Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Moulin Rouge is the 2001 bombastic remake of the 1952 movie. Although the film, on paper, sounds a bit too mature for even teens (seduction and obfuscation are employed to raise money for a club), it's really quite a tender love story -- though there is plenty of sexual innuendo -- and a sweet message about the power of love. Characters frequently drink absinthe as well as various types of alcohol. There are references to prostitution. One of the characters is referred to in a disparaging manner as "the Jew." Overall, this is a hate-it-or-love-it movie: Where some see endless self-indulgence and ostentation, others see nonstop vivid entertainment of the kind guaranteed to make viewers temporarily forget the drab realities of day-to-day life.
Sexual
Content
Satine, who prances around in lingerie, fakes an orgasm while Christian recites poetry. She also kneels in front of a man she's trying to seduce, as if mimicking a sexual position. Some kissing and straddling between couples. Lots of innuendo and repartee; for example: Christian: "I'm just a little nervous. It's just that sometimes it takes a while, ugh." Satine: "Ohhhh." Christian: "For, you know, inspiration to come." Satine: "Oh yes, yes, yes. Let mommy help, hmm? Does that inspire you? Let's make love!" One of the characters puts his hands on another character's crotch. References to prostitution.
Violence
Zidler flashes a gun. A few fistfights.
Language
Sexual innuendo and entendre. A reference to a performer's "huge talent." One of the characters is referred to disparagingly as "the Jew."
Social
Behavior
A courtesan seduces a man whom she thinks has plenty of money to invest in her show. In turn, that man treats her like property. A club owner sees nothing wrong in pimping out his star to get an investor for his shows. Characters drink absinthe and other alcoholic beverages, lie (for a good cause), fight, but in the end the movie's soft and gooey center is revealed through incessant discussions about the power of love.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Bacchanalia at various parties includes smoking and drinking. Christian and his bohemian friends drink absinthe and subsequently have hallucinations. A writer works with empty bottles of booze on either side of his typewriter.
