Dangerous Beauty (Widescreen/Full Screen): Amazon.ca: DVD: DVD

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Although it was unfortunately ignored during its brief theatrical release, this sumptuously seductive production is that rarest of cinematic breeds, the (barely) respectable guilty pleasure. Combining historical fact with hysterical anachronisms of language and mannerism, it's been tailored for maximum contemporary appeal but maintains a lush, romantic feel for its factual 16th-century tale of Venetian love, lust, and political repression. Catherine McCormack (Mel Gibson's ill-fated bride in Braveheart) delivers a star-making performance as the "dangerous beauty" who becomes a skillful courtesan to pursue her forbidden love for a dashing Venetian senator (Rufus Sewell). It's all rather silly in a high-toned fashion, and the film turns dour when the church intervenes with a Scarlet Letter-like papal inquest. But the movie's joyously ribald vitality is utterly irresistible, and the casting of McCormack with Jaqueline Bisset (as her mother and courtesan mentor) is a stroke of pure genius. Merchant-Ivory would've made a smarter film from this material, but it probably wouldn't be nearly as entertaining. --Jeff Shannon

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Customer Reviews

154 Reviews

5 star:		(111)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(11)

Average Customer Review

4.4 out of 5 stars (154 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Lush, beautiful and intelligent!, Mar 1 2006

By

Carrie (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dangerous Beauty (Widescreen/Full Screen) (DVD)

This is one of my favourite films. A description of its plot, characters and setting would not do it justice, so I leave it to you to see the movie and judge for yourself. I will say that it is that rarest of things, a movie that deftly combines romance, a strong and intelligent female protagonist, and clever dialogue. I found the characters to be richly layered and interesting, and Catherine McCormack's performance as Veronica was inspired. I especially appreciated the dialogue between Veronica and Beatrice, her best friend, on the canal, where they discuss their respective roles as Venetian women. I also really enjoyed the unapologetically feminist soliloquy given by Veronica as confession at the end of the movie. The story is very well-acted by a stellar cast, including wonderful supporting roles brought to life by Oliver Platt and Moira Kelly.

Those who denigrate this movie due to historical inaccuracies would do well to remember that most of us go to the movies to be entertained. We have to be willing to suspend disbelief a little to enjoy almost all movies released today, from action movies to dramas to comedies. Give the movie a little latitude and accept it for what it is, and I think you'll enjoy it! I certainly did.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtaking History, April 20 2004

By

T. Beuerlein "Book-a-Day Girl" (Tennessee) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Dangerous Beauty (Widescreen/Full Screen) (DVD)

This movie touches a special place in my heart. As a history and art history lover, the richness of the story and the beauty of the film keep me watching it over and over.

A true story (see The Honest Courtesean) that takes place in Venice in its most gorgeous era, the film brings the viewer into a world forgotten by many. The art direction and the use of the real palaces in Venice complete the total package.

Catherine McCormack is not only beautiful, but a heartfelt actress as well. You may remember her as William Wallace's wife in Braveheart (brunette there).

On a final note, if you are headed to Venice, catch this movie for a quick introduction of the Golden Age of this city and an inside look at those who used to roam the halls of the gorgeous palaces you will see lining the Grand Cannal.

One of my favorites.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Dangerous Beauty? Magnificent Beauty if more like it!, Jan 13 2000

By

Ashegam (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dangerous Beauty (Widescreen/Full Screen) (DVD)

An overall masterpiece. This is a movie about the 16th centuy life style of women in venice. In short women didn't have much say or freedom unless they were a "courtesan". Catherine McCormick who also played the spouse of Mel Gibson in the movie "Brave Heart" is the leading role. She does an amazing job of portraying the hardships, benefits, and pleasures of becoming a courtesan.

This is a powerful movie that I would recommend to everyone but specially to men because there is much to be learned from it. It's an eye opener and will make you think twice before calling some one a whore and what that word really means.

After I finished watching the dvd in english I watched it in French. My God what a difference. Besides the fact that I couldn't understand a word they were saying, the movie sounds much more passionate and evoked more emotions then the English version( and yes I did have the english subtitle on). The ladies are bound to become very emotional watching the french version and the guys oh well I'll skip that part.

This is one movie that you won't watch just once and is sure to entertain you and your friends for years to come, unless you go out to venice and see the real modern courtesans for your self :)

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars The Beauty of it all.
Hesitant I am to review this after perusing the many reviews it has already recieved. Many glowing, and several in disdain. Read more

Published on Jun 1 2004 by charlinye

3.0 out of 5 stars lovely movie to watch in 4:3
A most lovely movie.

But once again the DVD releasing company is telling the BIG LIE about photographic ratios. Read more