Dangerous Liaisons

An extremely stylized and exquisitely beautiful film which features wonderful restrained performances from all the actors. Unfortunately this is not the type of film I enjoy watching and as such I wasn't able to fully enjoy it.

Interesting take on the French novel. This version plays it safe, no naughty talks or nudity but that's not surprising seeing as it's set in the 1930s Shanghai. The cinematography is astonishing and changes colors with seasons, the sets are glamorous and luxurious, the camera is erratic, always moving. DongKun Jang is exceptionally charming for being essentially a sleazeball, Cecilia Cheung is one classy, albeit cunning lady and Zhang Ziyi did well as the uber naive widow. Chaste but enjoyable.

- 5/28/13

Saw this at TIFF. It was billed as a 1930s Shanghai version of this classic tale, and delivered it beautifully. Very melodramatic, very entertaining, and a gorgeous film throughout - both in the elegant settings and backdrops as well as the cast itself.