Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dazzling musical romance has innuendo, mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Moulin Rouge
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Parents say that while the film features clever writing and enjoyable music, it contains significant sexual innuendo and themes that may be inappropriate for younger viewers. Some believe it is best suited for mature teens and adults who can appreciate its artistic qualities and the complex story of love and sacrifice, but others strongly advise against viewing it with more sensitive individuals or children due to its content.
- sexual content
- artistic qualities
- mature themes
- humor
- unique storytelling
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 32 kid reviews
What's the Story?
Set in late-1800s Paris, MOULIN ROUGE begins in a garret, where a visibly heartbroken poet, Christian (Ewan McGregor), sits at his typewriter, pecking out what is essentially the film's premise: The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return. Rewind to the past, when Christian believed in love but had never been in love. Wide-eyed and full of hope, he's recruited by a group of bohemians led by the artist Toulouse-Lautrec (John Leguizamo) to write a spectacular show for the Moulin Rouge. But first he must persuade Satine (Nicole Kidman), the Moulin Rouge's hot-blooded, cool-eyed courtesan, to agree. Eventually, they fall in love. But Satine's mission is to seduce a rich duke (Richard Roxburgh) so he can finance the Moulin Rouge. If he finds out she loves another, their entire enterprise is doomed. Worse, Satine is suffering from mysterious blackouts.
Is It Any Good?
MOULIN ROUGE is that kind of movie that divides viewers into two distinct camps: Those who love it and those who don't. It almost doesn't matter, however. Because no matter how moving or maddening it may be, depending on which side of the argument you're on, this refreshingly modern musical is memorable and fascinating.
In the hands of another director, the story would have probably marched on in a fairly typical fashion. But this is Baz Luhrmann territory, which means kinetic camerawork, quick cuts, color-saturated tableaus, and lots and lots of music. In places, it overwhelms the senses and seems overdone. But the chemistry between MacGregor and Kidman is unmistakable and their voices not half-bad. In the end, all this pageantry and ballad-belting enthusiasm pays off. Though it may not be everyone's cup of tea, Moulin Rouge is creative, daring, and original.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
What were some of the ways in which the movie went beyond its 1899 setting, especially in terms of music?
How does this movie exemplify the idea of "entertainment for entertainment's sake"? What are the many ways in which this movie seeks to provide escape from reality rather than an attempt to imitate or depict reality?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 16, 2001
- On DVD or streaming : January 14, 2003
- Cast : Ewan McGregor , John Leguizamo , Nicole Kidman
- Director : Baz Luhrmann
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 127 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : for sexual content.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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