Red Curtain Trilogy - Romeo And Juliet / Moulin Rouge / Strictly Ballroom (Box Set)

Advantages: Brilliant Directon, Wonderful Story, Hilarious and Stylish.
Disadvantages: None at all!

...Baz Luhrmann, the director of the modern, vibrant Romeo and Juliet and the charming and beautiful Moulin Rouge, directs wonderfully in his first film. Strictly Ballroom is the first part of his "Red Curtain Trilogy" and as such, the main theme is one of Dance, (in Romeo & Juliet it is language and in Moulin Rouge it is music) and is the story of Scott Hastings (Paul Mercurio), a ballroom dancer who competes and wants to dance his own steps - against the will of his parents, partner and the panel of judges. Scott doesn't give up though, and pairs up with the rather plane and not particularly talented Fran (Tara Morice). While some may argue that this film is predictable, this is precisely the way Luhrmann intended to direct it. Luhrmann, in all three of his films, directs to challenge audiences into continuing to watch his films, even... Read review

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Advantages: Everything that Baz Luhrman brings to any film
Disadvantages: ....lacking

...The year? 1900. The place? Montmartre. And we are? Watching from just opposite the Moulin Rouge and Baz Luhrman is about to dance us through the wild bohemian life of Paris at the turn of the century. Against this backdrop, the film follows the love affair between a handsome, 'oh-so-talented, charmingly bohemian, tragically impoverished' writer (Ewan McGregor) and the stunningly beautiful courtesan Satine (Nicole Kidman). This affair occurs while Satine has been signed away to the wealthy Duke along with the rights to the Moulin Rouge. Like Luhrman's other two films, Strictly Ballroom and Romeo & Juliet, Moulin Rouge! is a film full to the brim with fun, overflowing with optical treats and bursting with auditory goodness. Luhrman takes us back to a time that was new, wild and exciting, a time that fell between two wars when the people... Read review

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Advantages: Bright Colours, lovely story
Disadvantages: Maybe a bit too fantasy

...For me, this is one of the most underrated films ever. Director Baz Luhrmann created 'Moulin Rouge' and 'Romeo and Juliet', yet, he is very rarely congratulated on the making of this film. Set and filmed in Australia in 1992, this film is all about - you guessed it Ballroom dancing. The film follows Scott Hastings, a dancing champion who has been dancing since he was six - following in the footsteps of his mother. However, life takes a turn for Scott, when at a dancing competition, he and his partner find themselves 'boxed in' and have to resort to illegitimate steps in order to get out. Finding themselves disqualified, Scott loses his partner and a hunt begins for a new partner who is 'suitable' for Scott. Scott however has other ideas. He has befriended Fran, a beginner dancer who is still dancing with another female. Together... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful