About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

You'd be hard-pressed to find two more attractive leading actors to headline a film all about romance, lust, and love. Hot off his critically acclaimed turn in Brokeback Mountain, Heath Ledger turns in a terrific performance in Casanova as does his onscreen love, Sienna Miller. Ledger and Miller are both enjoyable to watch in this rousing love story.

Pretty costumes, pretty scenery, and pretty people - Casanova's an enjoyable feast for the eyes and not a bad way to spend a date night at home.



Pros

• Great chemistry between the two romantic leads
• Oliver Platt practically steals the film with his engaging performance

Cons

• None worth noting

Description

• 'Creating an Adventure' - The joys and challenges of shooting in Venice and telling this story
• 'Dressing in Style' - A special featurette all about the film's costumes
• Extended sequence - 'Hiding in Plain Sight'
• 'Visions of Venice' - Architecture and scenery from the romantic city
• Commentary by director Lasse Hallstrom
• DVD Release Date: April 25, 2006

Guide Review - Casanova DVD Review

The sparks fly between Heath Ledger and Sienna Miller in Casanova, a beautiful retelling of the classic story of the legendary lover.

Casanova's happy hopping from bed to bed, satisfying a bevy of beauties and not worrying for a moment about relationships or even second dates. No, the world is his oyster or so it seems. But things change for the carefree hunk when he falls in love with an intelligent, strikingly beautiful woman (Miller) who thinks he's an absolute jerk.

To complicate matters, he agrees to an engagement with another woman while trying to stay one step ahead of those in power who want to see him jailed - or worse.

Director Lasse Hallstrom does a great job of bringing the story to life for audiences of all ages (well, 18 and older) and both sexes. The cinematography and production design is first rate and with amazing supporting performances by Oliver Platt and Lena Olin, this Casanova is a must-see for fans of romantic movies (or Heath Ledger).

The Bonus Features

Skip through the director commentary track and instead spend time with the featurettes included on the Casanova DVD. The behind the scenes footage is both entertaining and educational. It's interesting to see how the cast and crew react to actually being able to film in Venice. Their joy at being able to bring this particular story to life in that setting is palpable.