Dangerous Liaisons
Performance & Direction: Dangerous Liaisons Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Dangerous Liaisons (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Dangerous Liaisons features a noteworthy lineup led by Glenn Close . Supported by the likes of John Malkovich and Michelle Pfeiffer , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Dangerous Liaisons
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1988, Dangerous Liaisons is a Drama, Romance film directed by Stephen Frears. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Glenn Close.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. 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. The screenplay takes time to develop Glenn Close's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Glenn Close's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Dangerous Liaisons
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Stephen Frears, Dangerous Liaisons resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Glenn Close, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Dangerous Liaisons reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Dangerous Liaisons?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Glenn Close or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Dangerous Liaisons
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $14.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $34.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Dangerous Liaisons Budget
The estimated production budget for Dangerous Liaisons is $14.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Dangerous Liaisons
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Where to Watch Dangerous Liaisons Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoDangerous Liaisons Parents Guide & Age Rating
1988 AdvisoryWondering about Dangerous Liaisons age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Dangerous Liaisons is 119 minutes (1h 59m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.2/10, and global performance metrics, Dangerous Liaisons is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dangerous Liaisons worth watching?
Dangerous Liaisons is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.2/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Dangerous Liaisons parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Dangerous Liaisons identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Dangerous Liaisons?
The total duration of Dangerous Liaisons is 119 minutes, which is approximately 1h 59m long.
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Critic Reviews for Dangerous Liaisons
"Dangerous Liaisons" is unquestionably one of the most captivating films to come along in quite some time. It is a visually stunning film and it makes extremely good use of some exceptional locations and interiors and the excruciatingly uncomfortable looking and cumbersome costumes are exquisitely authentic. Of course there are many people out there who will automatically shy away upon learning this is a period film and for good reason. Such films can by their very nature often be obscure and lack any meaning in the modern age. They are slow moving with arcane and unengaging dialogue and the tiresome plot can have no substance or consequence and it can lack momentum. This film has none of these failings and it is an incredibly well paced work of excellence throughout whose ensemble of characters go on the most unanticipated journeys to essentially the same destination: ruination.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
