AaronCapenBanner Marshall Herskovitz directed this sumptuous looking drama set in 16th century Venice. Catherine McCormack plays real life woman Veronica Franco, who out of necessity becomes a courtesan to the rich and powerful men of the royal court after being properly tutored by her experienced mother(played by Jacqueline Bisset) though really loves a nobleman(played by Rufus Sewall) whom she is unable to marry, though when the worsening plague strikes the city, women like her are put on trial by the inquisition, prompting him to come to her public defense. Though uneven dramatically, this film is well-acted and still a most interesting look at that point in history.

Jay Raskin It is hard to find a movie that actually captures the soul of a time period. Often movies simply import a modern story into a different time period. In this case the story does reflect the complex morals and social situation of the historical time and place.I think it is a great movie to show in a History of the Renaissance class. It shows how the ideals of the Renaissance were taken further in Venice than any other city. It manages to get us back into the time period better than any other movie I have ever seen.The acting, sets, lighting, make-up and costumes are superb and the story enchanting. The director and producers deserved academy award nominations. This ist rue movie-making magic, where you are transported to another time and place. I would recommend for anybody above the age of 13.

S.R. Dipaling I'll confess(no pun to those who've already sen the movie)that my knowledge on the subject matter that this movie culls from,particularly the novel by MArgaret Rosenthal,is somewhat slight. I saw this movie first over ten years ago in the theater powered almost entirely on the fact that it starred Catherine McCormack, an actress whom I'd become mildly curious and fascinated (maybe even enamored) with from her short but affecting role as Mel Gibson's ill-fated wife in "Braveheart". I decided to buy a cheap copy of the film years later and just recently re-watched the film,not only to see her again but also give this movie's whole structure a chance to impress upon me again. Re-watching had me re-appraising this film.McCormack's Veronica Franco,a 16th Century learned Courtesan is a vision as a transformation from shy,lovestruck Venetian local to bright,gifted and dutiful servicer to men's desires. Her relationship with the dashing,noble soldier-senator Marco(Rufus Sewell),may lack in anything unique but makes up for in zesty,passionate interplay. The rise and fall of Veronica is almost exactly parallel to the fortunes of her native Venice,and when plague befalls the province,the ire and holy wrath of inquisition makes her an easy target. This film is lushly,lavishly filmed and,as such,is a veritable feast for the eyes. However(and perhaps I'm telling too much about my own film prejudices and cynicism but...)the conflict of love over expediency,the message of women's place in society and the largely dark shadow that the Roman Catholic church fells upon society seem so commonplace that it makes this film seem almost pedantic and preachy. Also,the friction between Franco and Maffio Venier(Oliver Platt,who is as professional and game as ever here),Marco's cousin and resident courtier,seems somewhat forced,while the conflict between Veronica and MArco's frigid and callow wife(NAomi Watts,nearly unrecognizable!)is left woefully underdeveloped and one-note. Ditto for the friendship between the title character and her warm but non-enterprising friend Beatrice(Moira Kelly).Overall,the story and product looks and feels great,it just feels like much of the detail and credibility is sacrificed to create a movie that wants to be both inspiring AND erotic,and just able to pull that off. Director Marshall Hershkowitz does a decent job capturing all the sights and sounds to give it the rich emotional as well as visual feel for the era. McCormack's presence(and to a lesser degree Sewell's,Pratt's and Fred Ward's as the Venier's Uncle who takes a great deal of liking to VEronica)elevates this from a mere pedestrian "bodice-ripper" to something that has emotion and sensuality. This film further re-enforces my enjoyment of her presence in movies and my wish to see Miss McCormack in more films.A good film that wanted to be great. HAving said all that,I still find this worthy of another look(or looks).

noissesoff77 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...