User reviews

I saw this when it first came out and I just saw it again on video. Superb movie. I adore Venice and feel I got a real taste of what it must have been like in the 16th century. Great photography and costumes. Beautiful actors. Comedy. Romance. Based on a true story. Shows some of the ugliness of the zealot church of the time. A must see and one of the year's best. Where were the critics on this one? Played to empty theaters mostly. What a shame.

Yes, an entertaining film, yes beautiful on a cinematic aspect, but all in all, a silly period piece, and considering the subject matter, it would have done better if held with more sensitivity than sentimentality.

It's not a smart period piece, let's start with that. The 'jovial' verbal sparring that goes on between Veronica and Platt's character is trite, and with clumsy innuendos. The sexual fascinations the men of Venice have with Veronica comes off as somewhat artificial, and Veronica herself, doesn't seem like such a dangerous beauty. The emphasis for power and intelligence in courtesans is quite clear in the film, but apart from showing her reading a couple of books, this doesn't come across. The exchange between Veronica and King Henry was set up to be challenging, and interesting, and then too easily resolved. The conclusion between Marco and Veronica's characters ripped right out of a Harlequin romance, and not given any sort of punch to make it favorable. I was hoping that Veronica would truly be strong, and assert herself as a powerful woman, but her weaknesses and what she gave into demeans this. And Paola, her mother, was quite shocking and somewhat incredulous. The film tries to explain her motives for pushing Veronica to become a courtesan, but the training session sequence still leaves an uneasy feeling about her.

I sound quite unforgiving towards the film, so here I admit there were some good moments. Veronica explaining the not so glamorous part of a courtesan's life. The court scene (though the conclusion was still a mite too easy) held some power the rest of the film should have. Veronica's interactions with Domenic. And the Minister Rimbarti was a very sympathetic character and he stood out in the scenes he was in.

So all in all, it's okay to watch, but if you're expecting something that actually has meaning look somewhere else.

Four of us (aged 40 - 50) saw this on video and thoroughly enjoyed it. The speeches at the end provide us with the finest acting and script that is available.

The film is a bit slow in the beginning, but don't give up because this is one incredible piece of dramatic art.

Marshall Herskovitz directed this sumptuous looking drama set in 16th century Venice. Catherine McCormack plays real life woman Veronica Franco, who out of necessity becomes a courtesan to the rich and powerful men of the royal court after being properly tutored by her experienced mother(played by Jacqueline Bisset) though really loves a nobleman(played by Rufus Sewall) whom she is unable to marry, though when the worsening plague strikes the city, women like her are put on trial by the inquisition, prompting him to come to her public defense. Though uneven dramatically, this film is well-acted and still a most interesting look at that point in history.

For me the power of this movie rests in its faithfulness to Margaret Rosenthal's book the Honest Courtesan; which is a well-researched look at Veronica Franco's life and the plight of Venetian women in the 16th century. Dangerous Beauty, while making certain assumptions and taking some literary license, was a talented translation of Rosenthal's careful research into a captivating film. Many of the witty remarks and social commentary come directly from 16th century documents. Surprisingly the most unbelievable aspect of the movie (her escape from the Inquisition and support from prominent Venetian nobles) is historical fact. While the details are unknown and the movie is certainly more romatically dramatic than I would imagine the actual historical event, it was very true to the spirit and feel supported by the evidence we have.

Venetian women, and indeed most medieval women, were in an unenviable position as second class citizens. Veronica Franco's struggle to find an acceptable position in society as a woman of good family but poor, is representative of the moral and societal conflicts of her time. Courtesans were not respected but they were accepted as a necessary evil. Their income was even taxable! In a society where female chastity was considered sacrosanct if she were to marry and a marriage bed was no less for sale than a courtesan's, women's choices were limited indeed. Franco's impassioned cry in the movie "I did what was necessary to survive!" is no less true were it not a verbatim report of her defense. As a penniless girl her options were limited to scullery work, the nunnery or prostitution. Her distinction was that, while she chose to sell her body, she never chose to be dominated by her profession or those who sought her out. In publishing her book of poetry and personal letters, she redefined herself as a woman first and a courtesan second. Using her wit to defend herself in the public arena she skillfully manipulated accepted literary mores of the day to show her mastery of the literary as well as political implications of her position.

