I realize that I'm in the minority here, but I just finished watching the DVD of NINE, and I really enjoyed it...with reservations.
Granted, I've never seen 8 1/2, nor have I seen NINE on stage, so I'm just judging the film on its own merits.
I thought that the staging of the musical numbers were sensational, the performances terrific and the story certainly had me involved.
My primary problem with the film (show) is that the songs are not memorable. Nothing that you would leave the theater humming.
I did like Marion Cotillard's first number and also Nicole Kidman's song. I thought they were quite touching.
Anyway, take it or leave it, that's my opinion.

Sorry, you lost me at "I've never seen 8 1/2." You, a supposed cinephile have never seen the amazing 8 1/2. Hmmm. Well, glad you enjoyed Nine - I, and many others, found it to be a failure of major proportions.
Back when
8 1/2 came out, I was at a point in my life where I was totally turned off on foreign language films.
LAST YEAR AT MARIENBAD did that for me.
When I finally got interested in foreign films again, I just never got around to it. It was one of those "Yes, I should see it...but not tonight" movies. I've never seen
THE SEVENTH SEAL or
RAN either, so sue me.
I know that they are great movies, but they are not
my cup of tea.
At this point in my life (and even back then), I want to be entertained. I don't want to see a film...just because I "should" see it.
I hated
AVATAR. I hated
THE DARK KNIGHT. But, most people loved those films.
That's fine. To each his own.
Frankly, I don't understand why you watch a lot of the films you watch, but if you enjoy them...great!
One man's garbage is another man's treasure.
Okay, my friend?
