Casanova (2005) User Reviews

Shakespearian sitcom is not dead

[rooprect · 7/10 · 7 September 2006]

This movie is a blast. If you're a fan of Shakespearian situational comedy (Twelfth Night, Midsummer Night's Dream, etc) then you're in for a treat. And please note that when I refer to Shakespeare, I'm talking about the original plays, not some stupid Kenneth Brannaugh romp.

The plot weaves a wonderfully tangled web of lies, misunderstandings and mistaken identities. The characters are just plain fun to watch. And director Lasse Hallström pulls off what so few people are able to do: make a comedy that doesn't offend anyone. Well, actually I think some Catholics may be offended at the uncomplimentary portrayal of the 18th century papacy, but from what I know of history, it's well deserved.

But this leads me to another point. Don't expect history, OK? A few reviewers seem to be upset by the poetic license Hallström takes. C'mon people, it's a fantasy. It's no different from the film AMADEUS which trounces all over historical fact but gives us a fantastic dramatic fiction in return. I admire creative writers who can turn history on its ear.

So yes, this isn't the erotic, decadent Casanova you may be expecting. In my opinion, that portrayal is hackneyed anyway. This is a much fresher approach. So put down your history books and enjoy the picture already.

This is a comedy, not a biography attempt

[Morgana_78 · 5/10 · 24 January 2006]

I just saw Casanova. I read most of the comments here before I went to see it and honestly I was on my way to give up on it. I had fun. I laughed and enjoyed it. One thing though: this is a comedy. If you are in search or a historical, accurate description of the famous Casanova then you are on the wrong path. Some people here said Jeremy Irons was... over-acting? Come on.. give him the merit he deserves as a great actor that he is. He was enjoying his role. I could almost see him laughing on the set after the director shouts out Cut! The only dramatic moment towards the end of the movie seemed to be there just to reinforce the comedy picture after it. Sienna Miller seemed a bit uneasy to me at the beginning with the speech in the University.. I loved the costumes and the settings. It definitely makes you think of buying a ticket to Venice. (Again!) Sensual? 10% Love story? 40% Comedy? The rest. So I say, if you are in the mood for something light, give it a chance and laugh :) And let us agree to disagree, shall we?

It plays out more like a parody of the legend.But that is not at all a bad thing.It's rather amusing and fun.

[HiddenVoice · 7/10 · 30 June 2006]

Upon its release,I wasn't sure about it,and my uncertainty was further heightened when it received mixed response.So,I waited until It came out on DVD charts to watch it.And frankly,I liked this period piece.

Even though it plays out more like a parody of the legend,it's not at all bad.It's rather amusing and really hilarious.With often silly but really rib tickling situations.

Casanova.Legend among the venetian city,and of course the ladies.The film chronicles the life of Casanova who knows how to get a woman laid on bed for pleasure,as he rises to fame through lies,deception,heresy,and mistaken identities.But it comes a day,when he finds his true love and it seems that a man that no women has ever rejected finally meets his match.And so he tries everything to get her.And finds true love within.

With a fresh and modern approach to the legend,it does no harm at all,and it's more fun to watch this semi-biography.It features some outlandish Production designing.Exquisitely designed sets and costumes,makes this film look rich.It's got impressive script with hilarious results.And an able directing.Hallstorm makes the film look really colorful and the setting lively.It's even got a sumptuous score.

Of course ,with its humor and execution,people will often compare this to Shakespeare in Love.Yes,it is similar in some ways,but it's a completely different experience overall.While that film was smartly funny.This film is silly fun.The silliness is allover the film.But it makes the bumbling characters all the more likable.It is a commendable film.

It is fresh,light on humor,outstandingly funny,and sometimes even sweet.Which makes you wonder why this film got a R rating? It wasn't all that grotante in its content.It played out more like a hard edged PG-13.

The film's tone and pacing is quick to admire.It's very likable.Largely due its settings and of course it's cast.One from the supporting actors really help it be more enjoyable.This offering from Disney is worth spending time on.It's fun,that's one thing for sure.

