begob 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.

Kirpianuscus beautiful story, beautiful costumes. decent performances. a portrait of Venice . each as ingredients of a good work. only problem is the ambition to mix different pieces in a manner who is not real inspired. the prostitution with romanticism, a real story with a fairy tale, a Venice who seems be puzzle with pieces from other games. it is a beautiful film. but it could be better. if the desire to present the events are more coherent. if the life of Venice has more dose of historical accuracy. if the lead character was real a woman from last part of XVI century. sure, the atmosphere, the eroticism, the intrigue are good points. but the film remains from many who, after a time, becomes only nice.

TheAnimalMother I'm somewhat surprised to see this film rated so highly after watching it. I shall warn you that the film is neither as sexy as it may seem, nor is it nearly as well told as some may lead you to believe. The story here is definitely an interesting one, and even a fairly important one; However the execution leaves a lot to be desired.The film claims to be a true story, which much of it likely is, but it is not told in an authentic way whatsoever, and that is my biggest dislike of the film. Few of the scenes seem like they are something that would have gone down quite the way the film tells us they did. It's just too far from reality. I'm not totally against films being unreal, or fantastical; But to me it just doesn't work well when you claim that you are telling a true story, but then most of the film is filled with scenes that don't really feel like they are portraying real characters and situations. This film feels more like a cartoon version of Venice circa the late 1500's, early 1600's. Nothing really fits quite right in this film despite the good story, and even at times despite some good dialogue. There are better versions of Fanny Hill out there that are comparable to this, and certainly more believable.I'm sure this is one of those rare case of where a film about a prostitute is actually more appealing to women, then to men. Like another well known film of this sort, Pretty Woman, the film mixes prostitution with romance, which to me is not a problem at all if it's pulled off well. Unfortunately it just isn't pulled off that well in this case. Pretty Woman is easily a better film in my view, at least it has some good laughs and some fun and engaging characters, which this film for the most part does not.My rating 4.5/10

phoenixpanzer Film is great,but the most brilliant because of Catherine McCormack.Beautiful woman in here.If you want to see the portrait of what woman must be-you can see it in this film.Despite all the troubles and many forced lovers - she remains been in love with one man truly.Amazing dialogues all through the movie.I don't understand why this film so underrated,it's the most passionate film in this genre.And very truthful:for example,a moment when Maffio suggest's to Veronica spend night with him and she says - "No"...because the most wonderful women spend time with powerful men(laws of real life).Funny thing in the film- connection with "BraveHeart", noticed in inquisition line: the role of magistrate acted by one actor in both films.Great film,great times. 10 of 10.