Dangerous Liaisons (1988)
Stephen Frears' wickedly elegant tale of seduction and betrayal among the French aristocracy, featuring career-defining performances from Glenn Close and John Malkovich.
Dangerous Liaisons - Movie Information
- Original Title: Dangerous Liaisons
- Release Year: 1988
- Directed by: Stephen Frears
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Romance
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 59m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 31, 1988 (Poland - 16), February 24, 1989 (United States - R), March 10, 1989 (United Kingdom - 15), April 13, 1989 (Germany - 16), March 22, 1989 (France - 16), March 9, 1989 (Australia - M), March 23, 1989 (Brazil - 18), March 17, 1989 (Italy), March 10, 1989 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: Las amistades peligrosas (ES), Le relazioni pericolose (IT), Relaciones peligrosas (AR), Dangerous Liaisons (BR)
- Production Companies: Lorimar Film Entertainment, NFH Films, Warner Bros. Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Dangerous Liaisons - Plot
In 18th century France, Marquise de Merteuil asks her ex-lover Vicomte de Valmont to seduce the future wife of another ex-lover of hers in return for one last night with her. Yet things don't go as planned.
Dangerous Liaisons - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the seduction unfold:
Lust. Seduction. Revenge. The game as you've never seen it played before.
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Dangerous Liaisons - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Stephen Frears
Main Cast
- Glenn Close
- John Malkovich
- Michelle Pfeiffer
- Uma Thurman
- Swoosie Kurtz
- Keanu Reeves
- Mildred Natwick
- Peter Capaldi
- Joe Sheridan
- Valerie Gogan
Writers
- Christopher Hampton
Producers
- Norma Heyman
- Hank Moonjean
Dangerous Liaisons - FAQs
Where can you watch Dangerous Liaisons (1988)?
Dangerous Liaisons (1988) is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Spectrum On Demand. Availability may vary by region. Check JustWatch for the most current streaming and rental options in your area.
Is Dangerous Liaisons based on a book?
Yes. Dangerous Liaisons is adapted from the 1782 French epistolary novel Les Liaisons dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. Christopher Hampton wrote the screenplay, adapting his own acclaimed 1985 stage play, which itself was based on the novel.
Who are the main actors in Dangerous Liaisons?
The film stars Glenn Close as the scheming Marquise de Merteuil and John Malkovich as the seductive Vicomte de Valmont. The supporting cast includes Michelle Pfeiffer, Uma Thurman, Keanu Reeves, Swoosie Kurtz, and Mildred Natwick.
Did Dangerous Liaisons win any Academy Awards?
Dangerous Liaisons won three Academy Awards: Best Adapted Screenplay (Christopher Hampton), Best Art Direction, and Best Costume Design. It received seven nominations in total, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Glenn Close.
What is Dangerous Liaisons about?
Set in 18th-century France, the film follows two aristocratic ex-lovers — the Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont — who use seduction and manipulation as weapons of power. Their cynical games of conquest spiral into jealousy, heartbreak, and irreversible consequences.
What is the age rating for Dangerous Liaisons?
Dangerous Liaisons is rated R in the United States, reflecting its mature themes of sexuality, seduction, and adult manipulation. It carries a 15 certificate in the United Kingdom and a 16 rating in several European countries including Germany, France, and Poland.
How long is Dangerous Liaisons (1988)?
Dangerous Liaisons has a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes (119 minutes). Directed by Stephen Frears, the film was released in the United States on February 24, 1989, following a limited December 1988 release to qualify for awards consideration.
How was Dangerous Liaisons received by critics?
Dangerous Liaisons was met with widespread critical acclaim. Praised for its razor-sharp screenplay, sumptuous period detail, and powerhouse performances — particularly from Glenn Close and John Malkovich — it holds a strong reputation as one of the finest literary adaptations of the 1980s.
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