The cast superbly fills out their roles and help make Casanova so enjoyable.In particular Omid Djalili,who is just wonderfully funny.He is simply the one who offers snort out laughs without a hitch.His presence alone gives you belly laughs.As the bumbling sidekick ,he's just absolutely hysterical.

Heath Ledger as the playboy couldn't be more perfect.He is a charm to watch.And seems to be having more fun and feels more comfortable here,when compared to the dark,tragic performance he gave in Brokeback Mountain.

Sienna Miller was a complete surprise.She really catches your attention.She's gorgeous and adorable.And plays out her role with confidence.Only,she can't match the performance Gwyneth Paltrow gave in Shakespeare in Love.

Oliver Platt is hysterical.He injects fun to his scenes.And the scenes with him and Casanova with his sidekick Lupo are the highlights.Jeremy Irons and Lena Olin were fine.

Althogether,an entertaining period piece that is aided by the great actors involved and fun to be had.Sure,it's silly ,it's unfocused and flawed.But it is an modernistic version of the Legend and it plays that way just fine.It may be farcy,but it's a delightfully delicious romantic comedy romp.Just enjoy it.

Be The Flame, Not The Moth

[Chrysanthepop · 9 February 2009]

'Casanova' is a funny Venecian comedy that has a good doze of romance, humour, drama and colour. Yes, the sets and costumes are pleasantly colourful. The art direction deserves credit. Even though the sets look theatrical, it fits with the presentation. The whimsical score adds energy. The editing is mostly good but the film does drag a little in the middle. In terms of story, there isn't anything new (which is the usual case with romantic comedies) and I would have liked to see the love blossom between Casanova and Francesca after they find out each other's identity and also how Casanova resists his 'urge' to be with other women in order to be faithful to Francesca. The dialogues are witty and amusing. Heath Ledger fits the part and effectively pulls off the title role. Sienna Miller is unrecognizable but still pretty. She may arguably be a little too young for the part but is still vivacious and her youth adds to the stubbornness of the character. Lena Olin has a graceful presence. Oliver Platt is hilarious. The romantic track between Paprizzio and Andrea is among the most endearing and funniest moments. Omid Djalili is great as the sidekick. Jeremy Irons is good too. 'Casanova' isn't pathbreaking cinema but it would make for a good date movie or a Sunday night/rainy day film. It's colorfully vibrant. It's funny. It's nice to look at.

Pretty Vacant

[Rathko · 7/10 · 6 February 2006]

A competently handled piece of entertaining fluff, but little more. Everything looks incredible, with the lightness and clarity of a Canaletto, and Beavan brings her usual eye for detail to the costume design. The script is full of mistaken identities, secret aliases, crude innuendo and romantic misunderstandings – all the finest clichés, in fact, of period comedy. The actors do well in roles that expect little from them, with Ledger successfully playing Casanova against expectations, but Platt and Irons stand out, at times stealing the whole show.

An attractive, if forgettable movie, that will be of interest more to fans of the 18th century than fans of fine films.

There's no need to apologize for the Inquisition.

[Gore_Won · 7/10 · 14 February 2008]

It's almost unbelievable that this movie got an R rating in the States, but such is the state we are in, isn't it? As for the user who claims that this movie does not make fun of the Catholic Church, there is no need for such apologizing. For was it not Pope Innocent III who said, "Use against heretics the spiritual sword of excommunication, and if this does not prove effective, use the material sword"? Did Pope Paul IV not proclaim, "If my own father were a heretic, I would personally gather the wood to burn him"? Then again, Protestantism is not much above the bloodlust, either. Martin Luther, the father of Protestant Christianity, said, "No one need think that the world cannot be ruled without blood. The civil sword can and must be red and bloody." He also stated, "Reason must be deluded, blinded, and destroyed." So let's leave religion out of a movie, and enjoy it for the fun that it is. If we're dealing blames, we'll be here past sundawn.

