Rating: 
Summary: The Game as You have never seen it....
Review: You wouldn't necessarily think that an adaptation of an albeit famous 17th century French novel would make a relevant and fascinating piece of cinema... but it does.The first thing that strikes you is how well the film is lit and shot. The period locations and costumes are visually sumptuous and perfect. Better yet, the acting entirely matches the skill of the direction that takes its method from the theatre - emotions are conveyed by expression and not dialogue. Glenn Close gives her best performance on celluloid as the scheming Madame de Merteuil, amorally hellbent on bending everyone to her will, no matter the method or the cost, and John Malkovitch is her perfect foil as the cynical hedonistic but world-weary Valmont. Michelle Pfeiffer engages our empathy as the tortured and manipulated target of Malkovitch's desire and Close's plotting. The film is basically a morality tale, but one that fascinates in its exposure of ego, vanity, intrigue and the war between the genders, subjects that are timeless in their relevance, despite the period setting. The storyline, which sticks faithfully to the original novel, remains compelling throughout as we watch deceits within deceits take their tragic course. Whole-heartedly recommended - take your time over it, and enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: A ravishing, devilish good time!
Review: There's a certain degree of sinful pleasure hidden beneath the depravity of "Dangerous Liaisons," a film that is perversely elegant in its execution and daringly naughty in regard to its story. Based on the novel by Choderlos de Laclos, the script by Christopher Hampton explores the cause and effect nature of love, betrayal, and sinful intentions in both humorous and serious lights. While the material could be easily morose and unaffecting, director Stephen Frears spices up his canvas with a beautiful cast and a well-constructed production design. At the center of the story are two people who feed on the misery they cause others as a way to keep their urges for one another suppressed. Glenn Close is the seductively evil Marquise de Merteuil, a self-proclaimed "virtuoso of deceit" who believes it her duty to dominate the opposite sex, and avenge her own. Her latest undertaking involves the daughter of her naive friend Madame de Volanges (Swoozie Kurtz), for whom her former lover left her. In hopes of ruining daughter Cecile's (Uma Thurman) reputation, she calls upon beloved friend and partner in evil, Vicomte de Valmont, played by John Malkovich. Valmont, like Merteuil, prides himself on his accomplishments, and prizes the feeling of success that comes with the devastation he causes to women. But he has different plans in mind, involving the seduction and ruin of one Madame de Tourvel (Michelle Pfeiffer), whose ideals and virtues are the exact opposite of these two wicked souls. His plan is concocted from the most cruel of intentions: to make her want him so badly that she does not relinquish her beliefs, but instead is crushed by them once she gives in to his advances. Imagine his surprise when he finds that his task will not be as easy as he had at first hoped. When he finds that Tourvel is far more resistant than first expected, he agrees to aid Merteuil in her quest for revenge against Cecile. As the two weave their intricate web of deception and betrayal, Valmont finds himself in a position he never imagined possible, and Merteuil finds herself in danger of losing her grip over him. As you may have noticed, I've left out much of the important plot points concerning other characters; half the fun of this film is the unveiling of each evil plan, all of which fall into place in a manner that is ingeniously devilish and supremely potent. The manner in which these actions are carried out, and the overall effects they have, are unsettling, to be sure, yet there's a wondrous sense of awe about them, one that stems from the craftsmanship of such detailed revenges that are disturbing and mesmerizing at the same time. For such a devious story to work, a talented cast is in order, and "Dangerous Liaisons" supplies us with precisely that. Glenn Close is outlandish as Merteuil, mastering with incredible wit and sensibility the calculating nature of her character. She wonderfully portrays the physical beauty used to mask the cold-hearted novice with terrific gusto; in Merteuil's "win or die" conversation with Valmont, Close sells us on the character, and also proves her worth as an actress. Mirroring this delightfully evil performance is that of Malkovich, whose delectable wit and cool masterminding of deceit are supremely effective. For his character to work, there must be two key factors involved: we must believe enough in his ability to seduce and destroy, and we must be able to accept the change of heart that comes after meeting Tourvel. Malkovich is able to accomplish both with suave, debonair charm and true emotional feeling within his words. High praise to the supporting cast as well, who all give well-rounded performances. Pfeiffer portrays Tourvel's resistance and innocence perfectly, as well as the heartache and hardships once she accepts her feelings for Valmont. The two pawns in Merteuil's wicked game, Cecile and her young love, Chevalier Danceny, are played by Thurman and Keanu Reeves with a much-needed naivety and innocent virtue that casts Merteuil and Valmont in an even more chilling light. In my praise of the cast, I've neglected to mention the superb art direction and production design for "Dangerous Liaisons." Some of the best sets and costumes ever designed for a period motion picture reside here, conveying the elegance and aristocracy of pre-Revolution France in a very accurate manner; the bawdy, forceful score by George Fenton also receives high marks. Anyone looking for some fiendish fun with a believable premise need look no further than this film, a sheer delight of whimsy, devilish evil, and grotesque elegance.