Her greatest detractors were courtiers, such as Maffio Venier, who competed with courtesans for the money bestowed by wealthy patrons. As she says in the movie, they must both sing for their suppers. The problem is that while she is willing to accept they are equal in their need of patronage, he is unwilling to be outdone by a woman. His misogynistic works of poetry were directed toward Franco and other courtesans with the intent of parading his own virtue by damning theirs. The greatest irony is that Maffio was ultimately killed by a sexual disease while Franco died of causes unrelated to her sexual practices.

While there are those who might see this movie as an acceptance of prostitution, I believe they are missing the true story behind the sexual facade which they are focusing on. Franco's life was one of courage and honesty. She made choices that we may not understand, but we do not live in her world. And she accepted both the privilege and the degradation that her position brought her. This movie is a powerful tribute to one who sought more in life than mere existence and who faced her trials with the courage of her convictions, whether or not we or others share those convictions is immaterial.

In 16th century Venice, a beautiful woman who cannot marry the man she loves for want of station or dowry becomes a successful courtesan and wields her power in favor of goodness against war, plague, and those always pesky inquisitors. A light comedy-drama to be adored by dreamers and condemned by realists, "Dangerous Beauty" is a wholly enjoyable little tale of the downtrodden surmounting the powerful, love conquering all, goodness winning over righteousness, and all those other things people go to movies to enjoy. A fun rainy night video rental for those into period flicks. (B+)

This particular movie was lost in the shuffle somewhere but I am certainly glad I found it. Catherine McCormack (Braveheart) portrays an innocent girl, that loses in love so decides to do what she has to do just to have him any way possible. It's a very backwards Cinderella. A good girl that falls in love with a "prince" (he's from a family with a title and she's not) but will true love prevail? Rufus Sewell is to die for, the sexiest and most talented actor to come our way in years. The rest of the fine cast Oliver Platt, Moira Kelly, Naomi Watts, Fred Ward and Jacqueline Bisset are very convincing in their portrayals of these period characters. I have had every single one of my friends watch it and they all have enjoyed it as much as I have. The music is fantastic and we even get a short history lesson. With this sensational cast, the storyline that is based on actual poetry books from a Courtisan, it really is my favorite historical romance of all time. Take the time to find this rare gem and see it as soon as possible.

The underlying story in this film is a fascinating one that deserves serious treatment. Unfortunately, the screen writing does not do justice to the material. For one thing, the character of Veronica Franco does not appear to have many qualms about her choice to become a courtesan throughout the course of the film, where one would expect that in that era, it would be a very difficult and humiliating choice for a woman to make. While the positive aspects of being a courtesan are justly portrayed, the negative aspects are glossed over or neglected. Another serious problem is the lack of a negative response to this choice on the part of close friends as well the man who loves her. There are occasional moments when the social ostracism she would have been treated to in real life at the time are shown, but initially there does not appear to be any negative social consequences to this choice, and indeed even the man who loves her doesn't seem to care what she has become. The film ought to have more seriously and honestly explored his reaction to her choice, as well as her own. It would have made it a far more dramatic, and more relevant film. As it is, the film is far too lighthearted for the serious nature of the subject matter. The screenwriters failed to take full advantage of the depth of the inherent drama to the story, and instead made it almost a comedy.

It does have some redeeming qualities. The film is beautifully shot, the costumes are excellent, and it's nicely paced. It isn't badly directed, but again, I feel that a more serious handling by the director could have made up for the deficiencies in the script.

In summary, this is a light entertainment movie that doesn't do justice to the weight of the underlying subject matter.

A very under rated movie... The visuals are amazing, and really opens up your eyes to a piece of history that is generally ignored. Veronica Franco was a real person, and Catherine McCormack does her justice.

The movie is not the speediest, but the learning process, and the development of the situation is excellent. The music is also very good, I believe by George Fenton, and suits and supports the music and is worth the listen all on its own.

Even my husband loves to watch this movie with me, and its one of our well beloved date movies, sensual, moving, yet ultimately triumphant. In an odd sort of way, I got an almost female version of Braveheart in the courtroom scene at the end... Try it! It's worth it!

I saw a "Sneak Preview" of "Dangerous Beauty" last night as I had no interest in the Olympics that everyone else was watching on TV.

It's a fun romantic romp, not very deep, despite the veneer of feminism, sort of a serious "Gigi" without the music, originally titled "Courtesan" but TPTB were afraid no one would know what that was.

It's a costume drama with (female) nudity and four letter words, gee just like they must have spoken if they spoke English in Venice.

The sets were obviously mattes, but quite pretty.

I've liked Rufus Sewall since "Middlemarch" on "Masterpiece Theatre."

