Cruel Intentions

This may be a remake, but goodness, it’s darn good. I can’t find the right words to describe this movie properly - all that comes out of me is praise. This absolutely wonderful "psychological romantic drama" gripped me so hard that it became my favorite movie ever and I don’t think that will ever change. The screenplay is simply wonderful, the cast even better - I can’t imagine anybody else acting in this movie. All the roles fit them like gloves. Siblings Kathryn and Sebastian like playing games with people. They like to manipulate them and do psychological harm. This makes brother and sister completely unique and you can’t help loving them. And I liked Kathryn best, because she acts the real bitch to the bitter end, while maintaining a front of perfection, not a hair out of place. I really recommend this movie; it’s a gem. I don’t know anybody that didn’t like the movie. And the closing scene in church with the hit by The Verve: "Bitter Sweet Symphony" which ripped me apart inside - simply perfect. No other movie has ever got under my skin more than Cruel Intentions. (05/07/2013)

Quite an interesting translation of a classic story into modern high society. A nice runtime, fine actors, catchy music and a treatment clearly aimed at a younger and undemanding audience. But none of the ingredients are great enough to elevate the film to a higher level, and most importantly, compared to the classic 1988 version, I found this Cruel Intentions to be a very poor relation trying to ingratiate itself with the target audience. Sarah Michelle Gellar, for all her charm, is not the bitch that Glenn Close is, and Ryan Phillippe doesn't even come close to the sleaziness of John Malkovich. Otherwise, this is a surprisingly enjoyable and very well-written movie that deserves cult status to some extent. 70% (12/06/2013)

My girlfriend literally adores this movie. I must admit that until last week, I had actually never seen it in its entirety. I always watched only a part, sometimes a longer section, but never the whole thing. What caught my attention at first sight - or rather, sound - was definitely the soundtrack. "Colorblind" by Counting Crows is beautiful, and the well-known "Bitter Sweet Symphony" never disappoints. I knew the story from other works, mainly from the theater, because the older film adaptation also escaped me so far. I must say that the more classical version suits me much better, but in the performance with Ryan Phillippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Reese Witherspoon, there are elements that are very good. The modern-day adaptation is well done, including the changes to the story and some of the characters. However, these changes are not at the expense of the story, which remains cohesive and quite believable. Gellar is great as the villain, for which she deserves praise, as the performances of the others are not as remarkable. Reese plays her innocent little girl as always, with occasional strong moments, while Ryan Phillippe is tragic and relying solely on his looks. When he turns into a good guy, he is really bad. But Joshua Jackson compensates for that as the gay character. This is how I always wanted to see this actor, because he can't really play anything else. The movie has the right amount of sexual tension, without going too far, and it doesn't turn into an erotic film. However, you will find yourself glancing at your partner, or rather her cleavage. "Cruel Intentions" is definitely not a bad movie. For young people, it is probably a more acceptable version of the classic work by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2012/06/nebezpecne-znamosti-jak-ztratit-kluka.html (21/02/2013)

First disappointment, disgust, mockery. The second time reconciliation, apology to Kumbl, embarrassment over the change of mood from minute to minute, and admiration for the complete ensemble of actors. It will never be my personal film, but a well-timed screening has opened my eyes a little. P.S .: I made acquaintance for the third time and that atmosphere is crawling under my skin deeper and deeper. I don't understand myself, but my rating keeps rising higher and higher. (14/02/2008)

I still can't get over the "gelatinous" Selma Blair, who played the role really fantastically. Overall, the choice of actors was spot on. The film has a nice feel to it and for me, after quite a long time, a film that had me thinking "don’t end yet, movie". The story has to be taken with a grain of salt, but even that adds incredible charm to the film. Beautifully debauched... the ending maybe a little too much. I like the intrigue. (29/03/2011)