Heath Ledger shines the brightest

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 26 January 2014]

Casanova (Heath Ledger) is always looking for love, but there is something more about the brilliant Francesca (Sienna Miller). Her brother who's never met Casanova is engaged to Victoria (Natalie Dormer) who lusts after Casanova. Francesca is betrothed to Paprizzio (Oliver Platt) who thinks Casanova is the feminist writer Guardi, who is really Francessca's nomme de plume. Meanwhile, the Catholic Church sends Pucci (Jeremy Irons) to bring Casanova and Guardi to trial for heresy.

It's all very complicated and confusing. It's hard at times to keep all the relationships in line. I love the beautiful locations, but it's the winsome Heath Ledger that shines the brightest. He IS Casanova. He is completely believable having all those women orbiting him. Although I wish Francesca was played by another, somebody more bookish and nerdy. It would make Casanova's love more emotional and intellectual.

Funny and fun

[HotToastyRag · 7/10 · 30 March 2021]

As the world famous lover Casanova, Heath Ledger can have any woman he wants. Except for Sienna Miller, a feminist who wants a man to appreciate her mind and be sincere. Heath has gotten into one too many scrapes with the law, violating the church's sanctity by sleeping with married women and postulates, and he's in desperate need of a changed image. He gets engaged to the sheltered, innocent Natalie Dormer. He doesn't love her, and when he quickly falls for Sienna, he lies about his identity so she won't hate him. Sienna is, in turn, has a secret identity, too. She writes a series of feminist pamphlets in a man's name.

With all these mistaken identities and clever lies, it's bound to get complicated. My favorite part is the side plot with Oliver Platt. Sienna's mother, Lena Olin, has arranged a marriage between them, although they've never met. When he arrives in Venice, Heath is there at the dock to greet him - with a smile, quick lies, and a plan to benefit himself. Funny and quick, this tongue-in-cheek comedy will keep you guessing from start to finish. I don't know why Casanova and Don Juan movies are always light, but they are. This doesn't really take the lack of promiscuity of the time period seriously, but it's entertaining. And it's a great follow-up from Heath Ledger's A Knight's Tale two years earlier.

This Lasse Hallstrom film has beautiful attention to detail with the sets and costumes. Every scene takes you to the lovely setting of 1700s Venice (although it was filmed in a different city). The lighting, the canals, and the ancient-looking buildings, are all gorgeous - not to mention the beautiful period costumes made with rich fabrics.

Heath Ledger in Casanova: A Banyan Kept as a Bonsai

[lazy_scraps · 6/10 · 31 July 2020]

Perfect casting of Heath Ledger as Casanova. But his magnificent voice and charming portrayal of the womaniser felt a bit too alone in this movie's embroil of a very poor script, extremely weak character inter-reactions and blasé humour architected with forced punchlines. The wannabe-deep concept of love which the movie tried to offer from the very beginning just went straight down the gutter with the shallow fate designing for the characters Victoria and Giovanni at the end. Costume, music, photography, individual acting of characters all were kinda okay (mostly). But, to me, the most sorrowful fact for this movie was not being able to unveil and use Heath Ledger's potentials up to the mark due to the joke of a script fueled by extremely poor character interactions.

David Jeffers for SIFFblog.com

[rdjeffers · 1/10 · 25 January 2006]

Monday December 5, 7:00pm Pacific Place 11, Seattle

Lasse Hallström successfully merges the decay and decadence of baroque Venice with MTV in his latest film Casanova. Exquisite locations, beautiful photography and Vivaldi on an endless loop are combined with the Farrelly Brothers brand of infantile sexual humor to bring the viewer a mind numbing one hundred eight minutes of something that is a combination of bad Masterpiece Theater and super-classy spaghetti sauce commercial. There is not the slightest hint of any real depth or eroticism in the entire film. A thoughtful and intelligent script includes gems like; "It's a man and you're a whore." "I'm an actress." "What's the difference?" and "Heresy is what ever I say it is!" Heath Leger's performance in the 2002 remake of Four Feathers proved he can act. He is little more than an underwear model in this film. Hallström has directed several quality films. This is not one of them. Casanova is a dismal, two-dimensional teen exploitation film dressed up in the most beautiful location on earth with an enormous budget. What a horrific waste.

