Dangerous Beauty (1998)

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 Amazon.com

Extraordinary Period Piece

My wife and I truly enjoyed this film. The plot is marvelous and the story told with flair and artistic grace. The attention to detail, from the sets to the costumes and the historical accuracy are enlightening. I would watch this film over and over; it is that good. December 25, 2008

YOU MUST SEE !

I SAW AT THE THEATRE ONE EVENING AND FOR ALL THE WEEK I BEEN TO SEE IT AGAIN AND AGAIN . SO GREAT MOVIE . WHAT CAN I SAID IF YOU HAVEN'T SEE YOU MUST SEE IT AND JUDGE YORSELF . November 25, 2008

You sent 2 copies, I returned 1 and was never refunded for it.

Great Movie, true story, However I only needed ONE copy, NOT TWO!!!!! I returned the 2nd movie and still have not been refunded. Please refund my account for the movie that was returned!!!!!
Thanks,
Amy September 16, 2008

Couldn't View

I have 2 movies that I need to return and neither of them work for me...
I am not sure why they are defective and I will return them but I have not had time to go to the post office but they will be returned. Sad because I love the movie August 29, 2008

Top 50 All time Favorites

Dangerous Beauty is in my top 50 of all time favorites. It has something for everyone - romance, humor, history - and is underscored by a lovely soundtrack. The characters are well cast. My daughter did a term paper on Veronica Franco and the role of courtesans and women in the 16th century after seeing this. I heartily recommend this little known gem. August 4, 2008

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