Rating: 
Summary: Dangerous Liasions
Review: Beautiful, elegant, seductive and entertaining film version of the translated, same titled play. Also adapted for the screen in a film called "Valmont" starring Colin Firth and Fairuza Balk, this film is extremely good. It's photography and direction is truly astonishing, as well as the classical music pieces. Glenn Close, John Malkovich and Michelle Pheifer grace the movie with their excellent performances, as well as Uma Thurman and Keanu Reeves in suprisingly one of their lesser known roles. A scrumptious film about the battle of the sexes.
Rating:
Summary: Mutually Assured Destruction
Review: Glenn Close, who portrays the Marquise De Merteuil, and John Malkovich as the Viscomte De Valmont, place on the screen two of the more evil characters to appear in the cinema. There are not evil as in starting a World War, but absolutely bereft of humanity as they live for the amusement found by falsely gaining and then destroying the affection, confidence and the love of others. Their motivation is as simple as why a person may climb a mountain, "because it is there". The same thinking is used to embark upon the dismantling of another on a whim, or due to an elaborately perceived slight. Their wealth and position allow them their evil games and they use these to full advantage.The transfer from film to DVD is poor and unworthy of such a visually stunning film, especially one awarded for the visual spectacle the director and costumers created. The Chateau locations and their grounds are spectacular but they are hampered by a poor transfer. The film deserves better treatment and hopefully a better product combined with featurettes of the film's making will also find their way to a new disc. The balance of the cast includes even more familiar names including Michelle Pfeiffer, Uma Thurman, Keanu Reeves, and Swoosie Kurtz. And while virtually all of these characters are harmed by the two primary practitioners of evil, they are not the same people who will suffer mortally, be it physical or social. And while not playing traditional roles, the spectacular homes, the period dress, and the elaborate ritual involved in 18th Century French Aristocratic living creates a visual treat. The only reason I leave off the 5th star is because the transfer to DVD is so poor. This film was honored with many awards and has remained a favorite of viewers since 1989. As this is the case is deserves better treatment and the technology to do so is easily at hand.
Rating: 
Summary: The Lady Plays a Game.....Her Rules...Win or Die!....
Review: Set in 18th century France, although it could be in any time or place, a wealthy woman, a Marquis, is about to begin a game of seduction and deciet,that will ruin lives and reputations.She challenges her friend (and ex-lover) a Viscount, notorious for being a scoundral,to seduce a young,devoted bride. The Prize....why herself,of course.... for one night! He is thrilled by the challenge and the double opportunity, and sets his plan in motion. It is an elaborate scheme that is at times as much fun as it is cruel. The Marquis also has her own little schemes going to ruin lives of other various denizens of the elite circle of aristocrats.Her plans though may turn to the destruction of her own reputation as well as tragic endings for others.Will she hold true to her word with the Viscount? Will he even still want her, or do his plans go awry and"Beyond my control" when he develops a heart? "Dangerous Liaisons" is a beautiful piece of cinema that will leave you wanting more. The cast is absolutley mesmerizing. Glenn Close and John Mallkovich are the predators in this game of seduction. The prey...Michelle Pfeiffer, Uma Thurman, Keanu Reeves and Swoosie Kurtz. The legendary Mildred Natwick who has been gracing us with her presence in films for half a century or more,is exquiste.Director Stephen Frears treats us to great costumes, photography, acting, sound, emotions, and even a great duel. The DVD(Warner Bros) is an excellent quality transfer. It is in widescreen(also a standard version on side B) that takes in all the granduer of the estate grounds, with a bright beautiful picture. Colors are glorious. The soundtrack is Remastered in the 5.1 Dolby Digital and is very good. There is not too much in the way of Special features, but there are some production notes, and subtitles in English, French or Spanish. If you have seen this film before you will love this DVD. First time viewers are in for some fine performances and a great story. Enjoy.......Laurie
Rating:
Summary: Read the book instead of seeing the movie
Review: The book is amazing and the movie is a decent interpretation of it. The reason though that this movie gets 5 stars from me is because John Malkovich is INCREDIBLE. So smooth, seductive, and beautiful. The remainder of the class comes in at a close 2nd. Buy the movie to see these actors at their true form.
