Dangerous Liaisons

1988, Drama, 2h 0m

30 Reviews 25,000+ Ratings

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critics consensus

Stylish, seductive, and clever, Stephen Frears' adaptation is a wickedly entertaining exploration of sexual politics. Read critic reviews

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Dangerous Liaisons Photos

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Movie Info

The Marquise de Merteuil (Glenn Close) and the Vicomte de Valmont (John Malkovich) display the petty jealousies and jaded insouciance of life in France's royal court in the 18th century, casually ruining the lives of de Merteuil's young romantic rival (Uma Thurman), the music teacher (Keanu Reeves) for whom she secretly pines and the upstanding Madame de Tourvel (Michelle Pfeiffer). But when actual romantic feelings begin to surface, their games take on a more treacherous air.
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Stephen Frears
  • Producer:
    Norma Heyman, Hank Moonjean
  • Writer:
    Christopher Hampton
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     limited
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $32.7M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    Warner Bros. Pictures
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround

Cast & Crew

Glenn Close
Marquise Isabelle de Merteuil
John Malkovich
Vicomte Sébastien de Valmont
Michelle Pfeiffer
Madame de Tourvel
Swoosie Kurtz
Madame de Volanges
Keanu Reeves
Le Chevalier Raphael Danceny
Mildred Natwick
Madame de Rosemonde
Uma Thurman
Cécile de Volanges
Peter Capaldi
Azolan
Stephen Frears
Director
Norma Heyman
Producer
Hank Moonjean
Producer
Christopher Hampton
Screenwriter
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for Dangerous Liaisons

All Critics (30) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (28) | Rotten (2)

View All Critic Reviews (30)

Audience Reviews for Dangerous Liaisons

  • May 15, 2012
    A solid period piece that also works as an absorbing character study, thanks to an excellent performance from the enigmatic John Malkovich. It does suffer from an overly slow pace, but is generally outweighed by the strong script and well designed scenery. The dynamic between Malkovich and Glenn Close also left something to be desired, but there's enough there to care about both characters. Overall, it has a bit of a slow middle act, but once it builds momentum, it pays off well for the melodramatic ending. 3.5/5 Stars
    Jeffrey M Super Reviewer
  • Aug 19, 2010
    Hard to resist the screenplay's mean spirited wit. Glenn Close truly gives one of the great performances ever here.
    Alec B Super Reviewer
  • Jul 19, 2010
    I'm reviewing this now years after seeing it for the first time. It curious how I thought this was an awesome film at the time, but on repeated viewings, I've liked it less and less. Not for the story or the plot, it's a nasty game of sexual manipulation that could be as true today as it was in the Louis period. However, now the actors really bother me, all except Glenn Close, and strangely Keanu Reeves. I still think Frears did a great job with this bunch, but it doesn't fascinate me as it once did. I've seen crackling stage productions now that put it to shame.
    Mark K Super Reviewer
  • Nov 23, 2009
    Scandalous and cunning. Marquise de Merteuil: Like most intellectuals, he's intensely stupid. Madame de Rosemonde: I'm sorry to say this, but, those who are most worthy of love are never made happy by it. Madame Marie de Tourvel: But, why? Why should that be? Madame de Rosemonde: Do you still think men love the way we do? No... men enjoy the happiness they feel. We can only enjoy the happiness we give. They are not capable of devoting themselves exclusively to one person. So to hope to be made happy by love is a certain cause of grief.
    Sam R Super Reviewer
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