This comment was originally posted December 6, 2005 and was deleted following a violation complaint filed by another user. It is sarcastic but is in no way spiteful. No profanity or obscene language is used and no personal information is mentioned. It does not violate IMDb comment guidelines to the best of my understanding and I welcome specific feedback to the contrary. It is an honest assessment of a truly awful movie and my personal opinion.

Great fun, wonderful settings and music, for all ages

[vanderveldenton · 10/10 · 11 January 2006]

I read here that in the USA this film got an R rating, not PG-13, as ¨director Hallström wanted, only because of something that is suggested is happening under a table. In the Netherlands, where it had it's premiere yesterday, the rating is for over 5 year olds, so that says enough for whom this movie really is. I was at first a little disappointed to find out that this is not a historical movie, but a slapstick comedy, but I loved the settings (Venice and Vicenza,where they made a scene in the famous Teatro Olimpico, which is supposed to be a Venice University in the movie) and the music which is mostly baroque (Vivaldi, Albinoni, Händel, Rameau, Paisiello and a few more) and as a baroque music lover I thoroughly enjoyed the movie just only for the music alone. This must be one of the first-ever costume farce movies, but if you forget all the movies like Shakespeare in love or Pride and Prejudice and take this movie for it's own merits, it is a thoroughly rewarding experience. There was a lot of laughing by the audience and I found myself laughing more than in any movie I remember. It is thoroughly entertaining from first to last minute, but devout Catholics will find it insulting, as it makes fun of the Catholic Church, but it should be quite evident to everyone, also devout catholics, that the story is not to be taken too seriously, so why being bothered by it? The movie can actually be considered as a modern version of an opera buffa. Obviously there is a romantic plot and by all the farce and hilariousness I would say that the romantic element gets snowed under, but, as said, you have to accept this movie for what it is and concentrate on the lavish settings, costumes, music, the fun, and you will want to see it many more times, like me.

Lies, virtue and love

[TheLittleSongbird · 6/10 · 3 June 2019]

Despite the mixed to negative reviews, that didn't deter me from wanting to see 'Casanova' for many reasons. That it was advertised as a partially true account of the life of a quite fascinating character was one. My love for films set in a different (historical) period was another. And then there is that it was directed by Lasse Hallström, responsible for some great films such as 'My Life as a Dog', 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape' and 'Chocolat' (remember liking 'Cider House Rules' but that needs a rewatch).

Furthermore, 'Casanova' had a lot of immensely talented actors in the cast and that it was set in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Went to Italy for the first time early last year and it was one of my favourite ever holidays and Venice was one of the highlights despite lots of walking and some of the food being over-priced in my mind. Seeing it, part of me did enjoy and found a lot to like about 'Casanova' (certainly liked it much more than the critics) but another part of me can understand why the reception was mixed. All of the cast have done better work in better films (especially Heath Ledger in 'The Dark Knight' and Jeremy Irons in 'Dead Ringers'), though that is not disparaging their performances at all. Also think that it is a (slightly) lesser effort for Hallström, though it is a better film than 'Safe Haven' and 'The Nutcracker and the Four Realms'.

There are great things about 'Casanova'. It is immensely attractive on a visual level, Casanova's wig being the exception. The sumptuous costumes rich in colour, the equally handsomely rendered production design and especially the stunning Venice itself have full impact thanks to some beautiful cinematography. Alexandre Desplat's score has spirit, whimsy and understatement which complements the film beautifully, the inspired inclusion too of baroque music (i.e. Vivaldi) also doing that. It also does well in matching what is going on, fitting the type of film, better than quite a lot of period pieces. Pucci's entrance, the solemn walk to execution and the climax are especially good in this regard.

'Casanova' does have genuinely funny wit too in the dialogue, has some playful slapstick in parts and there is liveliness namely provided by the supporting cast. A particularly hilarious scene is with Oliver Platt being discovered covered in lard, and another with the pig under the table. There are sly turns in the plot that are as surprising to the viewer as they are to the characters. The cast do very well here generally, personally do not think they over-acted mostly and if it did seem that way it was down that it looked like they were having more fun than Ledger. Platt especially is a comic joy and lifts the film whenever he appears, and Irons should do comedy more because he does show that he has great comic timing while being a sinister presence too as Pucci. Sienna Miller is charming and has some sweet chemistry with Ledger.

