The film begins with Christian (played by Ewan McGregor), a struggling writer, narrating his story from a garret in Paris. He recounts his arrival in the city and his chance encounter with a group of bohemian artists led by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (played by John Leguizamo), who take him to the Moulin Rouge, a famous cabaret club.
At the Moulin Rouge, Christian is mesmerized by the spectacle of the club and its performers, including the dazzling Satine (played by Nicole Kidman), the star courtesan and lead dancer. Satine mistakes Christian for the wealthy Duke of Monroth (played by Richard Roxburgh), who is interested in investing in the club.
Christian is cast in a play being produced by the Moulin Rouge, which is intended to impress the Duke and secure his financial support. However, Christian and Satine fall deeply in love with each other, complicating their already precarious situation.
As Christian and Satine’s forbidden romance blossoms, they must navigate the complexities of their social status, as well as the machinations of the Duke and the club’s owner, Harold Zidler (played by Jim Broadbent), who is determined to keep Satine under his control.
Despite their best efforts to conceal their relationship, Christian and Satine’s love affair is discovered by the Duke, who threatens to ruin them both if Satine does not submit to his advances. Desperate to protect Christian, Satine agrees to the Duke’s demands, devastating Christian in the process.
As the opening night of the play approaches, tensions rise and loyalties are tested. Christian and Satine must confront their feelings for each other and make difficult choices that will determine their fate.
In a dramatic and emotional climax, Christian interrupts the play and professes his love for Satine in front of the entire audience, including the Duke. Despite the Duke’s attempts to intervene, Christian and Satine reaffirm their love for each other, sharing a passionate kiss before Satine succumbs to her illness and dies in Christian’s arms.
In the aftermath of Satine’s death, Christian is left heartbroken and devastated, but he finds solace in the memories of their love and the knowledge that their love will live on forever. The film ends with Christian returning to his garret and writing their story, ensuring that their love will be immortalized for generations to come.
“Moulin Rouge!” is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that captivates audiences with its lavish production design, dazzling musical numbers, and unforgettable performances. Through its timeless story of love, sacrifice, and redemption, the film celebrates the transformative power of love and the enduring spirit of the human heart.