Even as someone who rates this so highly, it is easy to see why so many may be put off. From the opening scene, this is a film utterly committed to its theatrical style and format, making no concessions to those who may be put off by the excess and editing style that dominates the opening scenes and many that follow. And yet this is not a film out of control - far from it, the format perfectly suits the environment within which this musical takes place and each of these moments serves the story and stage format that Luhrmann is trying to adhere to. Nor is it these scenes that remain with you at the end - fortunately for a film whose essential message is about the power of love, it is in the central love story that the film’s greatest strength lies. Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman have yet to better their performances here and one would have to be a hardened cynic not to be swayed by their romance. Each of their musical moments together are beautifully played and so committed are they to playing their romance straight, that there is a genuine feel to their chemistry. It is also in these scenes where Luhrmann alters the frenetic style, allowing for these quieter moments to shine. The choreography is superb and the film is edited to within an inch of its life, the highlight of which is a stunning rendition of Sting’s "Roxanne" to a tango (though it is equally likely that the film’s version of Madonna’s "Like A Virgin" will linger in the memory too, but for different reasons). Luhrmann's finest film to date.

Extremely tacky. Spastic editing, an assault of colour and sound, terrible acting (even McGregor, who survived George Lucas’ direction, completely sucks here), cringy dialogue and a lot of awful song choices which are meant to juxtapose the vaudeville aesthetic but don’t work. I almost respect it for being so unashamed about what it is, but it’s too annoying to demand any real respect. Over the top direction needs to be rooted in something, otherwise it’s just going to be kitschy. I guess that’s just the best way of summarizing it: none of this rings true, every genuine emotion is buried underneath endless layers of cheese. Avoid this overproduced mess at all cost. 1/10

With love is like with music, if you didn't feel it you will never know it...

Like binging on a bag of your favorite candy and it doesn't even make you sick. _Moulin Rouge_ is why people make movies and why you should see them on the big screen. It takes reality and makes it better, it takes your dreams and makes them bigger, it takes your feelings and makes them stronger. From the impeccable performances to the reworked songs that sound great and still don't ruin the originals, Baz Luhrmann hit all the right notes in this bohemian opera.

My favourite film of all time, don't think anything will be able to top it. I love the actors, the music, the theming, the costumes, the choreography and of course the tragic love story.