Dangerous Liaisons

Play trailer

Dangerous Liaisons

R

1988

2h 0m

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

94%

Tomatometer

34 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

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.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

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

Read Critics Reviews

Pauline Kael

The New Yorker

This is a first-rate piece of work by a director who’s daring and agile. The unfussiness of Frears’ approach is tonic. The movie gets at the important things and doesn’t linger over them. It’s heaven -- alive in a way that movies of classics rarely are.

Sep 12, 2023

Full Review

Jay Scott

Globe and Mail

A decadent celebration of wanton cruelty.

Dec 7, 2022

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

This incisive study of sex as an arena for manipulative power games takes too long to catch fire and suffers from a deficient central performance.

Feb 8, 2008

Full Review

Tim Brayton

Alternate Ending

[Puts] a handsome gloss on sordid material in a way that might not quite feel "dangerous", but is at least extremely bracing.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 12, 2022

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

Cynical, fierce, and in the end desperately romantic, this is the most beautiful movie of 1988. [Full review in Spanish]

Jun 14, 2022

Full Review

Hilary Mantel

The Spectator

Glenn Close copes very well with the precise, formal, waspish lines; this is a fastidious, distinguished and exciting performance.

Apr 9, 2019

Full Review

Read all reviews

Fernando D

how many movies con you find with this amazing cast? and it is no less than a great movie with unexpected end. A must see. Glenn Close and Malkovich are the best thriller and erotism to enjoy.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/05/25

Full Review

Vanilla P

I love this film so much! Highly recommend!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/29/25

Full Review

Faith B

This is a horror film. The more I watched and witnessed the soulless and depraved scheming of Merteuil and Valmont, the more frightened I became. The confrontational war scene between the two made my blood run cold. A wonderful film, beautifully made, and a horrifying study of people who can’t be saved or redeemed by love.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/22/25

Full Review

Lone F

Perfect movie in every sense!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/11/25

Full Review

Scott M

One of my favorite films of all time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/05/24

Full Review

Geke g

The guy came out with this idea deserves oscar

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/07/24

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Stephen Frears

Director

Glenn Close

Marquise Isabelle de Merteuil

John Malkovich

Vicomte Sébastien de Valmont

Michelle Pfeiffer

Madame de Tourvel

Swoosie Kurtz

Madame de Volanges

Keanu Reeves

Raphael Danceny

Cal

92%

79%

Cal

Watchlist

Clean and Sober

61%

62%

Clean and Sober

Watchlist

Rollover

70%

37%

Rollover

Watchlist

The Crime of Father Amaro

63%

74%

The Crime of Father Amaro

Watchlist

Green Street Hooligans

45%

87%

Green Street Hooligans

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

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.

Director: Stephen Frears
Producer: Norma Heyman, Hank Moonjean
Screenwriter: Christopher Hampton
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: NFH Productions, Warner Brothers/Seven Arts
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 11, 1988, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 1, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $32.7M
Runtime: 2h 0m
Sound Mix: Surround
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

Most Popular at Home Now