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Moulin Rouge

(2001, Rated PG-13, Musical, Starring Nicole Kidman, John Leguizamo, Ewan McGregor)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Dazzling musical romance for teens.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 15 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    A courtesan seduces a man whom she thinks has plenty of money to invest in her show. In turn, that man treats her like property. A club owner sees nothing wrong in pimping out his star to get an investor for his shows. Characters drink absinthe and other alcoholic beverages, lie (for a good cause, mind you), fight, but, in the end the movie's soft and gooey center is revealed through incessant discussions about the power of love.
  • Violence:

    Zidler flashes a gun. A few fistfights.
  • Sex:

    Satine, who prances around in lingerie, fakes an orgasm while Christian recites poetry. She also kneels in front of a man she's trying to seduce, as if mimicking a sexual position. Some kissing and straddling between couples. Lots of innuendoes and repartee; for example: Christian: "I'm just a little nervous....It's just that sometimes it takes awhile ugh..." Satine: "Ohhhh..." Christian: "For, you know, inspiration to come." Satine: "Oh yes, yes, yes...Let mommy help, hmm? Does that inspire you? Let's make love!"
  • Language:

    Fairly innocuous. "Pish" is about as colorful as it gets, though there are tons of sexual innuendoes.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Bacchanalia at various parties include smoking and drinking. Christian and his bohemian friends drink absinthe and subsequently have hallucinations.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Moulin Rouge

Parents need to know that, though the film, on paper, sounds a bit too mature for even teens (seduction and obfuscation are employed to raise money for a club), it's really quite a tender love story that features little to no nudity, fairly clean language (though there is plenty of sexual innuendo), and a sweet message about the power of love.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why Satine enjoys her job as a courtesan (or if she actually does). Can anyone really be happy pursuing fame using one's physical charms? What attracts her to Christian, and vice-versa? Why is Hollywood enamored of opposites-attract themes? Are Satine and Christian truly destined for each other?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 16 and give it 1.0

    What an awful movie.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Great movie about love and passion that should ONLY be showed to teenagers

    Moulin Rouge is a compelling tale of love and loss that rivals the best of movie musicals. The cinematography is stunning and the acting is top rate. Nicole Kidman and Ewan Mecgregor are at the top of their game and that's probably why the movie works so well. The director, Baz Luhrman, clearly is brilliant and understands when to let a scene scream and when to be subtle. Moulin Rouge is a fantastic movie for all teenagers and parents alike.

  3. I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Great movie!

    I loved this movie! The first time I saw it was when I was 7, but now I'm OK. This is definitely one of my favorite movies of all time. I do have to say that there are plenty of sexual innuendoes, and I wouldn't recommend watching it with your child, just because it could be somewhat awkward. But if you think that would be fine with the relationship you have with them, then go for it! There are lots of references to sex (it does take place in a brothel) but there is no nudity, and it has one of the best messages I have ever seen in a movie. I would recommend it to anybody.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    One of the best movies of all time!

    This is definitely one of my favorite movies of all time. I do have to say that there are plenty of sexual innuendoes, and I wouldn't recommend watching it with your child, just because it could be somewhat awkward. But if you think that would be fine with the relationship you have with them, then go for it! There are lots of references to sex (it does take place in a brothel) but there is no nudity, and it has one of the best messages I have ever seen in a movie. I would recommend it to anybody.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Moulin Rouge is probably my favorite movie of all time. I think that this site may over exaggerate some of the lesser qualities of the film because even though it has alot of sexual themes, it never really goes beyond mentioning it. The worst parts are in the beginning of the movie. This movie is more about the power of love than lust and is very creative.

  6. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    My Favorite Movie

    Absolutely stunning. The music was incredible and the love story was enchanting!

  7. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0

    A really great movie

    Wow what can I say my favorite movie! Well this movie does take place in a nightclub so sexuality will be there but it certainly is not explicit. Violence is pretty much not there except for implications and you see a gun. There is a lot of drinking and stuffs but people don't really get drunk or anything it was just the time era.

  8. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Personally I thought it was great combination of forbidden love, jealousy, loss, and great music. The incorporation of modern music into the Summer Of Love in a Bohemian Reveloution in 1899 Paris was fabulous. It was wonderfully done, and although the beginning is very odd, it gives the movie a playful vibe before going into full on do or die love, lust, and jealousy, as well as a threat for someone's life.

  9. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    Depends on the teen...

    Most teens should be able to handle this movie. It's quite funny and I think overall it has a good message. However, it has an unhappy ending and there is some sexual content. Chances are the teens not mature enough to handle the movie will be bored within the first 10 minutes, anyways.

  10. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    Wonderful movie

    I think everyone should see this movie. It was a univeral success for good reason. I'm sure you've heard of it! The beginning is a little odd, but it picks up very soon and becomes an engrossing love story between a courtsean and a penniless writer. I laughed I cried, actually sobbed, and felt very touched at the end. Well worth a watch, or maybe two!

  11. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 5.0

  12. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    amazing...

    Moulin Rouge is definately one of my favorite movies of all time. It is the kind of movie that some people love and some people can't stand but I think that it is definately worth the two hours it takes to watch it. This movie is propelled by Baz Luhrmanns amazing talent and artistic visions and is beautiful in every aspect. Not to mention there are amazing songs and a pretty good plot.

  13. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    THE BEST MOVIE EVER!!!!!

    I loved Moulin Rouge. I was crying so hard at the end of the movie. This movie is full of romance and pure love for one another. All of my friends enjoyed it. This movie has a great message to everyone. Remember, the greatest thing you`ll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return.

  14. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

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