Cruel Intentions (1999)
A razor-edged tale of manipulation and desire set among Manhattan's elite prep-school set, where a dangerous wager unravels everyone it touches.
Cruel Intentions - Movie Information
- Original Title: Cruel Intentions
- Release Year: 1999
- Directed by: Roger Kumble
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Romance
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 5, 1999 (Canada - 14A), March 5, 1999 (United States - R), June 18, 1999 (United Kingdom - 15), August 26, 1999 (Germany - 16), June 23, 1999 (France - 16), April 1, 1999 (New Zealand - R16), April 1, 1999 (Australia - MA 15+), June 11, 1999 (Brazil - 14), August 27, 1999 (Italy - 14+), May 29, 1999 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Juegos Sexuales (CL), Juegos sexuales (Sexual games) (MX), 致命性游戏 (CN), クルーエル・インテンションズ (JP), Juegos Sexuales (SV)
- Production Companies: Newmarket Capital Group, Original Film, Neal H. Moritz Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Cruel Intentions - Plot
Slaking a thirst for dangerous games, Kathryn challenges her stepbrother, Sebastian, to deflower their headmaster's daughter before the summer ends. If he succeeds, the prize is the chance to bed Kathryn. But if he loses, Kathryn will claim his most prized possession.
Cruel Intentions - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the seduction begin:
In the game of seduction, there is only one rule: Never fall in love.
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Cruel Intentions - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Roger Kumble
Main Cast
- Sarah Michelle Gellar
- Ryan Phillippe
- Reese Witherspoon
- Selma Blair as Cecile Caldwell
- Louise Fletcher
- Joshua Jackson
- Eric Mabius
- Sean Patrick Thomas
- Swoosie Kurtz
- Christine Baranski
Writers
- Roger Kumble
Producers
- Neal H. Moritz
Cruel Intentions - FAQs
What is Cruel Intentions based on?
Cruel Intentions is based on the 1782 French epistolary novel Les Liaisons dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. Roger Kumble transposed the story from 18th-century French aristocracy to the privileged prep-school world of late-1990s Manhattan, updating its themes of manipulation and seduction for a contemporary teenage audience.
Who are the main actors in Cruel Intentions?
Cruel Intentions stars Sarah Michelle Gellar as the scheming Kathryn Merteuil and Ryan Phillippe as her manipulative stepbrother Sebastian Valmont. Reese Witherspoon plays the idealistic Annette Hargrove, while Selma Blair portrays the naive Cecile Caldwell. Supporting roles include Louise Fletcher, Joshua Jackson, and Christine Baranski.
What is the ending of Cruel Intentions explained?
Sebastian dies saving Annette from an oncoming car, sacrificing himself in a moment of genuine love. Annette then distributes copies of his journal to their peers, exposing Kathryn's manipulations and drug use. Kathryn's carefully constructed reputation collapses publicly, leaving her humiliated and stripped of all social power she had wielded.
Where can I stream Cruel Intentions?
Cruel Intentions is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, the Criterion Channel, and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It can also be streamed for free with ads on The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, and via Kanopy. For digital purchase or rental, it is available on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
What is the age rating for Cruel Intentions?
Cruel Intentions is rated R in the United States, reflecting its mature content including sexual situations, drug use, and adult themes. International ratings vary: 14A in Canada, 15 in the United Kingdom, 16 in Germany and France, and 18 in South Korea. It is not recommended for younger audiences.
Did Cruel Intentions become a cult classic?
Yes, Cruel Intentions has earned a devoted cult following since its 1999 release. Despite mixed initial reviews, it resonated deeply with late-1990s audiences and has grown in cultural stature over the decades. Its sharp performances, provocative tone, and iconic soundtrack — featuring The Verve's “Bitter Sweet Symphony” — cemented its lasting pop-culture status.
How long is Cruel Intentions?
Cruel Intentions has a runtime of 98 minutes, approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes. The film moves at a brisk pace, balancing its romantic drama with sharp dialogue and escalating tension as Sebastian's bet with Kathryn grows increasingly complicated and emotionally costly for everyone involved.
What are similar movies to Cruel Intentions?
Fans of Cruel Intentions often enjoy other late-1990s teen dramas such as She's All That (1999) and Legally Blonde (2001), which share its sharp social dynamics. The film's own sequels, Cruel Intentions 2 (2000) and Cruel Intentions 3 (2004), continue related storylines. American Beauty (1999) offers a similarly provocative look at desire and moral corruption.
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