Dangerous Beauty

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source: Dangerous Beauty

This movie was a waste of film. The scenery looked fake half the time and the acting was atrocious. Ok, so the guy rejects her and she becomes a "courtesan"? Please, she degraded herself to become educated? Was it really that serious? I found Veronica's character annoying. She was mousy, then all of a sudden she's the * of Venice; the star tourist attraction literally. Regardless of whether this was a true story or not, it was dumb. There are no other words to describe it. I can't believe Jacqueline Bisset did this movie. She had like 10 minutes total! Sewell is one of God's most unattractive creations since the aardvark, and he's supposed to be the man she's all googly-eyed for? Please! This movie was bearable because of Oliver Pratt. He's a great and versatile actor. Their "battle" scenes were the only interesting part because he merely said what I was thinking. She's a disgusting prostitute with no sense of love at all. Her testimony at the end was completely lost on me because she confused female sensuality with her reason for becoming a courtesan in the first place. Yes, it's a gift, but not to give around like that. It was a cheesy Romantic-drama-blah blah blah. I don't even see the point of making it.

OK, let's face it, the reason I saw this was because of potential chemistry between Catherine McCormack and Rufus Sewell. I love both of them as actors, and I was psyched when I heard they were in a movie together. Then I looked at the plot, and was intrigued. I'd seen a movie similar to this, Moulin Rouge. Hmm, would it be as good as that? Would it be a let down? Looking at the title and the cover, I wasn't expecting too much. Soft *, maybe? Eh, probably. But I rented it anyways, simply because I was in the mood for a period piece, and Rufus Sewell is easy on the eyes. :) The movie ended up becoming one of my absolute favorites. It is sumptuously filmed, gorgeous, like staring at a beautiful painting for hours. Every piece of colors and cinematography is top notch. The acting between Sewell and McCormack is amazing, astounding. I fell in love with their romance. The film hasn't left me long after I saw it. The score is brilliant. George Fenton is an emotional genius. If you want to hear more of his stuff just check out Ever After, starring Dougray Scott and Drew Barrymore. :) I really want to buy this movie. It works so well, and it is just really, really good. It's a movie to be felt, not explained. If you love intriguing plot lines, romance, and period pieces, then I highly recommend you check this out. :)

I LOVED this movie. It is especially gripping when you stop to realize it is based on a true story! It's lead character is based on Veronica Franco, citizen and writer from sixteenth century Venice. Margaret F Rosenthal wrote about her in "The Honest Courtesan". The acting is superb...the period costuming is fantastic. As is the scenery. This is a must see on many levels. The courtesans in this era were intelligent, witty, and refined. Married woman of the time (the wealthy ones) were confined to a very dull life while their husbands entertained themselves with well educated courtesans. The courtesans were the only women allowed in the libraries of the day. As much as I love books...there is no doubt in my mind as to what role I would have chose! lol The movie revolves around those of wealth. The poor women of the day are in terrible straits...I'm glad this era is over. Seriously, this is a wonderful movie visually. And, it is spiced with some interesting bits of history. It is not one to take your kids to which usually causes me to deduct points. But, the scenes that make it unsuitable for children are absolutely essential for this story. And, what a wonderful story! Oh, and another delight is the music. Buy the CD!

While there have been several recent films about courageous women of the past whether true or imaginary, Dangerous Beauty, a quality effort with individuality, is a welcome addition to this group. A story of some historical sweep, wit and romance, we are first drenched in the sunlight and beauty of Venice. As the film builds I was impressed by the talent, charm and strength of the hero, Veronica Franco, poet and courtesan. Through two amazing events she saves Venice twice first by getting help to defend itself from invasion and later by standing up for its spirit of independence. Intertwined with this is a touching romance made bitter sweet by the pressures of arranged marriages, the terrible limitations upon women and the twisted power of envy. This film works on many levels, the photography and music are top notch as are the settings and costumes. The acting is fine including the main roles played by Catherine McCormack and Rufus Sewell. (Just don't expect Blanchette and Joseph Fienes.) If you like historical dramas with romance, intrigue and lovely scenery then I strongly recommend Dangerous Beauty.

I saw this when it first came out and I just saw it again on video. Superb movie. I adore Venice and feel I got a real taste of what it must have been like in the 16th century. Great photography and costumes. Beautiful actors. Comedy. Romance. Based on a true story. Shows some of the ugliness of the zealot church of the time. A must see and one of the year's best. Where were the critics on this one? Played to empty theaters mostly. What a shame.