Exoticalot
People are voting emotionally.
AutCuddly
Great movie! If you want to be entertained and have a few good laughs, see this movie. The music is also very good,
Kien Navarro
Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.
Filipe Neto
Everyone knows that prostitution is the oldest "profession" of the world (in most countries its not considered a profession, in fact may even be illegal). This film is about a group of ancient luxury prostitutes, very common in the major European cities: the courtesans. The film is not a documentary but is based on real facts, and portrays with some accuracy the social limbo where these women were: they were generally accepted by society but never came to be part of it, they were usually the most educated women but they weren't taken seriously by men.The script is good, the story is good and the actors do a great job as well. Catherine McCormack played the courtesan Veronica and got, with this film, her most significant work, reaching the top of her career. She perfectly joined her youthful beauty, almost innocent, with an excellent interpretative talent. In turn, Rufus Sewell, who plays the gallant Marco Venier, also makes a good performance, giving a touch of passionate despair to his character. Some dialogues are worthy of quotation thanks to its quality. The picture is very colorful and bright, which is nice, except when abused red tones, and it happened in several scenes. The soundtrack fulfills her role well, but it could be much better if it had included musical pieces from that period, as in the film "Casanova", also set in Venice. The filming locations are interesting, but we barely realize the beauty of that city. Venice is famous for its unique beauty and, in this film, we only see the channels and bridges.Apart from some flaws and some edges that could have been honed, the movie is good and worth watching it.
Kirpianuscus
beautiful story, beautiful costumes. decent performances. a portrait of Venice . each as ingredients of a good work. only problem is the ambition to mix different pieces in a manner who is not real inspired. the prostitution with romanticism, a real story with a fairy tale, a Venice who seems be puzzle with pieces from other games. it is a beautiful film. but it could be better. if the desire to present the events are more coherent. if the life of Venice has more dose of historical accuracy. if the lead character was real a woman from last part of XVI century. sure, the atmosphere, the eroticism, the intrigue are good points. but the film remains from many who, after a time, becomes only nice.
Jay Raskin
It is hard to find a movie that actually captures the soul of a time period. Often movies simply import a modern story into a different time period. In this case the story does reflect the complex morals and social situation of the historical time and place.I think it is a great movie to show in a History of the Renaissance class. It shows how the ideals of the Renaissance were taken further in Venice than any other city. It manages to get us back into the time period better than any other movie I have ever seen.The acting, sets, lighting, make-up and costumes are superb and the story enchanting. The director and producers deserved academy award nominations. This ist rue movie-making magic, where you are transported to another time and place. I would recommend for anybody above the age of 13.
adeliner
This is one of my absolute favorite movies. It's Romeo and Juliet, Pride and Prejudice and a truly sensual film all in one. Catherine McCormack is such a wonderful actress. The movie makes me alternately laugh, cry and rejoice in her character's self assurance. ("I laughed, I cried, it was better than Cats!") I'm so glad that it is a true story as well. You really feel that you know more about history and women's struggles and just plain sex after watching this film. I wish I could see Catherine McCormack in more films, though. Many other future and past stars were in this forgotten flick - Oliver Pratt, Jacquline Bissett, etc.Enjoy it!