Do think however that 'Casanova' doesn't do enough justice to a character that was much more colourful than seen here. Contrary to what was advertised, its depiction of his story is actually very loose with little truth to it. Ledger does underplay and is a little too restrained, he could have brought more edge to the role. Hallström's direction can be assured at times but at other times it's leaden in particularly a few very draggy stretches in the middle. The pace is also uneven, sometimes it's perfect, but the middle occasionally does drag, Ledger and Miller's scenes needed more momentum, other than when Platt and Irons are on screen.

Also found the climax on the rushed side, and it was at that point in particular when the farcical humour and slapstick became over the top and silly. While enjoying the plot twists, the story does have too much going on at times and it does get confusing when trying to keep up.

In conclusion, enjoyable enough but a bit mixed here. 5.5/10

It did not seduce me

[Galina_movie_fan · 5/10 · 26 October 2006]

I always thought it would be a good idea to make a comedy about young Casanova – his incredible adventures, love stories, his struggle with church. Casanova was a fascinating historic figure, a soldier, spy, diplomat, writer, adventurer who will also be remembered as the greatest seducer and lover the world had ever seen (if only from his own words). His life and mystery surrounded him has made him an ultimate hero for many novels, plays, and movies. Sadly, not all Casanova's movies are good and Lasse Hallström's comedy belongs to the long list of not successful movies. Sure, it is gorgeous to look at – it is 18th Century Venice after all, and locations, photography, Vivaldi's music, costumes, wigs, make up are first class but beyond all this is just another typical chick flick or romcom with Heath Ledger whose Casanova is not that brilliant and fascinating figure but just a cute guy - no more, no less.

Carry On Casanova

[happy_hangman · 20 February 2006]

'Casanova' owes sod all to the historical Giacomo, and absolutely everything to the mistaken-identity historical rom-coms of the 1940s and 1950s. There's more than the odd touch too, here and there, of the Hope and Crosby 'Road' movies. Heath Ledger pours on the rakish charm as our titular hero, and Sienna Miller makes a feisty foil as the strong willed love of his life.

The plot, as one might expect, is more full of holes than a Swiss cheese, and is patent nonsense from start to finish. This is no bad thing. It's unpretentious escapist retro nonsense replete with snarling pantomime villains, dopey law-guardians, comic-grotesque yokels, swordfights, dances, fireworks and lots of very pretty costumes.

Ledger is well cast - reclaiming his heterosexual credentials after recent success in 'Brokeback Mountain' - and while there's no real chemistry with his leading lady, they are at least an attractive on-screen couple, and the script (save for a couple of incongruous modern puns – "this is the last time I travel coach") sufficiently witty to hold the attention of the audiences.

Much of the success of the film is down to the supporting characters. More, perhaps, could have been made of Lena Olin and Tim McInnery, but Omid Djalili (a fine performer for once, thankfully, not designated a 'seedy Arab' role) and Oliver Platt (bluff, earnest and very funny) are superbly deadpan. Jeremy Irons fumes wonderfully as the baddie, and a host of British character actors (history, in Hollywood terms, being populated entirely by RADA graduates) fill in the gaps where the plot should be.

Mindless – but good natured – fun. Expected more from Lasse Hallstrom, though.

A Flippantly Fun Film ...But Beware The History Buff

[fwomp · 7/10 · 11 May 2006]

Let's get one thing clear right off the bat: I really, really, really enjoy Lasse Hallstrom's films. The Cider House Rules, The Shipping News (one of my all time favorites), Chocolat, and What's Eating Gilbert Grape are a few that stand out. So I went into this movie expecting the typical Lasse-style film …and I wasn't disappointed.

For those looking for a historically accurate recounting of Casanova's life, you best look elsewhere; this movie only touches on a few aspects of the great lover. Here we get a fun, raucous comedy with cinematic character (all filmed on location in Venice) along with sumptuous sets and startling costumes.

