seen her this beautiful! The digital effects are those of fantasy, with stars exploding and moons singing and windmills twirling. It is not possible to do the film justice with words, it has to be seen to be believed.

The acting is stellar. Nicole Kidman is fast becoming a great actress. Her roles in this film and in 'Eyes Wide Shut' have solidified her as such. I will be very surprised and disappointed if she does not pick up an Oscar nod for her work here. In a role that can be overlooked because of the humor and music, she conveys a range of emotion that is quite overpowering. She is able to move us with with her singing and with her delivery of dialogue.

Complimenting her nicely is a Ewan MacGregor I've never seen before. He really lets go and must have put a great deal of faith in the director. His voice is quite incredible, and his wide-eyed innocence is perfect for this role. The supporting cast members are all very good in what are basically caricatures rather than characters.

Perhaps the 'American Beauty' syndrome of telling us at the beginning of the film the fate of the protagonists is a disappointment here. I think the film may have been even more powerful if the secret was kept from us a little longer. Other than that, there is very little to criticize here.

This film will surprise many who think they are going to loathe it. It seems silly and over the top... but it is a beautiful love story with some of the most beautiful sets and cinematography ever. Nicole Kidman is a film Goddess and shows her versatility here in yet another daring role. She is a great actress. Congratulations to director Baz Luhrman. This is one of the best films of the year.

Nicole Kidman as Satine

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