Moulin Rouge!

Moulin Rouge!

Year: 2001

Runtime: 127 min

Language: English

Director: Baz Luhrmann

Budget: $50M

DramaRomanceMusical

Set in the dazzling Moulin Rouge nightclub during the Belle Époque era in Paris, the story follows a young poet who becomes entangled in a passionate romance with the club's captivating leading performer. Amidst a backdrop of extravagant performances, bohemian artistry, and lavish indulgence, he experiences a whirlwind of love and inspiration, discovering the intoxicating heights and devastating lows of a forbidden affair.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Moulin Rouge! yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Moulin Rouge! (2001). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1899-1900

The film is set at the turn of the 20th century, a lively period marked by an artistic explosion in Paris. This era saw the rise of cabaret culture, where theatrical performances and music played pivotal roles in social gatherings. It was also a time of dramatic change, influencing the arts and the lives of those who pursued creative ambitions amid societal constraints.

Location

Montmartre, Paris

Montmartre is a historic district in Paris known for its artistic heritage and vibrant nightlife. In the early 1900s, it served as a hub for artists, writers, and performers, making it the perfect backdrop for the bohemian lifestyle depicted in 'Moulin Rouge!'. The Moulin Rouge cabaret, a famous landmark of the area, has been synonymous with risqué entertainment and ground-breaking performances.

🌆 City 🎭 Theater

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:58

Main Characters – Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Meet the key characters of Moulin Rouge! (2001), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Christian (Ewan McGregor)

Christian is an ambitious and idealistic writer who moves to Montmartre in search of inspiration and artistic belonging. His deepening love for Satine drives much of the plot, revealing his vulnerability and passionate nature. Christian's journey showcases his resilience as he navigates the challenges of love, loss, and the pursuit of artistic integrity.

✍️ Writer ❤️ Romantic 🎤 Performer

Satine (Nicole Kidman)

Satine is a dazzling courtesan caught between her dreams of stardom and the harsh realities of her situation. Her battle with tuberculosis adds a layer of poignancy to her character, as she seeks to escape her circumstances while pursuing true love. Satine embodies the tragic heroine, illustrating the heart-wrenching choices faced by those who long for freedom and connection.

💃 Dancer 🌹 Tragic Heroine 🎭 Actress

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:58

Major Themes – Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Explore the central themes of Moulin Rouge! (2001), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love

At its core, 'Moulin Rouge!' explores the complexity of love and passion in tumultuous circumstances. Christian and Satine's romance unfolds amidst personal sacrifice and societal expectations, reflecting the struggle between true affection and external pressures. The tragic aspects of their love story underscore themes of devotion and loss, encapsulating the sentiment that love transcends even death.

🎭 Art & Performance

The film delves into the world of theatre and cabaret, illustrating how art can serve as a means of escape and expression. The characters push creative boundaries to deliver mesmerizing performances, drawing attention to the transformative power of art. The interplay between reality and performance emphasizes the lengths to which individuals go to fulfill their dreams amidst chaos.

😔 Jealousy

Jealousy serves as a driving force in the narrative, particularly through the Duke's character as he wrestles with the fear of losing Satine. This theme manifests itself in both personal relationships and professional ambitions, showcasing how possessiveness can threaten not only love but the very art being created. The destructive nature of jealousy is poignantly illustrated through the characters' choices and consequences.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:58

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Spectacular Tragedies like Moulin Rouge!

Stories where dazzling visuals and high passion lead to profound heartbreak.For viewers who loved the visual and emotional intensity of Moulin Rouge!, this list features movies like it that combine dazzling spectacle with tragic romance. If you're searching for similar films with high passion, extravagant settings, and heartbreaking endings, explore these recommendations.

extravaganttragictheatricalpassionatedevastatingyearningintoxicating

Narrative Summary

These narratives often follow artists, performers, or lovers whose lives are defined by beauty and excess, but who are doomed by fate, illness, or circumstance. The story uses the contrast between the vibrant, external world and the internal, private tragedy to heighten the emotional impact of the inevitable, sorrowful conclusion.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared core of juxtaposing immense visual and auditory splendor with a fundamentally tragic plot, creating a uniquely bittersweet and intense viewing experience where the joy of the spectacle makes the sadness hit even harder.

Doomed Bohemian Love Stories like Moulin Rouge!

Whirlwind romances among artists, fueled by passion and shadowed by fate.If you enjoyed the passionate, artist-driven romance and tragic destiny of Moulin Rouge!, explore these movies with similar themes. This collection features stories of whirlwind love affairs within bohemian settings, filled with yearning, sacrifice, and a bittersweet tone.

bohemianpassionatetragicyearningforbidden loveartisticdevastating

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern centers on an intense, rapid-fire romance between free-spirited individuals, often an artist and a muse. Their love is a creative force but is besieged by societal constraints or a cruel twist of fate. The pacing is swift, mirroring the frantic, all-consuming nature of the relationship, which culminates in a heartbreaking sacrifice or loss.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their focus on the bohemian ideal of love as the ultimate artistic expression, combined with a narrative structure that ensures this perfect love is ultimately shattered, creating a powerful and heavy emotional journey centered on passion and loss.

Unlock the Full Story of Moulin Rouge!

Don't stop at just watching — explore Moulin Rouge! in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Moulin Rouge! is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Moulin Rouge! Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Moulin Rouge!, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Moulin Rouge! Summary

Moulin Rouge! Timeline

Track the full timeline of Moulin Rouge! with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Moulin Rouge! Timeline

Moulin Rouge! Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Moulin Rouge! that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Moulin Rouge! Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Moulin Rouge!

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Moulin Rouge!: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Moulin Rouge!

Similar Movies to Moulin Rouge!

Discover movies like Moulin Rouge! that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.