Jaqueline Bisset makes a grande older dame, and her comments about her conquests when young have a nice resonance with real life.

Some actors who don't usually get to don corset and hose get to dress up, like Fred Ward, Justine Miceli, and Moira Kelley, and are surprisingly good at it.

But the movie is basically the lead woman as she's in every scene and Catherine McCormick is quite captivating.

(originally written 2/22/1998)

In 1583, Venice is the richest and most decadent city in Europe and its women are treated like property and few even knew how to read. The youth and witty Veronica Franco (Catherine McCormack) and the wealthy Marco Venier (Rufus Sewell), who is the brother of her best friend Beatrice (Moira Kelly), are in love for each other, but her mother can not afford the dowry for their marriage. When Marco tells Veronica that they can not marry to each other because he should have a marriage of state and his parents would oppose due to their social differences, Veronica's mother Paola Franco (Jacqueline Bisset) tells her heartbroken daughter that she was a courtesan in the past, and now Veronica shall learn how to be a courtesan to support the family. The poetess Veronica becomes the most famous courtesan in Venice, loved by the powerful elite except Marcos. When the Turks threaten Cyprus, Veronica spends the night with King Henry (Jake Weber) and he gives the necessary ships to protect Cyprus. When the Inquisition comes to Venice, she is accused of witchcraft by the Church.

"Dangerous Beauty" is one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever seen, and based on a true story. Catherine McCormack is extremely gorgeous and this is probably her best role along her career, with a stunning performance. This movie is quite perfect, with a wonderful story, excellent screenplay, magnificent direction, witty dialogs, a fantastic cast and awesome cinematography, set decoration and costumes in the environment of Venice in the Sixteenth Century. It is impressive how this movie excited me with the most different emotions and I have just included it in my list of favorites. My vote is ten.

Title (Brazil): "Em Luta Pelo Amor" ("In Fight for Love")

I do believe I'm in love. Catherine McCormack in this movie is truly every man's wildest fantasy... she can recite poetry, swordfight, is bookish smart... Oh, and she's pretty good between the sheets too. Of course her major drawback is she's a courtesan (A sort of high class prostitute) so I'd have to share her with around 100 other men. But never mind... I'm sure we could reach some kind of arrangement. Come to me, my pretty. I hope you like cats and Wispa bars.

Set in the 16th century in a very decadent Venice, it tell of the rise and decline of the beautiful city, where unbridled pleasure was interrupted by war and the eventual arrival of religious fanatics, which saw all harlots guilty of witchcraft. It wasn't the best period to be a female, as your sole purpose seemed to be either a breeding machine or a household slave. But those beautiful enough had another option: Service the rich and powerful in their every sordid desire, and you got inundated with gifts and invited to lots of lavish parties as well as living like a queen. That is, until your looks faded...

This had me involved from the start, helped no doubt by the gorgeous heroine but also by the host of other delightful characters, including Rufus Sewell as her unattainable true love from a higher station, and Oliver Platt as his cousin, who moves to the God Squad after a bit of brainwashing. The reenactment of 1500's Italy seems spot on (not that I claim to be an expert) and the tale told is both amusing and absorbing. Well worth your time.

And Catherine, if you're reading this, my number is... Oops, I don't want my hotline to be too engaged. Tell you what, PM me... 7/10

OK, let's face it, the reason I saw this was because of potential chemistry between Catherine McCormack and Rufus Sewell. I love both of them as actors, and I was psyched when I heard they were in a movie together.

Then I looked at the plot, and was intrigued. I'd seen a movie similar to this, Moulin Rouge. Hmm, would it be as good as that? Would it be a let down? Looking at the title and the cover, I wasn't expecting too much. Soft porn, maybe? Eh, probably. But I rented it anyways, simply because I was in the mood for a period piece, and Rufus Sewell is easy on the eyes. :)

The movie ended up becoming one of my absolute favorites. It is sumptuously filmed, gorgeous, like staring at a beautiful painting for hours. Every piece of colors and cinematography is top notch. The acting between Sewell and McCormack is amazing, astounding. I fell in love with their romance. The film hasn't left me long after I saw it. The score is brilliant. George Fenton is an emotional genius. If you want to hear more of his stuff just check out Ever After, starring Dougray Scott and Drew Barrymore. :)

I really want to buy this movie. It works so well, and it is just really, really good. It's a movie to be felt, not explained. If you love intriguing plot lines, romance, and period pieces, then I highly recommend you check this out. :)

Beautifully produced with amazing scenes of old Venice, an orchestral score, nice costumes, and attractive actors, this film is certainly worth watching. Some of the dialog is borrowed from real historical manuscripts, and the poetry is worth re-winding to hear again. But, somehow it just doesn't add up. This film carries it's message on it's sleeve, and it's not quite in synch with the period. While boldly promoting a feminist perspective, the film comes off more as soft core porn. The female lead (Catherine McCormack) is exceptional. See it, and think of how good it could have been.

