The poetess Veronica becomes the most famous courtesan in Venice, loved by the powerful elite except Marcos. When Marco tells Veronica that they can not marry to each other because he should have a marriage of state and his parents would oppose due to their social differences, Veronica's mother Paola Franco (Jacqueline Bisset) tells her heartbroken daughter that she was a courtesan in the past, and now Veronica shall learn how to be a courtesan to support the family. The youth and witty Veronica Franco (Catherine McCormack) and the wealthy Marco Venier (Rufus Sewell), who is the brother of her best friend Beatrice (Moira Kelly), are in love for each other, but her mother can not afford the dowry for their marriage. In 1583, Venice is the richest and most decadent city in Europe and its women are treated like property and few even knew how to read. Reviewed by claudio_carvalho 10 / 10 One of the Most Beautiful Love Storiesand Based on a True Story The intrigue and romance all work painting a compelling picture of a historical moment and place. Jacqueline Bisset is perfect for her role. Catherine McCormack is a little old to play the ingenue but she fits the bill with beauty and determination. This is a compelling story of sex and power from the woman's point of view. There is war against the Ottoman, political intrigue with France, and the darkness of the Inquisition. Veronica becomes highly sought after in high society including Marco but also enemies like Marco's cousin Maffio Venier (Oliver Platt). Her mother (Jacqueline Bisset) reveals that she was a former courtesan and offers to train her. Veronica is heart-broken and wants to enter a convent. They become lovers but Marco has to get into a political marriage. Senator's son Marco Venier (Rufus Sewell) returns to the city and falls for childhood friend Veronica Franco (Catherine McCormack). There are limited opportunities for lower status women except for the courtesans who are the stars of society. Most women are illiterate and treated as property.

Reviewed by SnoopyStyle 8 / 10 sex and power At her inquisition, she must match wits with an old rival, speak for all women, and call courage from Venier. She's a heroine when she helps convince France to aid Venice in war with Turks, but when plague descends, the Church charges her with witchcraft. She steels her heart, and with beauty and intelligence becomes the best.

When Veronica Franco comes of age, she cannot marry Marco Venier, whom she loves, because she is well born but penniless. In 16th century Venice, courtesans enjoy unique privileges: dressed richly in red, they read, compose poetry and music, and discuss affairs of state with the men who govern the Republic.

Dangerous Beauty 1998 720p magnet