SET in the infamous, gaudy and glamorous Paris nightclub at the turn of the last century, Moulin Rouge is a celebration of truth, beauty, freedom and, above all, love.

Director Baz Luhrmann brings together gorgeous period design and modern-day pop tunes to create a unique comic/tragic film musical.

The story of Moulin Rouge stems from the Orphean myth of a young poet-musician who descended to the underworld in search of ideal love.

"It's a myth about idealism and adulthood, and the recognition that life throws up things beyond our control: the death of loved ones, relationships that don't last," explains Luhrmann.

"According to the Orphean myth, this will either destroy you, or you'll go into the underworld, face it and return having grown from the experience."

Nicole Kidman portrays Satine, the Sparkling Diamond and the city's most famous courtesan, who is caught between the love of a young writer and another man's obsession.

Ewan McGregor co-stars as the writer, Christian, who finds himself plunged into this decadent world where anything goes - except falling in love.

Upon beginning work on the film, Kidman and McGregor immediately struck a bargain with one another.

"Ewan and I had a tacit agreement that we'd support each other throughout, taking risks, and be willing to make complete fools of ourselves in front of each other," Kidman states.

"The great thing about working on this film is that people are saying 'Let's try something different'," she adds.

"And we've connected wholeheartedly to it - that's what has made this project so fulfilling.

I'm working with people who believe in the

project."