Cruel Intentions

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. (13/02/2008)

This piece carries all the signs of film kitsch. The overloaded packaging with a silly content showcases strong emotions, tragic situations, black and white character contrasts, the thinking of the main heroes is naive, and the ending brings a supposedly moral catharsis. This is the fourth version of Dangerous Liaisons transferred to the big screen and unquestionably the worst. The displayed film world bears very little resemblance to reality and in several moments appears downright funny. The film tries to lure with beautiful faces, the glamorous world of the American high society, beautiful dresses, and fast cars. Suitable for those who need a break from Beverly Hills 90210 and desire a hamburgerized classic. Overall impression: 25% for that elegant packaging and Reese Witherspoon. (25/07/2006)

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% (11/06/2013)

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)

The fact that this is a classic novel transferred to modern times bothers me least of all. What’s worse is that the unsympathetic Ryan Phillippe is not a particularly good actor, and the same can be said for Sarah Michelle Gellar, and the result is nothing more than a mildly irritating one-off spectacle in which, except perhaps for Reese Witherspoon's tears, everything is fake. (30/10/2016)