Heath Ledger (Brokeback Mountain, 2005) plays the starring role and does so with a wit and charm reserved for such a part. Indeed, I'm becoming more and more impressed with Mr. Ledger. His ability to play a confused gay cowboy in one film, then a slight historical figure in the next speaks well for his future acting career.

The story… Casanova's life is in jeopardy. The Prince of Venice has been covering for Casanova's immoral behavior (fornicating and adulterating) but the Catholic Church has had enough. Inquisitor Pucci (played perfectly by the baritone-voiced Jeremy Irons) has come to Venice to hang the famed lover of women. But confusion reigns as Casanova misdirects the Inquisitor by taking on the (phony) mantle of Paprizzio, a famed pork lard salesman. Oliver Platt (again, perfectly cast) nearly steals the show as the real – and rotund – Paprizzio who comes to Venice to marry the beautiful Francesca Bruni (Sienna Miller). Casanova falls in love with Francesca while Paprizzio falls for another. But Casanova is promised to another "virgin" whom he must marry in order to save his neck. Can he go against his womanizing behavior and get married? Is his affection for Francesca just another set of desires? Or could it be true love? Against all of this slapstick behavior is the beautiful backdrop of Venice. Its amazing streets, waterways, ancient buildings with staggeringly beautiful edifices, and, of course, the usual Lasse Hallestrom direction of all of it; this is what Mr. Hallstrom loves more than anything else: letting the settings become a character themselves.

This isn't to say the movie is perfect. It isn't. The script, although holding its own charm, was fairly shallow and predictable. For instance, when Paprizzio is rebuffed by Francesca, his future wife, everyone knows that Paprizzio will find another mate close by.

But even so, the film is packed full of great dialogue, great sets, even better costumes, and some wonderful actors (How could you possibly dislike a film with Oliver Platt, Jeremy Irons, Lena Olin, and Heath Ledger in it?) History buffs should avoid the film like the plague, but if you like slight comedies and, in particular, have enjoyed the Lasse Hallstrom films listed above, you'll delight in this flick. No doubt about it

A Nutshell Review: Casanova

[DICK STEEL · 6/10 · 10 February 2006]

Hollywood has depicted many legendary lovers in one way or another, from Don Juan to Valentino, and this time, Venetian playboy Casanova gets the big screen treatment in the form of Hollywood "It" boy Heath Ledger playing the title role, with much aplomb.

Hollywood's Casanova, set in the 18th Century, isn't a very serious film, taking its cues from 90s styled period productions like The Three Muskateers (which also starred Oliver Platt) and Man in the Iron Mask (with ex-Hollywood "It" boy Leonardo DiCaprio). Casanova, as we learn, lacks mama's love, as he gets abandoned while she sets off with her unseen lover, but not before she vowed to return, and therefore bringing to our attention that his view of love is probably screwed to begin with.

He sees women as conquests, and if Geishas can stop a man in his tracks with just one look, Casanova can bed thousands of women with his sweet nothings, and I mean nothings. Becoming the god of fornication brings about infamy to his name, until he has to salvage it by settling down with the right women, or face the church's wrath.

While setting his sights on probably the last virgin in Venice (yes, the image of Virgin Mary did come on screen), he's also attracted by the strong willed Francesca Bruni (Sienna Miller), in a role that personifies feminism. She cross-dresses as a man to get to educational institutions, writes under a pseudonym to express her thoughts on the modern woman, and holds on to the notion on one true love. Alas, she's engaged to a pork lard merchant from Genoa, Paprizzio (Oliver Platt), whose family wealth is much needed to the Bruni family.

There are countless of cheese that added plenty of camp to the characters, and stretched was the notion of mistaken identities like a grand Venetian Masquerade, as Casanova schemes his way to get past the Church and women to get to his prize - Franscesca. Certain scenes seemed implausible, like American Pie styled antics in the grand ball, as we see Casanova wriggle his way out of tight situations he puts himself in.

But the Catholic Church perhaps got the most flak, like the depiction of horny nuns, dim-witted investigators (Jeremy Irons sleepwalking through his role as an Inspector Closeau clone), and having strange powers like the restoration of a woman's virginity. Corruption too prevails, as the Papal Office seemed eager to strike shady deals in order to further its cause.

