Dangerous Beauty (1998) 7.0
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) 7.0
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 | ... |
Domenico Venier
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| Naomi Watts | ... |
Giulia De Lezze
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| Moira Kelly | ... |
Beatrice Venier
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| Jacqueline Bisset | ... |
Paola Franco
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| Jeroen Krabbé | ... |
Pietro Venier
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| Joanna Cassidy | ... |
Laura Venier
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| Melina Kanakaredes | ... |
Livia
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| Daniel Lapaine | ... |
Serafino Franco
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| Justine Miceli | ... |
Elena Franco
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| Jake Weber | ... | ||
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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 Turkey, 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>
This is, well, yeah, a chick flick, but plenty of male friends have seen it and not complained...much.
I watch this when I feel just a little blue and it's great. Good story, if not strong, wonderful scenery and costumes, good acting, lots of sensuality and some humor.
The Inquisition scenes will make any history buff roll their eyes so remember to just suspend disbelief and enjoy.
It's a fairly honest look at women in the 16th century, if viewed through feminist eyes. Some surprising actors turn out beautifully.
Only bad thing is, I hate this about movies and books; doesn't it get a little old when the lead female makes EVERY man fall in love or lust with her? Shouldn't there be just one who likes petite brunettes or tall redheads? it's just a thought, but this is a fantasy, and fantasies often work that way.