Rating:
Summary: Deceitful drama...
Review: Dangerous Liaisons is a story based on Chonderlos de Laclos' novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses from 1782, which is full of deceit and love. Marquise de Merteuil's (Glenn Close) ex-husband is about to remarry the young virtuous Cécile de Volanges (Uma Thurman), who was brought up inside a convent. This irritates de Merteuil so she asks Vicomte de Valmont (John Malkovich), her ex-lover, if he can help stain de Volanges virtuous reputation before the marriage. In addition, de Valmont is offered one last night together with de Merteuil. The final product is a pretty good English speaking film experience.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best films ever made!
Review: This is a fanatastic film---incredible acting, riveting story, fantastic sets and costumes. John Malkovich is amazing in his role as Valmont (his best performance ever) and Glenn Close is equally great. I have seen this film dozens of times and never grown tired of it (the same is true of the book which I have read and re-read several times). The book was one of Marie Antoinette's favorites and it's not hard to see why this story of court intrigue would have appealed to her. But even for modern audiences the story has incredible appeal---twisted and distorted as the lead characters are, they are also deeply and frighteningly human.
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Summary: Captivating and heartbreaking
Review: This is a movie that I could easily watch 100 times over... The acting is simply superb. All of the characters come off so multi-faceted.. Are they good? Are they bad? Are they all victims of circumstances? It's hard to say. I love this movie because it makes me FEEL and it makes me THINK.. Goodness, how it frustrates me, but it does capture me. It is a really compelling film. I am someone who watches movies for the characters more than the story-- I like to see them, and empathize with them. If you understand what I mean by that, then you'd probably like this film, because it is driven completely by the characters. Who they are and what they do determines what happens, and you cannot help but get pulled in. GREAT GREAT performances by John Malkovich and Glenn Close, as the scheming and manipulative former lovers, and by Michelle Pfeiffer, as the innocent woman they set out to corrupt..
Rating:
Summary: a real class act
Review: DANGEROUS LIAISONS is a fantastic character study of the twisted and obsessed. The classic novel translates perfectly to the screen in this adaptation by Christopher Hampton which was taken from his acclaimed stage play. Glenn Close is mesmerising as the seductive and manipulative woman who challenges the cruel Valmont (John Malkovich) to seduce her naive niece (Uma Thurman). However, Valmont also wishes to seduce and disgrace a remote beauty (Michelle Pfeiffer), totally uncaring and unaware of the tragic outcome that will envelope them both. The stellar cast also includes Keanu Reeves (THE MATRIX, PARENTHOOD), Swoosie Kurtz (LITTLE GIRLS IN PRETTY BOXES, REALITY BITES) and veteran Mildred Natwick (THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY). The DVD transfer is gorgeous and has a dynamic 5.1 sound mix that shows off the beautifully dramatic score by George Fenton. Remade as VALMONT (starring Colin Firth and Fairuza Balk) and CRUEL INTENTIONS (starring Ryan Phillippe).
Rating:
Summary: Credit where credit is due
Review: This is an excellent film. The book is even better. This brings me to my second point, which that it was written by Choderlos de Laclos, who never seems to be mentioned in connection with this movie. Get the book - you won't regret it.
Rating: 
Summary: I thought it was appaling
Review: I approached Dangerous Liasons. I had liked the fun of Cruel Intentions but had heard how paltry that movie was when compared to the "amazing" Dangerous Liasons and when I finished watching it I could not believe it. John Malcovich was absolutley appaling...and for the life of me I could find no charm...and I could see no change, I found his portrayal of his characters change to someone who was in love to be as bad as Ben Affleck's attempt at becoming a more caring man in 'Bounce'. I found the sets that everyone kept on raving about to be colourless and rather dull. Sarah Michelle Gellar was criticised heavily for her portrayal of being cruel and heartless...but Glenn Close...she had no charisma and no appeal. Uma Thurman was lovely as always but I found the way the director tackled her miscarriage to be depressing and awful. All in all I would never ever want to watch it again...I wanted to turn it off with each approaching scene but in the end I subjected myself to the torture of watching Malcovich repeating "its out of my control" or something like that and the ridiculous end duel scene.
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