Rating: 
Summary: Stiff Competition
Review: I first saw this on VHS a few years ago, and remember being stunned by the great acting, the rich costumes, fine settings, not to mention the sheer depravity of the tale; easily 4-5 stars. Then, purely by chance this year, I bought a copy of Untold Scandal, not realising it was a Korean version of the same story. Wow! Folks, this is how it should be done.
Intrigued, I dug out my old tape and watched it again. The performances still stand up, but the film-making looks jerky, crude, graceless. Still worth watching? Yes; but get hold of Untold Scandal too. You won't be sorry.
Rating:
Summary: Everything You could ever want
Review: All the actors in this movie are at some of their bests. The scenery and costuming if a awe inspiring. This movie will have you thinking about it for days after you have seen it, you will want to see it again and again, and each time you will love it more then the previous time.
Rating:
Summary: Wicked and sexy
Review: Whoa! Before watching this one, round up a lover, some satiny red wine, and a box of Godiva chocolates. It's a sumptuous extravaganca celebracing wickedness, betrayal, decadence, depravity, and sexual intrigue among 18th-century French aristocrats. Glenn Close and John Malkovich, former lovers and highly evolved cynics prey upon the emotions of innocents Michelle Pfeiffer and Uma Thurman. But then Malkovich actually starts having human feelings for one of the women, thus betraying the terms of the 'liason,' and the Marquise (G. Close) begins plotting her revenge.
Yowie, don't miss it. But you've gotta be in the right mood, and you've gotta have the right person to watch it with.
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous
Review: From an earlier review... "Great Potential Ruined By Mediocre Actors" Oh, now THIS is rich... THREE Oscar-nominated performances, and one of those is an example of "mediocre" acting? Gimme a break. This is without doubt a fine film... Wicked, delightful, and delicious even for this guy's guy (forget that "chick flick" nonsense, any man who doesn't wish to take Malkovich's place in "educating" a very young Ms. Thurman is delusional). Five stars, a modern classic. Superb cinematography, acting, costumes, dialogue, etc. Highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Power Battles, Marquise contra Vicomte (VHS Edition)
Review: 'Dangerous Liaisons' which was based upon Choderlos de Laclos' epistolary novel 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses' and adapted for the stage by Christopher Hampton [Hampton also wrote the screenplay] is definitely one of my favourite films although not without its flaws. It's dominated by the characters of the Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont who play dangerous games with the hearts and minds of young people. Director Stephen Frears did an excellent job in transferring Choderlos de Laclos' novel to the screen. This film is intelligent, has bite and it's quite edgy. The parts of the Marquise and Vicomte were taken by Glenn Close and John Malkovich and as already said, they dominate this film from the beginning to the end. Glenn Close is nothing short of brilliant as the remarkably intelligent, independent but scheming Marquise and the scenario provides her with excellent, cynical, biting pieces of dialogue. She plays the Marquise to the hilt. John Malkovich as that other predator, the Vicomte de Valmont, may not possess the overwhelming beauty which is mentioned in Choderlos de Laclos' novel. But he does have an edge and charisma which is essential to Valmont and he is more than able to rise to the challenges which the Marquise presents to him. Michelle Pfeiffer delivers a heart wrenching performance as the poignant Madame de Tourvel. But Uma Thurman as the young Cecile de Volanges left me unmoved. Further great costumes and locations. However central to this picture is the warfare between the Marquise and Vicomte for power and dominance. Their scenes together are electrifying and vibrate with tension. For viewers of this film [and future readers of Choderlos de Laclos' epistolary novel] it's interesting to know that the vital and elusive anti heroine Merteuil inspired the eminent Dutch writer Hella Haasse to write her own epistolary novel. Wherein the author starts an imaginary correspondence with the Marquise. For those who are familiar with the Dutch language it's a very good read. All in all, I recommend this edgy and intelligent film very highly.
