Dangerous Liaisons (DVD, 1997)

This elegant film is probably in my top 5 favorite movies of all time. Set in early 18th century France, this lavish spectacle begins by showing the arduous process both main characters undergo to get dressed for a party.

The Vicomte de Valmont, played with extraordinary skill by a bewigged John Malkovich, makes a bet that he can seduce a virtuous woman, Madame de Tourvel (A luminous Michelle Pfeiffer). His bet is with capricious Marquise de Merteuil (Glenn Close). He must obtain proof of his sexual contest in writing to claim his prize, a night with the Marquise. The two bored aristocrats manipulate their acquaintances with cruelty and zeal, using correspondences and the occasional in-person visit to attain their heartless goals.

It's truly delightful to watch them scheming and plotting - one can get quite a wicked thrill from it. I find this movie version a lot more vicious than the more light-hearted, mischievous "Valmont" version.

Uma Thurman in an early role doesn't have much to do but looks so amazingly stunning in her 18th century gowns and convent caps, you can't help but enjoy looking at her. Keanu Reeves makes a brief, poorly acted appearance as the music teacher and the Marquise's pawn. Swoosie Kurtz is delightful as the convent girl's scatterbrained mother.

Other than Keanu, the acting is superb. Michelle Pfeiffer is radiant, yet fragile as the Madame de Tourvel.

The set design is meticulous and gorgeous. I can't even begin to describe how fabulous the costumes are. Silks and brocades, dainty slippers, ethereal shawls, brocaded bodices, delicate gloves, lacy sleeves, gigantic skirts. John Malkovich's long buttoned coats and brocade vests are magnificent. The elegant French homes and gardens the movie was filmed around are fabulous to look at, also.

My only complaint is that if you haven't read the book, it's very difficult to keep all the names straight so that you can figure out who everybody is talking about throughout the movie. I was unfamiliar with titles like "Vicomte" and "Marquise" so I really got a lot more out of my second viewing of the film.

I love the whole story; it excites my imagination all the way through. I think absolutely every cast member was spectacular and this film deserved every good credit it received along with the cast. It had everything, mystery, romance, comedy, tragedy, it was epic. I bought it because ever since I saw it the first time (on theatrical release) it's been on my wish list. :) If you buy it, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have/will.

First, you can't beat the price of this DVD. Second, this, in my humble opinion, is a classic. Glenn Close, and John Malkovich have never been better, or more evil for that matter. Even after 21 years, it is easy to see why this movie won three Academy Awards! The sets and costumes alone are worth the price, and the 120 minutes duration. They are simply sumptuous! The acting is top-drawer, and even Michelle Pfeiffer and a young Uma Thurman shine.

The DVD transfer is clear and clean. The plot is one that you better stay attentive of at the very beginning, because this is litterally a "who screwed who" revenge story.

So, spend the six bucks, and sit back with a big bag of popcorn, and enjoy!

I bought this movie because i had seen it at the theatre, although at the time that was not the movie i wanted to see,cause they cancelled the movie i wanted to originally see. But i went on and watched this movie and didnt regret it a bit.I loved the acting in it, Glenn close and John Malkovich did a superb job in it. The only thing i don't like about it is, I found out that Alan Rickman was in the original play of that movie, so i wished they would have gotten him instead of John Malkovich.

The title says it all. A great movie filled with great actors and actresses, but the DVD does not do the movie justice. There were points when the soundtrack was off, and the menu is difficult to reach and navigate.

Great period rococo costumes, gives you a good idea how hard it was to get dressed every day. A wonderful adaptation of Choderlos de Laclos' sublime novel. Why they cast John Malkovich as a hottie is beyond me... however, Glenn Close is perfect, I only wish she could have got away with it all and lived happily ever after!

Excellent acting from Glenn Close, John Malkovich and Michelle Pfeiffer. I love the set and costumes the actors wore. Although I haven't read the book it was adapted from, I was very much engrossed at the story. Wonderfully done.

I think this is the best performance I have ever seen by Glenn Close! She played such an amazing character! Swoosie Kurtz also did well, as did Michelle Pfeiffer. John Malcovich isn't one of my favorites, but he did well considering the role he was set for. Highly recommend this movie, as well as the more modern retelling of the story---Cruel Intentions.

I thinks each one of the actors has been chosen perfectly, I loved John Malkovich!!!
And the plot is excellent, the finale is the best I've seen ... it totally catches you by surprise.

We heard this movie had great scenes of Venice...obviously got the wrong information. At was not the kind of movie we enjoy...will research our choices better the next time.

I travel a lot on business and do extensive research on the hotel I am staying at. I recently visited MI and found that the hotel had a VCR. I borrowed Dangerous Liaisons from my uncle and took it with me. The movie was so good that I have to have it in DVD form. When I returned from MI I search ebay for it and of course I found it. It was in great condition.