Cruel Intentions
1999, Drama, 1h 37m
115 Reviews 250,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
This darkly comic drama and its attractive young cast are easy on the eyes, but uneven performances and an uninspired script conspire to foil Cruel Intentions. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Kathryn Merteuil
Sebastian Valmont
Annette Hargrove
Cecile Caldwell
Helen Rosemond
Blaine Tuttle
News & Interviews for Cruel Intentions
Critic Reviews for Cruel Intentions
All Critics (115) | Top Critics (43) | Fresh (63) | Rotten (52)
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20 years later, you can see the charm that made Witherspoon a star, appreciate Blair's comedic splendor, and recognize that Phillippe was handsome and is also in this movie.
March 27, 2019 | Full Review… -
Cruel Intentions is a stretch for all concerned, including the targeted audience, one that pays off handsomely--and works for older moviegoers as well.
March 21, 2019 | Full Review… -
At this infantile level of appraisal, I suspect that Ms. Gellar and Mr. Phillippe may have a harder time next summer than last.
March 21, 2019 | Full Review… -
Our fascination with this tale has always derived from its cool portrayal of utter amorality, which Kumble and his cast nicely energize with their heedless, youthful intensity.
March 21, 2019 | Full Review… -
The misbegotten Cruel Intentions serves up great glittering gobs of cheap, without the thrills.
March 21, 2019 | Full Review… -
It's easy to see why the director thought his Cliff Notes approach to literature would work.
March 21, 2019 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Cruel Intentions
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Oct 24, 2013Based on the sensational novel, Cruel Intentions is a provocative sexual thriller. Two warring step siblings, Kathryn and Sebastian, make a bet as to whether Sebastian can seduce the daughter of their school's new headmaster. Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Reese Witherspoon, the film has a solid cast and the performances are fairly good; especially Gellar and Phillippe, who have great interplay with each other. Additionally, the storytelling's well done and is laced with intrigue. However, the plot comes off as a bit contrived and is over sexualized. Yet despite a few weaknesses, Cruel Intentions is a compelling exotic thriller.Dann M Super Reviewer
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Apr 16, 2013Pretty good. Darkly funny, but even at the end it's still a pretty enjoyable love story, even if you're not into romances...this isn't your typical romantic comedy, thankfully.Stephen S Super Reviewer
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Oct 08, 2011Cruel Intentions is a pretty interesting teen drama comedy. I wasn't sure about wanting to see it, however I finally did, and was surprised. The film has a good enough cast that keeps the material working, and the cast deliver some good performances. The film is both funny and demented and at times dramatic, and the film is fairly underrated. The film is of course not perfect, but for what it is, it manages to be a good, entertaining hour and a half. What made this film worth watching was Selma Blair as Cecile; she definitely gave the funniest performance of all. Sarah Michelle Gellar was great as Kathryn. She really gave a cruel, uncaring performance, and she definitely delivered in that respect. Cruel Intentions is a well made teen film that is much better than one might think. The film is funny, and has a good cast at hand. I enjoyed many of the cast here, and I thought they each brought something special to the screen. There are things that could've been done better, but for what it is, Cruel Intentions works well enough to keep you interested and entertained, sure the film at times is so-so, but there are plenty of good things going on-screen to enjoy. This is a different and refreshing type of teen comedy/drama film, and like I said, I didn't expect to like it. The cast make this film watchable, and add to that a pretty clever script, and you have a good little film. There are plenty of good, memorable moments on-screen, with plenty of funny bits. An underrated film.Alex r Super Reviewer
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Aug 15, 2011Captured our imaginations when we were teenagers.Letitia L Super Reviewer
Cruel Intentions Quotes
Kathryn Merteuil: | My advice is to sleep with as many people as possible. |
Cecile Caldwell: | But that would make me a slut, wouldn't it? |
Kathryn Merteuil: | Cecile, everybody does it; it's just that nobody talks about it. |
Cecile Caldwell: | So, it's like a secret society? |
Kathryn Merteuil: | That's one way looking at it. |
Kathryn Merteuil: | [under her breath] Fucking idiot... |
Sebastian Valmont: | It's not like you have a husband - unless you're married to Jesus. |
Kathryn Merteuil: | Unfortunately, our Don Juan is moving with the speed of a Special Olympics hurdler. |
Kathryn Merteuil: | Who are you spying on? That her? |
Sebastian Valmont: | Yeah |
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