Moulin Rouge!

Main Plot

Moulin Rouge! is set in the bohemian underworld of Paris at the turn of the 20th century. The story follows a young English writer named Christian, who moves to the city with dreams of becoming a playwright. He becomes enamored with the vibrant and extravagant Moulin Rouge cabaret, where he meets the beautiful courtesan Satine, who aspires to be a star. Their passionate romance unfolds against the backdrop of the cabaret's dazzling performances and the struggles of the creative community. However, their love faces numerous obstacles, including the looming threat of Satine's commitment to a wealthy duke who can secure her future. As Christian and Satine navigate their feelings amidst the pressures of love, ambition, and societal expectations, the film explores themes of desire, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams in a world filled with glamour and tragedy.

Characters

• Nicole Kidman plays Satine, a courtesan and star performer who falls in love with a young writer, complicating her relationship with a wealthy duke.
• Ewan McGregor plays Christian, a young poet who falls in love with Satine, a cabaret star, and fights to save their love amidst a world of deception and tragedy.
• John Leguizamo plays Toulouse-Lautrec, a bohemian artist who supports Christian and Satine's love, helping them navigate the challenges posed by the Duke.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Moulin Rouge!, the story culminates in a tragic yet poignant resolution. Christian, the protagonist, is deeply in love with Satine, the star of the Moulin Rouge. As the narrative unfolds, Satine is diagnosed with a terminal illness, which adds urgency and depth to their love story. The climax occurs during the performance of the show, where Christian's heartfelt love for Satine is juxtaposed with her struggle to protect him from the manipulative Duke, who desires to possess her. In a heartbreaking twist, Satine sacrifices her happiness for Christian's future, believing that his success as a writer must come first. During the final performance, she collapses on stage, and Christian realizes the depth of her love and the tragedy of their situation. The emotional weight of their love story is encapsulated in Satine's final moments, where she expresses her love for Christian before succumbing to her illness. The ending resolves the main conflict of their love against the backdrop of societal constraints and personal sacrifice. It connects to the overall narrative by emphasizing the themes of love, loss, and the ephemeral nature of dreams, leaving the audience with a bittersweet reflection on the power of love even in the face of tragedy.