Las amistades peligrosas

A meticulously executed intriguing drama with an interesting storyline, period elements and exceptional acting. The 1980s were a bit clumsy in their emotions and it's no different here, and I'm not talking about the brilliantly staged period grittiness and traditional aristocratic mannerisms – that's all fine. There are some dull passages, especially in the first half, but the second half is fast and well-paced. I finally understood why the modern remake, which I'm sure the younger generation remembers, never caught on in the long run. It was cool in the cinema, but nothing remained a couple of days later. This one oozes creativity and the artistic value endures. (13.11.2016)

This version of a familiar story didn't sit well with me. Costume-wise, it's not bad at all; on the contrary, it's great and enhances the sexuality, which is somewhat twisted here overall, but I didn't like it in terms of the acting. In reality, Glenn Close seems somewhat sidelined to me, and John Malkovich is a peculiar choice for the role of Valmont, being perhaps too slimy, although, in the end, he proves that he deserved the role. (02.02.2016)

Honest filmmaking and a dignified tribute to the book it is based on. The film Valmont, directed by Miloš Forman, is very similar, with Frears being stronger in some aspects, while Forman emerges victorious in others. However, I slightly prefer Valmont because, in my opinion, Glenn Close did not fit well into the role of the scheming Marquise. I simply didn't believe in her as the fateful femme fatale who can bewitch men. On the other hand, Annette Bening perfectly embodied that role. Overall impression: 80%. Frears also succeeded in casting John Malkovich. Since then, I can't imagine him playing anything other than a cunning seducer, even if he were to portray an honorable priest. (30.08.2009)

This film is a loss to Valmont by knockout. Glenn Close is merely interesting, and John Malkovich is a good schemer, but it's just not where it needs to be. Keanu and Uma are terrible, and thus only Michelle Pfeiffer, the costumes, and the breathtaking music feel very good to me. Sometimes I just listen to the soundtrack of a film and I feel bliss. (03.02.2009)

A film by John Malkovich, a team of costume designers and only then Stephen Frears. The erotic tension and the period setting radiate from the story in places, but emotionally the narrative is mostly cold. But if you don't know who Valmont is, this film will be the right and most intimate introduction to him. 80% (30.01.2013)