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Dangerous Liaisons
1988 119 min United States of America R 18+
★8.3
Drama, Romance
Director: Stephen Frears
🎭 Based on
«Les Liaisons dangereuses»
byPierre Choderlos de Laclos
Trailers
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EN
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Description
In 18th century France, Marquise de Merteuil asks her ex-lover Vicomte de Valmont to seduce the future wife of another ex-lover of hers in return for one last night with her. Yet things don’t go as planned.
Budget:
$14M
US Gross:
$34.67M
Worldwide:
$34.67M
Starring
Glenn Close
Actor
John Malkovich
Actor
Michelle Pfeiffer
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1989
— Best Costume Design
César Awards 1990
— Best International Feature Film
BAFTA 1990
— Best Adapted Screenplay
BAFTA 1990
— Best Film Editing
Academy Awards 1989
— Best Costume Design
Academy Awards 1989
— Best Actress
BAFTA 1990
— Best Makeup and Hairstyling
César Awards 1990
— Best International Feature Film
BAFTA 1990
— Best Adapted Screenplay
Academy Awards 1989
— Best Adapted Screenplay
Academy Awards 1989
— Best Production Design
Academy Awards 1989
— Best Original Score
Academy Awards 1989
— Best Supporting Actress
Academy Awards 1989
— Best Picture
BAFTA 1990
— Best Actress
BAFTA 1990
— Best Cinematography
BAFTA 1990
— Best Supporting Actress
BAFTA 1990
— Best Original Score
Key opinion
Stephen Frears's adaptation is widely celebrated as a masterful, visually opulent portrayal of 18th-century intrigue and cynical seduction. While the core performances are frequently hailed as definitive, some viewers find the unconventional casting choices and deviations from the source material's tone to be divisive.
| Production | The production design, costumes, and cinematography create an immersive, authentic 18th-century atmosphere. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay successfully distills the complex, manipulative spirit of Laclos’s novel into a compelling cinematic narrative. | |
| Acting | Glenn Close’s performance as the Marquise de Merteuil is lauded for its masterful balance of cold calculation and hidden vulnerability. | |
| Acting | John Malkovich’s portrayal of Valmont is polarizing; some admire his complex, unconventional take on the seducer, while others find him miscast and lacking in classic charm. | |
| Acting | The supporting cast, particularly Uma Thurman and Keanu Reeves, draws mixed reactions regarding whether their performances feel appropriate for the period or if they clash with the leads. | |
| Adaptation | Opinions on the film's faithfulness diverge; proponents praise it as the definitive adaptation, whereas purists criticize the omission of key epistolary elements and character nuances. |