The movie has its moments, but not enough to carry the entire movie through. It stuck to safe predictable formula to entertain, and offers nothing much in its censored version shown here. Good probably for a boring weekend, and if you want to check Heath out to compare with his role in the other Oscar heavyweight movie.

Casanova, just a bit of froth

[turtlemom1 · 6/10 · 18 January 2006]

It's not that the film is bad, it's just that it isn't very good. Heath Ledger brings little to his role other than competence. I didn't buy his ardor, see any complexity in his character, or feel his portrayal had enlightened me in any way.

Maybe the problem is with the direction and script, which failed to give us anything other than a bit of an amusement. Highly improbable, shallow motivations, unlikely coincidences... this is not the stuff of great film.

Sienna Miller is a limited actress. Let's be frank. She's not a great beauty or a great talent. Maybe she just hasn't had the right role.. or director. Lena Olin, who plays her mother, is far sexier, more interesting and steals scenes with aplomb.

Oliver Platt is the best thing in the film. He's fearless and complex, and you grow to care for his character a great deal.

I was bothered by the unadorned, yet obviously pierced earlobes of both Heath and Sienna. Surely the makeup people could have dealt with that modern anomaly?

I have seen this movie, and was surprised, in a good way

[blockbuster87 · 7/10 · 2 December 2005]

I received free tickets to this movie as an advanced screening. I was not expecting much at all, however I was really surprised in how genuinely funny the movie was. It is more of a comedy than anything else. I do not understand why it received an "R" rating though. There was no blood, or violence or nudity at all. It was really quite tame. If you are expecting humor in the likes of "Wedding Crashers" or "40 Year Old Virgin" you will be disappointed. If you remember the "Three Musketeers" With Charlie Sheen, Keifer Sutherland and curiously enough Oliver Platt, then you have an idea of what this movie is like. Except it is more funny.

Delightful Comic Romantic Romp

[noralee · 9/10 · 11 January 2006]

"Casanova" is a delightful comic farce that uses a period setting for an amusing cross between "The Princess Bride," "Much Ado About Nothing" and the spirit of "The Marriage of Figaro" (not at all "Don Giovanni" that is based on the same legend).

Director Lasse Hallström gets the romantic romp tone right here, compared to what he did not achieve in "Chocolat." He establishes from the opening that this is just fun opera buffo, with frequent sight gags and commedia dell'arte troupes and Punch and Judy-type puppet shows broadly commenting on the action, though it took four writers to stitch together the broad double entendres and winks at Shakespeare, from, appropriately, "Merchant of Venice", to "The Merry Wives of Windsor" to "Taming of the Shrew."

Heath Ledger has grown up since he first demonstrated he had the light touch for romantic comedy in the teen version of "Shrew," "10 Things I Hate About You," and he's much more confident now. One of the cute conceits of the film is that the women are the aggressors, especially the virgins and novices. As the title character, he modestly claims that his success is solely due to his ability to submit. While he's not particularly leonine in the frequent shots of him lounging on a divan, he is dashing as he runs around Venice taking on several different mistaken identities. If his clinch with Jake Gyllenhaal in "Brokeback Mountain" wouldn't already qualify him for an MTV Best Kiss this year, the big one with Sienna Miller could earn a nomination.

Miller is a bit young for her role as a Portia-like "transvestite" philosopher defending the rights of women, but her youth makes her brash earnestness seem more charmingly naïve. As her lively mother, Lena Olin provides the older woman ballast, without the usual sex-starved widow stereotypes.

Oliver Platt should be signed immediately to do a major production of "Falstaff," as he deftly and physically plays that character type, here a lard mogul representative of mercantile Genoa, even more deliciously and sympathetically than he has in "Ice Harvest" and "Huff."

Jeremy Irons has fun playing the Inquisitor, representing religious Rome, whose purple robes fit right in at a carnivale masquerade ball.

The look of the film helps enormously, with the best use of Venice as a sensuously unique setting since "Dangerous Beauty," not just for the usual gondolas and canals, but the steps, plazas, architecture, roofs, narrow streets, alleys and the light. The wigs and costumes are wonderfully colorful.

