Overview
A tale of seduction and betrayal unfolds in the opulent courts of 18th century France.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- seductive
- cynical
- costume drama night
- literary adaptation viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as a stylish, seductive, witty, and incisive exploration of sexual politics, supported by exceptional performances and ravishing period design.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Merteuil and Valmont turn romantic conquests, written proof, and emotional vulnerability into weapons within aristocratic society.
The film stages manipulation and emotional violence through elegant salons, arch dialogue, and controlled aristocratic manners.
Merteuil demands written proof of Valmont's seduction, making letters and written testimony central to the lovers' schemes.
Ravishing costumes, ornate interiors, and formal social spaces make aristocratic identity appear deliberately staged.
Films like Dangerous Liaisons, and why
The Favourite
shared 18th-century setting, aristocratic sexual intrigue, social manipulation, and morally corrosive romance
The Age of Innocence
shared period romance, forbidden desire, class-bound social performance, and tragic emotional consequences
The Piano Teacher
shared erotic power games, elegant period design, cynicism, and destructive romantic manipulation
Atonement
shared literary adaptation, sensual atmosphere, aristocratic transgression, and tragic romantic conflict
Movie Details
- Director
- Stephen Frears
- Release Date
- 1988-12-21
- Runtime
- 119 min
- Rating
- 7.2 / 10 (1313)
Cast
- Glenn Close
- John Malkovich
- Michelle Pfeiffer
- Uma Thurman
- Swoosie Kurtz
- Keanu Reeves
- Mildred Natwick
- Peter Capaldi
- Joe Sheridan
- Valerie Gogan
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Dangerous Liaisons about?
- In pre-Revolutionary France, two aristocratic strategists turn seduction into a lethal contest of pride, revenge, and emotional control.
- What is Dangerous Liaisons like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Dangerous Liaisons as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Dangerous Liaisons violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Dangerous Liaisons as mild.
- What did critics think of Dangerous Liaisons?
- Critics broadly praised the film as a stylish, seductive, witty, and incisive exploration of sexual politics, supported by exceptional performances and ravishing period design.
- Which films are like Dangerous Liaisons?
- Films with a similar feel include The Favourite, The Age of Innocence, The Piano Teacher, and Atonement.
- How long is Dangerous Liaisons?
- Dangerous Liaisons runs 119 minutes.
- Where can I watch Dangerous Liaisons?
- In United States, Dangerous Liaisons is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand.
