Casanova (2005) R - 3½ Stars

What a fun playful movie this is. Set in 1753, Venice, the world was a different place where honor and chivalry were proper ways to court a woman. That is until Giacomo Casanova, who waltzes in and out of ladies bedrooms while their husbands are away, stimulates and seduces the women of Venice. I really enjoyed the movie, the set design and costumes and Heath Ledger does a great job in the lead role.

Giacomo Casanova (Heath Ledger) is a notorious playboy who leaves a smile on the faces of the women he seduces. When he is caught leaving the bedroom of a nun, the ruling government make it their goal to put an end to his immoral behavior. Luckily The Doge (Tim McInnerny), is a friend of Casanova and is able to help save him from being prosecuted by the Inquisition's, Pucci (Jeremy Irons), when he makes him promise to take a wife and promise his love to just one woman.

But which woman will he choose. Victoria (Natalie Dormer), is a young virgin who is eager to find herself a husband. When she finds out that Casanova is interested in her, she begs her father to allow him to take her. An easy task except that Giovanni Bruni (Charlie Cox) has been admiring and watching Victoria for a long time now and has fallen in love with her. He vows to not allow Casanova to take his bride from him. Casanova is challenged to a duel to the death for the hand of Victoria. During the challenge, Casanova learns he is really exchanging swords with Giovanni's sister, Francesca (Sienna Miller). This fascinates Casanova more as he turns his attention to winning her heart of Francesca and leaving Victoria behind. However, Francesca has already been promised to Papprizzio (Oliver Platt), a wealthy man she's never met. Casanova even goes as far as pretending he is Papprizzio in order to get closer to her. In this cat and mouse game of love, seduction and honor, the two will learn they have each found their soul mate.

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
Director: Lasse Hallström
Writers: Jeffrey Hatcher, Kimberly Dimi, Kimberly Simi
Producers: Mark Gordon, Leslie Holleran, Betsy Beers

I viewed 12/08