Rating:
Summary: Almost a masterpiece
Review: At first glance, DANGEROUS LIAISONS appears to be an extravagant eighteenth-century period-piece, which it is; the powdered wigs and overflowing corsets typical of the genre are all here, and the cinematography is appropriately glossy. But boiling beneath the elegant surface are the deviously twisted sensibilities of two monstrous characters--the Marquise de Merteuil (Glenn Close) and the Vicomte de Valmont (John Malkovich), a pair of schemers (and former lovers) who take pleasure in coolly manipulating and seducing those around them. The Marquise challenges the Vicomte to seduce the virtuous Madame de Tourvel (Michelle Pfeiffer), but when the latter finds himself genuinely falling in love with his intended prey, the game quickly turns fatal--with devastating consequences for everyone involved. A period-piece? Yes, but one honed with a distinctly contemporary menace. It's rare, for example, to find a period-piece with such delicious, razor-sharp dialogue (which garnered the film an Academy Award for Best Screenplay Adaptation). It's also rare to find a period-piece that focuses primarily on sex, but treats its subject matter with so little eroticism. DANGEROUS LIAISONS is more about power and one-upmanship; sex merely serves as the weapon of choice. It's a diabolically entertaining film, a decadent one even; there's something both disturbing and enjoyable about watching the two central characters indulging in their elaborate power plays. The performances are strong for the most part (Close, Malkovich, and Pfeiffer all received Oscar nominations), although the women fare much better than the men. Glenn Close does a magnificent job as the evil Marquise, and supplies the film with some of its most explosive moments--the scene in which she quietly utters the word "War" without batting an eyelash is chilling beyond words. I didn't completely buy Malkovich as the charming lady-killer (a small but serious flaw that undermines the whole film), but he does a fine job with what he's given. Keanu Reeves, as usual, is utterly unfathomable, even in a relatively minor part. The best performance of all is delivered by Michelle Pfeiffer; as the tormented wife, she bares every inch of her moral anguish, and the results are heartbreaking to behold. Behind the cold-blooded duo of Close and Malkovich, it's Pfeiffer who provides the emotional heart of the film, and in every one of her pained expressions lies the evidence of the very human consequences at stake.
Rating:
Summary: Dangerous Liaisons
Review: Some reviewers spoke of the poor dvd quality. I was too young to see this film in the theaters when it came out, but is it possible that it could have been made to look like that? Sometimes a special filter is used on the camera to give the picture a specific look. I thought the haziness and soft, pastel colors presented in the movie mirrored the rococo style of the period perfectly. This is my favorite John Malkovich movie. His looks are irrelevent to his portrayal of the Viccomte. Malkovich completely embodied the sinister and seductive Valmont, and every time I watch this film, I fall under his spell, too.
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous
Review: From an earlier review... "Great Potential Ruined By Mediocre Actors" Oh, now THIS is rich... THREE Oscar-nominated performances, and one of those is an example of "mediocre" acting? Gimme a break. This is without doubt a fine film... Wicked, delightful, and delicious even for this guy's guy (forget that "chick flick" nonsense, any man who doesn't wish to take Malkovich's place in "educating" a very young Ms. Thurman is delusional). Five stars, a modern classic. Superb cinematography, acting, costumes, dialogue, etc. Highly recommended.
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