Eiskalte Engel

First disappointment, disgust, mockery. The second time reconciliation, apology to Kumbl, embarrassment over the change of mood from minute to minute, and admiration for the complete ensemble of actors. It will never be my personal film, but a well-timed screening has opened my eyes a little. P.S .: I made acquaintance for the third time and that atmosphere is crawling under my skin deeper and deeper. I don't understand myself, but my rating keeps rising higher and higher. (13.02.2008)

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. (29.03.2011)

This piece carries all the signs of film kitsch. The overloaded packaging with a silly content showcases strong emotions, tragic situations, black and white character contrasts, the thinking of the main heroes is naive, and the ending brings a supposedly moral catharsis. This is the fourth version of Dangerous Liaisons transferred to the big screen and unquestionably the worst. The displayed film world bears very little resemblance to reality and in several moments appears downright funny. The film tries to lure with beautiful faces, the glamorous world of the American high society, beautiful dresses, and fast cars. Suitable for those who need a break from Beverly Hills 90210 and desire a hamburgerized classic. Overall impression: 25% for that elegant packaging and Reese Witherspoon. (25.07.2006)

A very funny movie for teenagers that gets under your skin. This slightly over the top seduction and a love game keeps your attention and entertains. Sarah Michelle Gellar is a joy to look at and Phillippe’s acting is great. I haven’t seen such a rich, decadent atmosphere for ages. (28.10.2014)

Dass es ein klassischer Roman ist, der in die moderne Zeit übertragen wurde, stört mich am wenigsten. Schlimmer ist, dass der unsympathische Ryan Phillippe kein besonders guter Schauspieler ist, dass für Sarah Michelle Gellar dasselbe gilt und dass nicht mehr als ein leicht prickelnder Film entstanden ist, in dem außer den Tränen von Reese Witherspoon alles falsch ist. (30.10.2016)

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% (11.06.2013)

My girlfriend literally adores this movie. I must admit that until last week, I had actually never seen it in its entirety. I always watched only a part, sometimes a longer section, but never the whole thing. What caught my attention at first sight - or rather, sound - was definitely the soundtrack. "Colorblind" by Counting Crows is beautiful, and the well-known "Bitter Sweet Symphony" never disappoints. I knew the story from other works, mainly from the theater, because the older film adaptation also escaped me so far. I must say that the more classical version suits me much better, but in the performance with Ryan Phillippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Reese Witherspoon, there are elements that are very good. The modern-day adaptation is well done, including the changes to the story and some of the characters. However, these changes are not at the expense of the story, which remains cohesive and quite believable. Gellar is great as the villain, for which she deserves praise, as the performances of the others are not as remarkable. Reese plays her innocent little girl as always, with occasional strong moments, while Ryan Phillippe is tragic and relying solely on his looks. When he turns into a good guy, he is really bad. But Joshua Jackson compensates for that as the gay character. This is how I always wanted to see this actor, because he can't really play anything else. The movie has the right amount of sexual tension, without going too far, and it doesn't turn into an erotic film. However, you will find yourself glancing at your partner, or rather her cleavage. "Cruel Intentions" is definitely not a bad movie. For young people, it is probably a more acceptable version of the classic work by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2012/06/nebezpecne-znamosti-jak-ztratit-kluka.html (21.02.2013)

Ja, es ist ein Remake, aber JA - ein verdammt gutes. Ich kann den Film nicht einmal in Worten würdigen, denn mir fällt nur Lob ein. Ein absolut brillantes "psychologisches Liebesdrama", das mich so sehr fesselte, dass es mein Lieblingsfilm werden musste, und ich glaube nicht, dass ich das jemals ändern werde. Das Drehbuch ist absolut brillant, die Besetzung noch besser - ich kann mir niemand anderen in diesem Film vorstellen. Alle Rollen sind perfekt besetzt. Die Geschwister Kathryn und Sebastian lieben es, mit Menschen zu spielen. Aber in dem Sinne, dass sie sie gerne manipulieren und ihnen psychisch schaden. Das macht die Geschwister absolut einzigartig, man muss sie einfach mögen. Kathryn ist mir noch sympathischer geworden, weil sie bis zum Schluss eine richtige Zicke sein kann, aber gleichzeitig nichts zeigt und trotzdem "perfekt" ist. Ich kann den Film nur empfehlen, er ist ein filmisches Juwel. Ich kenne niemanden, dem dieser Film nicht gefallen hat. Und die Schlussszene in der Kirche mit dem Song von The Verve "Bitter Sweet Symphony" hat mich innerlich zerrissen - einfach perfekt. Kein anderer Film hat es je geschafft, mir so unter die Haut zu gehen wie Cruel Intentions. (05.07.2013)