Although it was unfortunately ignored during its brief theatrical release, this sumptuously seductive production is that rarest of cinematic breeds, the (barely) respectable guilty pleasure. Combining historical fact with hysterical anachronisms of language and mannerism, it's been tailored for maximum contemporary appeal but maintains a lush, romantic feel for its factual 16th-century tale of Venetian love, lust, and political repression. Catherine McCormack (Mel Gibson's ill-fated bride in Braveheart) delivers a star-making performance as the "dangerous beauty" who becomes a skillful courtesan to pursue her forbidden love for a dashing Venetian senator (Rufus Sewell). It's all rather silly in a high-toned fashion, and the film turns dour when the church intervenes with a Scarlet Letter-like papal inquest. But the movie's joyously ribald vitality is utterly irresistible, and the casting of McCormack with Jaqueline Bisset (as her mother and courtesan mentor) is a stroke of pure genius. Merchant-Ivory would've made a smarter film from this material, but it probably wouldn't be nearly as entertaining. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Dangerously Entertaining I have been searching for this film for some time now. When I owned it on VHS it had the title 'The Honest Courtesane' and I couldn't track it down on DVD then flicking through Amazon I managed to track it down and am delighted to have added it to my collection again. The one thing that has remained with me about this film is it's sheer decadence of filmography relaying the splendour of Venice during the life of Veronica Franco. It is highly colourful and beautiful and the soundtrack from the film has... more info
honest courtesan / dangerous beauty I have no idea why the title was changed but it really is one of the all time classics for anyone who loves romantic tales involving females who win out over the odds. This is one of the films I can watch again and again (especially with my pal kipper and a bottle of wine). If I could have given it 10 stars I would have done!
must see this film... ..if you are a romantic like me, then Dangerous Beauty is a must watch, it is one of my favourite films, and is truly beautiful. The acting is brilliant, Catherine Mccormick is excellent as the leading lady, and the love story between her character Veronca and that of Marco played by Rufus Sewell, is in my opinion one of the best i have ever seen in a movie... watch this film its great!
Aka "The Honest Courtesan" Or "A Destiny of Her Own"! I really don't know why this film has three titles! What I can tell you is that it is a beautifully produced picture of life in 16th Century Venice. If you love Venice you can't miss this! Especially if you love the "Carnivale" there because this is such a visual treat with masses of gorgeous frocks! On a more serious note it is also the almost true life story of the amazing Veronica Franco, a woman of talent, education and spirit who was a poetess and powerful courtesan. Her profession was not of her... more info
![Dangerous Beauty [1998]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PnkmB6PWL._SL160_.jpg)