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!

Sumptious photography, cracking story, beautiful lead actress and a superb courtroom denouement still can't shake the feeling that this is as fake as a plastic Christmas tree.

It was very enjoyable if viewed as fluff, 16th century "Dynasty" occured to me at several points, but the most amazing thing about this story is that most of the key events actually happened.

Everyone speaking in English accents and high-school poetry portrayed as great wit and art killed the credibility. I can't believe this story took 500 years to reach the screen ( well 100 technically). Where is the Italian language version without the wish fulfillment? (Perfect teeth and grooming, no sexual diseases, those mawkish riding horse-back montage sequences) Admittedly this is a romance and they aren't known for their realism but this could have been a great work of art, not just a pretty picture.

Still, worth viewing. It certainly does get better as it goes along.

"Dangerous Beauty" brought me back to Life!It inspired me emotionally and physically.(I lost over 30lbs.walking/listening to the film's score everyday.)The film has excellent production values: wonderful sets & exquisite costumes; fabulous golden Rembrandt lighting; dreamy soft focus cinematography; gorgeous actors,(Rufus Sewell, with a voice that makes you melt & eyes that speak volumes even when he is silent,in the role of Marco, shows great acting range,from carefree playboy to mature man in love.Catherine McCormick portrays Veronica as a jilted lover who becomes an assertive courtesan, yet never loses her soft side.She has the face of supermodel Paulina Herzigova/Audrey Hepburn.)These actors share the most convincing chemistry as lovers that I've seen in years. And the piece de resistance of Dangerous Beauty is the most passionate music in the world by George Fenton(this should win him his long-awaited Oscar.)The movie blends comedy, romance, swordfights, poetry, sex, the plague/Inquisition, and self-sacrifice.It makes you long for such "a soulmate love" as this. (That's why I saw "D.B." 33 times in the theater! Yes,I did! It was MY "Titanic / Gone with the Wind / Casablanca".) The director, Marshall Herskovitz,(of Legends Of the Fall) created a world that I loved to visit.The movie reminded me that I was still a "Dangerous Beauty" myself. If you want your sweetheart to get "in the mood",then watch D.B. together and listen to the filmscore afterwards as the soundtrack for your own grande amour.Never before has a movie impacted my life like this one did. May it do the same for you.

Though a lot of artistic license is taken in this portrayal of a courtesan, I think it is a must watch for all those who like romantic movies or just like costume drama's. The acting style is heavy on the emotions, matching the drama/romance plot with some comedic elements.

The vibe is lighthearted combined with some heavier topics, but be prepared for some fairytale-like/over-the-top moments. In the wrong hands, those moments would have been corny, but in this movie it's still in the realm of sweet with a wink. If you want a 100% realistic feel, this movie is probably not for you.

One downside, is one can be bothered with the romanticised view of the sex worker profession. Most of the lovers are fairly handsome looking and the ccourtesan herself remains in control and smiling for the most of it. However, it could have been a conscious choice to de-emphasize the nasty parts, because the story mainly revolves around an "impossible love" scenario. Also the difficulties involved as a sex worker might just be too heavy to have been elaborated on in this more romcom/drama feeling film.

The movie did a fine job with the main protagonist's struggle between empowerment/freedom versus not having any say over her own fate. It stayed engaging throughout the almost two hour runtime, it looked beautiful and it had a certain charm that films past 2000 don't really have anymore.

I'll confess(no pun to those who've already sen the movie)that my knowledge on the subject matter that this movie culls from,particularly the novel by MArgaret Rosenthal,is somewhat slight. I saw this movie first over ten years ago in the theater powered almost entirely on the fact that it starred Catherine McCormack, an actress whom I'd become mildly curious and fascinated (maybe even enamored) with from her short but affecting role as Mel Gibson's ill-fated wife in "Braveheart". I decided to buy a cheap copy of the film years later and just recently re-watched the film,not only to see her again but also give this movie's whole structure a chance to impress upon me again. Re-watching had me re-appraising this film.

