Baz Luhrmann takes a shot at reinventing Shakespeare's story of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet as a visual pastiche inspired by MTV imagery, Hong Kong action-picture cliches, and Luhrmann's own taste for deliberate, gaudy excess. The result is explosive chaos, both in terms of bullets and visual sensibility, which some may find impossible to stick with for more than a few minutes. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes play the leads, though not with much distinction, while Pete Postlethwaite makes a huge impression as this movie's version of Friar Laurence. The film is successful in spots, but overall its fever-dream game plan is difficult to ride out.--Tom Keogh, Amazon.com

Moulin Rouge is yet another incredible film. The sweeps over Paris and the incredible musical score make this film one of the best of either stars efforts to date.

It would seem that McGregor, perhaps a little too eager to please in Star Wars, is truly back on form with this film. However, this certainly wasn't the best film of Kidman's year. The Others showed her acting talents off far better then this, but when I say she owned the screen in Moulin Rouge, it certainly gives you an idea just how high my standards for her are.

The discs are packed full of great features. It's a must buy. So what the hell are you waiting for?


This is how it should be done!   March 5, 2002
 4 out of 11 found this review helpful

Any-one who doesn't like these films or the DVDs doesn't know anything about film, and certainly shouldn't own a DVD player. They are simply perfect, what films should be like, enjoyable, touching, grand in its production style as well as it's content. If you are a film student, this is what you should be aiming for with your films. Substance through Spectacle. I love them, and so should you. Chris Matic


Baz Luhrman, you are our hero   February 20, 2002
 8 out of 10 found this review helpful

One of the best directors in the world brings us this fantastic box-set with two of the best and most imaginative films ever to grace the silver screen.
Moulin Rouge, with its superb acting, singing and dazzling effects will make your heart skip a beat as minute after minute, second after second, you are dazzled.
And Romeo and Juliet, the modernized version of the greatest story ever told will take your breath away.

If you buy one boxset this year, but this one. You wont regret it. Either film would be worth the money on its own!


Moulin Rouge and Romeo + Juliet Double Pack   February 18, 2002
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

Two fantastic films by director Baz Luhrmann that will each enchant the viewer.

Romeo and Juliet turned an old classic love story into a modern masterpiece which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the film (even though I, as do many others already know the ending!) Set in Verona, it's use of antiquated Shakespearean language is given a modern twist in the context that the film is set in, with the use of modern props like cars. The two stars Leonardo DiCaprio (Romeo), and Claire Danes (Juliet)are very believable in their roles of the tragic star crossed lovers led by fate, each going against their families wishes to pursue their love for one another.

Moulin Rouge is a musical in which Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman deliver an outstanding performance in the roles of Christian and Satine. It will make you laugh, and guaranteed it will make you cry as the tragic love story is revealed. I didn't see one dry face as I walked out the cinema after the film had ended.

Try and see how many modern songs you recognise as they are joined together to make the story even more emotive, and look out for a cameo appearance by pop star Kylie Minogue.

Two tragic love stories that the director has successfully modernised to contrast with the old periods in time in which the films are set.

Don't forget your box of tissues for two emotional rollercoasters!


an fantastical unity of baz lurmans classics   February 15, 2002
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

both moulin rouge and romeo and juliet,have the capacity to transport you into a land of magic and wonder and leave the gloomy reality behind.moulin rouge is a classic which has been brought kicking and screaming into the 21st century with a well varied soundtrack.u2 go alongside valeria and other unexpected musicians, and who could forget lady marmalade!romeo and juliet is a wonderful combination of a powerful scrift(helpfully provided by william shakespeare!)and magic brought to you by lurman.