Dangerous Beauty (DVD, 1998)

Ok, ok...it is a given that the woman is a courtesan and must use her body to support herself and her family. However, in this time period, only the courtesans are allowed access to the libraries, where ordinary women are not. Veronica Franco has a quick and clever wit, and captivates her clientele not only with her body, but her formidable mind as well. Not only does she write her own poetry, but her work is published by a wealthy patron. (This is a historical fact as evidenced by a quick trip to your local library where you can check out her book and read it for yourself.) And this is what eventually gets her into trouble ~ she is a brilliant woman and trades jest and jibes with men of power. A would-be suitor is rejected and he falls back on religion, opening the door for the Inquisition to try Veronica Franco for her crimes: being a courtesan and being a mentally facile woman who is guilty only of being true to herself...fabulous!

A wonderful moment of historical hope for women in a lavish period piece!

The cover of this DVD is misleading in a way but very true to the story. I saw the film years ago then it just popped into my mind again and I had to purchase it. It is a wonderful combination of a love story, history lesson, happiness and sadness all in the mix. Great acting - Rufus Sewell - OMG, those brown eyes are amazing! Love the fencing scene. Set in Venice. Passion. Seduction. Betrayal. A Scandalous Love Story!

I love this movie. The lead female character has few choices for her life in pre-Inquisition Venice, and the one she is pushed into offers her the most "fulfillment." (I put that in quotes because there are many definitions to a life fulfilled.) Her character is given the powerful gift of prose and poetry, and throughout the movie she uses words that deftly describe her situation. Two examples, in paraphrase: "I am not yours to control", when talking to her lover who chooses to do (marry another) as his family expects, yet wants her to be there for him. Her confession at the end, where she confesses all her immoral choices so she may be more "fulfilled" as a woman. I also find the historical and present-day parallels interesting, if there is historical truth to women's roles in the movie. (I have not researched this.) The interaction between the main characters and the dialogue is, I thought, brilliant, and really got me thinking about the compromises we make everyday in our choices. After this movie, I found myself really basking in its' use of words and the forthright manner of situational description.

I really enjoyed the movie, a bit much for young viewers. It deals with the very real subject of people not being able to marry below their station in life, which was mandatory for centuries. Funny how the stigma still carries over with prejudice in this day and time. In this movie, it shows how quick witted and smart this lady carries the hearts of all the loves she "gave feeling to", which ended up backing her in the end. Great story and I believe it to be a true story. Top notch!

With a fabulous cast including Catherine McCormack, Rufus Sewell and Fred Ward you'd think it would have made it bigger. Even though it wasn't a box office sensation it's a truly amazing movie. While only very loosly based on the book and history of the courtesan, Veronic Franco, it is still a lovely period piece. The writing and acting are amazing and the costumes truly stunning. Well worth watching and in my opinion owning. Even the guys seem to enjoy this one.