McCormack's Veronica Franco,a 16th Century learned Courtesan is a vision as a transformation from shy,lovestruck Venetian local to bright,gifted and dutiful servicer to men's desires. Her relationship with the dashing,noble soldier-senator Marco(Rufus Sewell),may lack in anything unique but makes up for in zesty,passionate interplay. The rise and fall of Veronica is almost exactly parallel to the fortunes of her native Venice,and when plague befalls the province,the ire and holy wrath of inquisition makes her an easy target.

This film is lushly,lavishly filmed and,as such,is a veritable feast for the eyes. However(and perhaps I'm telling too much about my own film prejudices and cynicism but...)the conflict of love over expediency,the message of women's place in society and the largely dark shadow that the Roman Catholic church fells upon society seem so commonplace that it makes this film seem almost pedantic and preachy. Also,the friction between Franco and Maffio Venier(Oliver Platt,who is as professional and game as ever here),Marco's cousin and resident courtier,seems somewhat forced,while the conflict between Veronica and MArco's frigid and callow wife(NAomi Watts,nearly unrecognizable!)is left woefully underdeveloped and one-note. Ditto for the friendship between the title character and her warm but non-enterprising friend Beatrice(Moira Kelly).

Overall,the story and product looks and feels great,it just feels like much of the detail and credibility is sacrificed to create a movie that wants to be both inspiring AND erotic,and just able to pull that off. Director Marshall Hershkowitz does a decent job capturing all the sights and sounds to give it the rich emotional as well as visual feel for the era. McCormack's presence(and to a lesser degree Sewell's,Pratt's and Fred Ward's as the Venier's Uncle who takes a great deal of liking to VEronica)elevates this from a mere pedestrian "bodice-ripper" to something that has emotion and sensuality. This film further re-enforces my enjoyment of her presence in movies and my wish to see Miss McCormack in more films.

A good film that wanted to be great. HAving said all that,I still find this worthy of another look(or looks).

I had the pleasure of seeing this movie in theater when it came out in 1998... I would have to classify Catherine McCormack as my favorite actress, I wish her talent could be seen more. Her presence on the screen is breathtaking, her emotion so intense...as also seen in Braveheart. I ordered the DVD years ago and watch Dangerous Beauty at least once per month... it is by far the best romance with humor, witt & action to also keep a man engaged... it is NOT your typical chick flick... and can be enjoyed by many... I have just allowed my 14 yr.old daughters to watch it, since there are some sexual scenes that may not be appropriate for young viewers but there are a lot worse movies out there, done in less tasteful ways... this movie has touched my heart and will always remain my favorite. I suggest anyone who has an ounce of romance in them to watch it... ;) I have read other reviews and I will only say that those who are looking into this through the eyes of 'today' will only miss the true meaning of the movie... Courtesan's had to do what they did to survive, those without family bloodlines were denied most... Catherine McCormack shows us through the life of Veronica Franco that this movie is NOT a 'soft porn' but the reality of women during the 16th Century! Only the closed minded would view this movie as a 'soft porn'.

The reason that I wanted to watch this movie is because I am actually a modern day Courtesan in London.

The days of the traditional style Courtesans have ended but in their place are ladies who have just the same skills, wit and intelligence.

I went to Venice recently and had a private tour guide who took great pleasure in mentioning Veronica Franco and what great things she did for Venice and particularly the impoverished and destitute prostitutes.

Sometimes, methinks, times have not changed too much in terms of attitude to 'ladies of pleasure'.

Rhia Charles www.rhiacharles.co.uk

A star crossed lover in Reformation Venice has no choice but to become a courtesan, but when the moralists fix her in their sights who will come to her defence?

A helluva story struggling to burst out of this production. We're consciously in Shakespeare territory, with some witty exchanges between the lovers and their peers, delivered in metrical dialogue. The lovers' dilemma is presented with aching charm, and the sets and costumes give lavish support to a story that is well performed. But it doesn't work.

While the cinematography is skillful, the tone is too bright and flat, leaving the feel of a TV production. The erotic scenes are tastefully dull, and the music swells through every moment with lush romanticism, punctuated by impish montages. As the story proceeds the number of scenes with the script direction ALL LAUGH increases, and the motivations of the characters fall flat. The final showdown is childishly embarrassing. No idea where they went wrong, although I suspect the director/producer is to blame.

Overall: Oil is to water as fairy tale is to tragedy.