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Moulin Rouge is a musical romantic drama film released in 2001, directed by Baz Luhrmann. The movie features an ensemble cast that includes Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, and John Leguizamo. Set in Paris in the 1890s, the film tells the story of Christian, a young poet, who falls in love with Satine, a courtesan who works in the Moulin Rouge, a famous cabaret venue.

The movie opens with a hectic montage of early Paris, portrayed as a haven of artistic, bohemian idealism. The introduction then leads to a young Christian (played by Jim Broadbent) being shown by friends the joys of Soho. The scene cuts to Christian as he is typing at his typewriter (which will be a symbol of his artistic pursuit throughout the film). He then introduces himself to the audience and details his intentions to write a great play that represents love, beauty, and truth.

Suddenly, the movie burst into a musical number of Elton John’s 'Your Song', which is sung by Ewan McGregor, as Christian. This scene is romantic, lavish and stunningly choreographed. It introduces us to Satine, who is the star courtesan of the Moulin Rouge. Christian wants to present his play to her boss, Harold Zidler, in the hopes that they will allow him to use their cabaret as a venue for his production.

After meeting Christian, Satine mistakes him for the Duke of Monroth, a wealthy investor who Harold is auditioning actresses for. Mistakenly, Satine begins to seduce Christian, who in turn, starts to uncover more about the Moulin Rouge's dark dealings.

As Christian gets caught up in the behind-the-scenes politics of the Moulin Rouge, his feelings for Satine only grow stronger. Their love story unfolds against a backdrop of extravagant musical numbers, with songs from pop music's history reworked to fit the plot of the film. The leads’ performances are impeccable, with both Kidman and McGregor showing off their singing and dancing skills.

Luhrmann’s directorial vision is both captivating and frenzied. He creates a world that is vibrant, pulsing with life, and bursting with color. The visuals are stunning, with his unique camera work bringing the audience into the world of the Moulin Rouge. The camera angles are deliberately disorienting, with scenes that alternately speed up and slow down for dramatic effect.

Despite their initial attraction, Christian and Satine’s romance is threatened by the presence of the Duke of Monroth, Satine's lover, played by Richard Roxburgh. The Duke is a wealthy man who wishes to own Satine and keep her all to himself. He has promised to invest in the Moulin Rouge's upcoming show, provided Satine becomes his property.

The Moulin Rouge show itself is a massive production featuring an array of performers, its epitome of the famous can-can dance. As with many big shows, there are always issues behind the scenes, including drugs, rivalry and a heart-breaking illness.

Moulin Rouge is a film that mixes the traditional with the modern. It is a period piece that doesn't feel old-fashioned. The film is a magnificent tribute to the golden age of musicals. The script is full of heart and humor, which, combined with the stunning visuals and the performances of Kidman, McGregor, and Leguizamo, make for an unforgettable experience.

In conclusion, Moulin Rouge is an electric and charming film. It is a movie that takes the viewer on a whirlwind of emotions, from the profound romance to the heartbreaking moments. The brilliance of Baz Luhrmann is undeniable in this film, which is a testament to his unique style of filmmaking. The lyrical storytelling, the elaborate choreography, and the impassioned performances all make Moulin Rouge one of the best musicals of all time.

Moulin Rouge is a 2001 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 66.