The marvelous stitching together of Baroque music keeps the mood merry, with overtures and dances from eight Jean-Philippe Rameau operas, six Italian composers, including of course Vivaldi, as well as snatches of Handel and Telemann added at appropriate water and fireworks moments.

Entertaining enough but not very deep

[ambermariejersey · 6/10 · 23 February 2006]

Having watched the recent television adaptation of Casanova, I was looking forward to this film. However, unlike the TV version, which had stunning sets, was funny, romantic and ultimately had me in tears, this film was completely ridiculous and quickly descended into a farce. Venice did look absolutely stunning, but it's impossible for it not to, and the costumes were also good. But the plot was dire, the acting not particularly inspiring, and the humour weak. There were some amusing parts, for example the Doge (just for his costume and facial expressions) and the fat guy (whose name I don't remember) being covered in lard. Overall, it was entertaining enough but if you want something deep and romantic, I would not recommend this.

An embarrassing farce

[rch427 · 3/10 · 1 October 2006]

Easily the worst film I've seen having to do with Giacomo Casanova. First, the casting was absurd. Heath Ledger is a skilled actor in some settings, but he's well out of his depth here, exhibiting absolutely no charisma or worldliness. Lena Olin seems like she just stepped off the set of The O.C., and Jeremy Irons (as a shrill martinet) is clearly embarrassed with his role; I hope he was well-paid. And then spanked.

But it's the plot and script that are mainly to blame for "Casanova" being quite so dire. Neither of these ever rises above the level of a 1980s TV comedy. If you've seen any period bedroom farce of the past 50 years, you've already seen this one. Don't waste your time.

Just a fun operetta

[mikkjall · 8/10 · 23 February 2006]

Who cares if the plot adheres to the facts, this is a lighthearted movie not intended to be take seriously! It is a romp around the most beautiful city in the world. The wonderful music carefully selected and very well performed is just a joy, and the actors all camp it up with a wealth of nuance, subtlety and verve. It conveys all the joy of life of this city and this period when noblemen and lesser mortals dressed up and paraded the canal-sides and passages and bridges, masked to preserve identity and equality.

Almost a Moulin Rouge backdrop at times with almost circus-like pranks. Not intended to be taken seriously-get it? A romp, a party, an opera, and wonderful fun.

Good light hearted comedy

[gayledeane317 · 7/10 · 12 January 2006]

I wasn't looking forward to seeing this movie and was a little nervous about the R rating. I must say I laughed more than I have in a long time watching a movie. Oliver Platt was great and so was the actor playing Casanova's servant or whatever he was. Don't go expecting an Academy Award movie but a light hearted, funny movie. The table scene that changed the rating from PG-13 to R could have been left out but overall I enjoyed this movie. I would not recommend this movie to younger children due to the nature of Casanova and how he got his name as well as the subject is talked about quite often. Heath Ledger was great in this role, similar to his character in A Knights Tale.

Horrid piece of crap

[bjdtrial · 1/10 · 3 November 2006]

Good Lord! Cassanova was actually an historic figure who knew many of the illuminati of his time. He was known for a lot of things (including inventing the national lottery in France), not just womanizing--his recollections of which may have been influenced by the advanced age at which he wrote his memoirs. This nasty piece of HollyMush has nothing to do with Cassanova, but sort-of-resembles the Don Juan story--badly. Why even call it Cassanova, then? Lets not subvert real history. (I betcha Cassanova was also "actually an American" and all of Italy is "really California," too!) The real Cassanova is actually quite fascinating, and there is an actual story involving passion, a real jailbreak, and life among the debauched upper classes of Europe.

adorable

[Kirpianuscus · 14 June 2019]

It reminds a lava cake. Because it is a real delight. From acting to the landscapes, from the story, reminding Marivaux to the costumes, drom humor to music. A film about a sort of Casanova not different but seductive. And, after many reserves about opportunity to propose Heath Ledge in the lead role, you discover, scene by scene, the special bbeautiful work of him. Short, just adorable.