Satine and Christian
I could say that this duo has undeniable chemistry in "Moulin Rouge", but we can see that already, so I'm going to go into more specifics. Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman's acting is one of the things that drew me into this movie. The ending is tragically beautiful, mostly because of the expert acting chops from these two. It broke my heart and makes me cry every single time without fail. Their singing fits so well together that it transfixes you, and makes you care about them. Kidman plays a courtesan who wants nothing more than to have her opportunity to be an actor. McGregor’s character is a penniless writer who believes that love can overcome any monetary gains, and any obstacles, especially death.
"Come What May"
Most people remember this song from the movie most of all, and with good reason. It is sung between Satine and Christian to remind them that no matter what, they love each other. Mostly remembered as a classic love song, it holds meaning to most romantics even now. This song returns in the end of the movie, in one of my favorite scenes in a movie, period.
The "Like A Virgin" Scene
This is quite a bit off topic, but I bring it up because the performances are my favorite parts of this movie. One in particular stands out to me. The equally frightening and amusing performance of “Like a Virgin” by Zidler and the Duke is something you'll remember for a long time (whether you want to or not). It comes accompanied with dancing waiters and candelabras and all. In general, Zidler is a hugely entertaining character in his own right, so it becomes more entertaining than creepy as it seems (though it definitely is that as well.) 
(It really is quite wonderful.)
The Scenery
Speaking of performances, they are all perfectly performed with carefully planned choreography, and some of the best sets I’ve ever seen. They have their fair share of uplifting, sad, and (like above) odd performances that come with a musical.
Really, look how beautiful these performances are.
Freedom, beauty, truth, and love. "Moulin Rouge" sets itself in the center of the Bohemian revolution in France. Ewan Mcgregor's character emphasizes the power of love over all things, and their production ends up prevailing these ideas despite the challenges. This idea is the crux of this movie; they must fight to free themselves from the controlling clutches of the Duke who wants nothing but to keep Satine (Nicole Kidman) on a leash.
The Moulin Rouge struggles to stay afloat because it is practically a brothel, that ends up turning into a theater because of the Duke's funding. But their creative ideas are smothered by the personal opinions of their investor. The characters in their production fight tooth and nail to keep themselves strictly in these Bohemian ideals, and their struggle is tragically accurate to idealists at the turn of the 20th century.
The Ending
Satine’s character never gets to see her dreams of becoming an actress because of a sickness she contracts. The ending becomes a shout of freedom, but while they escape one obstacle, health cannot be overcome. The ending becomes tragic in this way and representative of the constant struggle of life. But it becomes apparent through the main character that suffering is worth the few moments of immense happiness and love. In Satine’s last moments, she feels true freedom. It makes the ending all the more beautiful.
This movie is colorful, fun, heartbreaking, and captivating all at once. It's so confusing and odd that you wonder how it became your favorite at all, but then it suddenly is. It's worth the watch for the music, and for the beautiful cinematography, but it keeps you hooked anyways until the end.
