Directed by:
Roger KumbleScreenplay:
Roger KumbleCinematography:
Theo van de SandeComposer:
Edward ShearmurCast:
Ryan Phillippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Reese Witherspoon, Selma Blair, Louise Fletcher, Joshua Jackson, Eric Mabius, Sean Patrick Thomas, Swoosie Kurtz (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe sizzle as a pair of unscrupulous siblings in a deliciously sexy tale of seduction, revenge and conquest. After cleverly seducing and ruining the reputation of an unsuspecting classmate, the sparks fly when Kathryn (Gellar) poses the ultimate challenge to her insatiable stepbrother Sebastian (Phillippe): deflower the Headmaster's beautiful, virgin daughter Annette. If he fails, Kathryn gets his most prized possession, but if he succeeds, Sebastian gets to possess and bed Kathryn. The stakes are high, but for Sebastian, the payoff is feverishly irresistible and before the summer's over, no one will escape their relentless game of cat and mouse until one of them is bitten by the most unlikely sensation of all ...love. (official distributor synopsis)
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Reviews (8)
The first time, disappointment, disgust, mockery. The second time, reconciliation, an apology to Roger Kumble, embarrassment over the change of mood from one minute to the next, and admiration for the entire ensemble of actors. It will never be a film for my heart, but a well-timed viewing has opened my eyes a little. P.S.: I became acquainted with this film for a third time, and the atmosphere is getting to me more and more deeply. I don't understand myself, but my rating keeps rising higher and higher.
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I still can't get over the "gelatinous" Selma Blair, who played the role really fantastically. Overall, the choice of actors was spot on. The film has a nice feel to it and for me, after quite a long time, a film that had me thinking "don’t end yet, movie". The story has to be taken with a grain of salt, but even that adds incredible charm to the film. Beautifully debauched... the ending maybe a little too much. I like the intrigue.
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Quite an interesting translation of a classic story into modern high society. A nice runtime, fine actors, catchy music and a treatment clearly aimed at a younger and undemanding audience. But none of the ingredients are great enough to elevate the film to a higher level, and most importantly, compared to the classic 1988 version, I found this Cruel Intentions to be a very poor relation trying to ingratiate itself with the target audience. Sarah Michelle Gellar, for all her charm, is not the bitch that Glenn Close is, and Ryan Phillippe doesn't even come close to the sleaziness of John Malkovich. Otherwise, this is a surprisingly enjoyable and very well-written movie that deserves cult status to some extent. 70%
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This may be a remake, but goodness, it’s darn good. I can’t find the right words to describe this movie properly - all that comes out of me is praise. This absolutely wonderful "psychological romantic drama" gripped me so hard that it became my favorite movie ever and I don’t think that will ever change. The screenplay is simply wonderful, the cast even better - I can’t imagine anybody else acting in this movie. All the roles fit them like gloves. Siblings Kathryn and Sebastian like playing games with people. They like to manipulate them and do psychological harm. This makes brother and sister completely unique and you can’t help loving them. And I liked Kathryn best, because she acts the real bitch to the bitter end, while maintaining a front of perfection, not a hair out of place. I really recommend this movie; it’s a gem. I don’t know anybody that didn’t like the movie. And the closing scene in church with the hit by The Verve: "Bitter Sweet Symphony" which ripped me apart inside - simply perfect. No other movie has ever got under my skin more than Cruel Intentions.
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This piece bears all the hallmarks of a cinematic cliché. A fancy exterior with a dumb content, it showcases grand emotions, tragic situations, black-and-white character contrasts, naïve thinking of the main characters, and a pseudo-moral catharsis at the end. This is the fourth film adaptation of "Cruel Intentions" and by far the worst. The depicted film world bears very little resemblance to reality and often comes across as downright ridiculous. The movie tries to lure viewers with beautiful faces, the glamorous world of American high society, stylish clothes, and fast cars. It's suitable for those who want to take a break from Beverly Hills 90210 and crave a hamburgerized classic. Overall impression: 25% for the elegant packaging and Reese Witherspoon.
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