Before you watch this film, we recommend Dangerous Liaisons.

Excellent version of de Laclos--much better than the Malkovitch-Close version, probably because the actors are younger and less disposed to chew the scenery.

A more light-hearted version of the story than I could ever have conceived of, full of slapstick humour. Valmont himself, alas, has lost the plot: he's wishy-washy and motiveless. Tourvel's first scene is delightful, but we never see enough of her own emotions. Perhaps the best for the part, Merteuil starts off seeming like a dear friend, but as the plot thickens one starts to wonder if her ex is right about her faltering grip on reality.

I had a hard time believing Colin Firth was a womanizer. But otherwise, extremely entertaining and just the right amount of sauciness all around.

Somehow, things didn't fit together right. It wanted to be a much better movie than it was--although it wasn't bad at all.