Best movie ever!

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

Blistering performances.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Dangerous Beauty is a biopic that was based on a novel entitled The Honest Courtesan by Margaret Rosenthal.It is about a courtesan,Veronica Franco during the 16th century who became a hero and later became a target of an inquisition by the Church for witchcraft. It stars Catherine McCormack together with Rufus Sewell,Oliver Platt,Naomi Watts,Jacqueline Bisset and Moira Kelly.While there is nothing groundbreaking about the story and the film itself,the performances of the cast transformed it into becoming more than just a melodramatic movie.Jacqueline Bisset and Moira Kelly are outstanding as Veronica's mother and Beatrice respectively.And definitely,Catherine McCormack was flawless from one scene to another whether it was dramatic or comedic as the main character,Veronica.Added to that,the cinematography and the production effects were also noteworthy that it provided the film great look of film that took place centuries ago.One more thing about it is we get to one of the better films that is told from a woman's point of view particularly that of an interesting character such as that of a courtesan.This is definitely worth watching.

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

Before watching the movie, I decided to watch it based on the title and the subject matter. I thought that this movie would have something to do with sex and lust and perhaps even depravity. I was completely annoyed that this turned out to be a cheesy romantic comedy along the lines of any Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts movie, but perhaps even more annoying because it is so deceptive.I was hoping for a movie like Quills--a look into the lives of historic figures who were indulging in things that were looked down upon in those strict times. I thought it was boring and bland and ridiculous. The poetry duels were perhaps the lamest parts, because the poetry they came up with was stupid. The courtesan's relationship with Oliver Platt's character was absolutely ridiculous; why does he dislike her and what the hell is the point in showing this anyway? Oh, and the music! I don't think there was one moment where there was no cheesy music playing to compliment the cheesy dialogue and plot. I really feel cheated and I want the time back that was wasted.

I saw this movie when it first came out and being a lover of period pieces was thoroughly pleased with the outcome. Veronica Franco is a woman who wants to marry for love...yet class will not allow her to be with that love, Rufus... Her mother shows her another way to be with Rufus, by becoming a courtesan...Soon Veronica becomes the best and all the men who are with her love her on some level, for her satire, quick wit, etc...This leads her to becoming one of the most important assets's to Venice in more ways than one... This is a great love story that is full of historical facts that are not "hollywoodized". It is a movie that I will continue to watch over and over again, even my fiancé' grudgingly admitted that it was a really good movie...