Claudio Carvalho In the 50's, in Paris, the neighbors Rodolfo (David Hobson) and Mimi (Cheryl Barker) meet each other when Mimi's candle blows out in a cold and dark night. They immediately fall in love for each other, in times of financial difficulties in the post-war. Rodolfo introduces Mimi to his close friends Marcello (Roger Lemke) and his beloved Musetta (Christine Douglas); Colline (Gary Rowley); and Schaunard (David Lemke) and together they have a good-time in Café Momus. Some time later, Mimi tells Marcello that she can not support the jealousy of Rodolfo any longer and when Marcello discuss with Rodolfo, Mimi overhears the real reason for the behavior of her beloved Rodolfo.This is the first time I see "La Bohème", inclusive my greatest interest is to compare the Australian version on DVD with the version that will be played in Teatro Municipal next Friday in Rio de Janeiro. Baz Luhrmann's adaptation is a modern love story that recalls a musical instead of a conventional opera, and has excellent interpretations, highlighting David Hobson, Cheryl Barker, Roger Lemke and Christine Douglas in the lead roles. The camera is excellent, considering that it is a live presentation, inclusive with great closes. My vote is six.Title (Brazil): "La Bohème"

robbie762 Being a fan of Rent, Gary Larsons take on Puccini's La Boheme, I was interested in seeing the roots of the material. But do a search on La Boheme and you'll find many versions of this masterpiece. It was Baz's name attached to this piece that drew me in, as I am a fan of his work. I don't speak a word of the language, and never watched Opera before. But this was quite an enjoyable experience. To see the parallels between the Boheme and Rent was quite amazing. The sets are even similar to the movie, with the loft being almost a duplicate. And look out for the name TOM written in the window dirt. Even if you weren't a fan of Moulon Rouge (Which I was) you can take something away from this. And check out Collin's bright yellow jacket - wow!A very good piece to experience, as it is an experience.Culture yourself people, culture yourself!

jynnantonnix I first saw this production (at least, part of it) on Public Television a few years ago, and was just smitten with the look and atmosphere.I had been haunted by it since, but unable to find it until recently. Anyway, suffice it to say I enjoyed it as much as I had remembered! The setting of the story in the 50's makes it truly accessible, and while I agree that the cast is vocally somewhat lightweight, this is not, in my mind, a flaw in this sort of production.It is not about huge and beautiful singing...this is an intimate production in which the personalities themselves are more important than some pinnacle of musical excellence.Personally, I found David Hobson's (Rodolfo)light yet musical voice perfect for the character. This seems to me a wonderful production with which to introduce young people to the world of opera (which is a tremendous merit in itself!).There is not the problem of having to look "beyond" the physical appearance of a character (no robust Mimi here, nor middle aged,rotund Rodolfo), and the very lightness of the voices may make it somewhat easier to swallow for those not accustomed to operatic style.In short, if you are a diehard, pure "Opera" fan, you are likely to be somewhat ambivalent toward this, but if you can handle opera with a popcorn factor,it just might be a really enjoyable experience.

Frank Dudley Berry, Jr. This is a superb staging of an opera that never fails. Singers have been cast for dramatic effect. David Hobson is particularly effective. Musical purists should look elsewhere (Hobson has a passable, but very light voice), but anyone else will really enjoy this production. That the director is Baz Luhrmann and it has a definite affinity with the new movie Moulin Rouge, adds to its value.