“Moulin Rouge” is a movie written and directed by Baz Luhrmann, released in 2001. It is the love story of Christian (Ewan Mccgregor) and Satine (Nicole Kidman) in the beautiful city of Paris in 1899. Although it is set in 1899, it is not a traditional period piece. It is heartbreaking, love-throwing, and shattering, but most of all, it is a musical. It may be musical but does not feature original music, so it is a “Jukebox Musical” (a musical that features hit songs of a popular music group or genre). Another example of this genre would be “Jersey Boys” or “Mamma Mia,” which uses already popular music and turns it into a different situation, changing the whole point and lyrics of songs. 

In the first frame, a heartbroken journalist is shown in his dwelling apartment as he writes the story of love and passion. The film flashes back as he writes his story to the day he arrives in Paris; it is fast-moving and overstimulating at the least. We are introduced to two prominent characters, Toulouse (John Leguizamo) and the Unconscious Argentinian (Jacek Koman). We are told that Toulouse and the Unconscious Argentinian are creating a Spectacular Spectacular musical. It is shown that this movie is ready to be in your face and constantly moving. In just the first 20 minutes, you go through singing, laughing, dancing, and a little heartbreak.  

Although I have watched “Moulin Rouge” and could most likely recite it by heart, it still achieves its goal of keeping the audience on their feet and putting your heart first. With McGregor as your hopeless romantic, there is no way you can’t fall in love with him. Watching the love story between Christian and Satine rise and fall, you almost feel you play a part in it. Waiting for them to sneak off from the Duke and for them to sing. 

“Moulin Rouge” is a highly impactful movie. When you meet someone who has seen Moulin Rouge, you know exactly what that person saw, and you can relate to how that person probably felt while watching. I got the pleasure of seeing Moulin Rouge live off Broadway, and it was electric. You could feel the passion from the performers when they sing, dance, and even just threw away dialogue; it was all so amazing. As soon as they raised the curtain, tears fell off my face, and all I felt was chills through my skin while the most powerful music was playing in the background. 

I feel such a connection with it because “Moulin Rouge” was the musical that made me fall in love with musicals. For that, I have immense love for it. “Moulin Rouge” is a warm place that can make someone feel safe. Next year will be the 25th anniversary, and I pray that I will attend the red carpet! Everyone should watch Moulin Rouge, and it’s even easier to watch because it is on Hulu. Watch it!