Dangerous Beauty (1998) 7.3
A Venetian courtesan becomes a hero to her city, but later becomes the target of an inquisition by the Church for witchcraft. Director:Marshall Herskovitz |
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Dangerous Beauty (1998) 7.3
A Venetian courtesan becomes a hero to her city, but later becomes the target of an inquisition by the Church for witchcraft. Director:Marshall Herskovitz |
|
Watch Trailer 0Share... |
Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Catherine McCormack | ... | ||
Rufus Sewell | ... | ||
Oliver Platt | ... | ||
Fred Ward | ... | ||
Naomi Watts | ... | ||
Moira Kelly | ... | ||
Jacqueline Bisset | ... | ||
Jeroen Krabbé | ... | ||
Joanna Cassidy | ... | ||
Melina Kanakaredes | ... | ||
Daniel Lapaine | ... |
Serafino Franco
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Justine Miceli | ... |
Elena Franco
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Jake Weber | ... | ||
Simon Dutton | ... |
Minister Ramberti
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Grant Russell | ... |
Francesco Martenengo
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In 16th century Venice, courtesans enjoy unique privileges: dressed richly in red, they read, compose poetry and music, and discuss affairs of state with the men who govern the Republic. When Veronica Franco comes of age, she cannot marry Marco Venier, whom she loves, because she is well born but penniless. Her choice: cloister or courtesan. She steels her heart, and with beauty and intelligence becomes the best. She's a heroine when she helps convince France to aid Venice in war with Turks, but when plague descends, the Church charges her with witchcraft. At her inquisition, she must match wits with an old rival, speak for all women, and call courage from Venier. Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
I LOVED this movie. It is especially gripping when you stop to realize it is based on a true story! It's lead character is based on Veronica Franco, citizen and writer from sixteenth century Venice. Margaret F Rosenthal wrote about her in "The Honest Courtesan".
The acting is superb...the period costuming is fantastic. As is the scenery. This is a must see on many levels.
The courtesans in this era were intelligent, witty, and refined. Married woman of the time (the wealthy ones) were confined to a very dull life while their husbands entertained themselves with well educated courtesans. The courtesans were the only women allowed in the libraries of the day. As much as I love books...there is no doubt in my mind as to what role I would have chose! lol The movie revolves around those of wealth. The poor women of the day are in terrible straits...I'm glad this era is over.
Seriously, this is a wonderful movie visually. And, it is spiced with some interesting bits of history.
It is not one to take your kids to which usually causes me to deduct points. But, the scenes that make it unsuitable for children are absolutely essential for this story. And, what a wonderful story! Oh, and another delight is the music. Buy the CD!