Dangerous Liaisons (2012)

Dangerous Liaisons (2012)

Year: 2012

Runtime: 110 min

Language: French

Director: Jin-ho Hur

DramaMysteryRomance

In Shanghai's opulent underbelly, a tantalizing game of deceit and desire unfolds. A rekindled obsession between an aging socialite and her former flame sparks a dangerous dalliance, as he agrees to ensnare a vulnerable young woman in his web of seduction, leaving destruction in their wake.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Dangerous Liaisons (2012) yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Dangerous Liaisons (2012) (2012)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Dangerous Liaisons (2012) (2012). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Pre-Revolutionary France

The period before the French Revolution was marked by stark social inequalities and growing unrest among the lower classes. It was a time when the aristocracy engaged in lavish lifestyles, oblivious to the suffering of the populace. This era set the stage for the dramatic conflicts of love and revenge seen in 'Dangerous Liaisons'.

Location

Pre-Revolution Paris

Pre-Revolution Paris is characterized by its opulence and social stratification, where the upper classes indulge in decadence and intrigue. The city is pulsing with the undercurrents of discontent that would soon give rise to revolution, making it a tangled web of seductive power plays and moral decay. Its ballrooms, salons, and opera houses serve as the backdrop for romantic entanglements and betrayal.

🏰 Paris 🌹 France

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 17:38

Main Characters – Dangerous Liaisons (2012) (2012)
Meet the key characters of Dangerous Liaisons (2012) (2012), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Marquise de Merteuil (Ziyi Zhang)

The Marquise de Merteuil is a cunning and manipulative woman who orchestrates the seduction of her ex-lover's fiancée as a means of revenge. She embodies the struggle for power in a patriarchal society and showcases a chilling blend of intelligence and ruthlessness. Merteuil's actions ultimately reflect the broader themes of betrayal and vengeance.

👩‍⚖️ Manipulation 🕵️‍♀️ Strategist 🔥 Ambition

Vicomte de Valmont (Dong-Gun Jang)

Valmont is a charismatic yet morally ambiguous seducer who becomes entangled in Merteuil's scheming. His pursuit of both Cécile and the devout Madame de Tourvel reveals his complex character, torn between pleasure and genuine love. Valmont's tragic downfall as a result of his actions highlights the destructive potential of passion and manipulation.

🎩 Seducer 💔 Tragic Hero 🎭 Charismatic

Cécile de Volanges (Cecilia Cheung)

Cécile is a young and naive character who becomes the target of Valmont's machinations. Her innocence and sheltered upbringing leave her vulnerable to the manipulative games played by the adults around her. Through Cécile's plight, the film critiques the societal pressures on women and the loss of innocence.

👸 Innocence 🌸 Naivety 💔 Victim

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 17:38

Major Themes – Dangerous Liaisons (2012) (2012)
Explore the central themes of Dangerous Liaisons (2012) (2012), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme in 'Dangerous Liaisons', where characters manipulate and deceive each other for personal gain. The Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont orchestrate elaborate schemes to destroy their enemies while disguising their true intentions. This theme explores the complexity of human relationships and the moral ambiguity of their actions.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Seduction

Seduction permeates the plot, with characters engaging in manipulative games to achieve their desires. Valmont's pursuit of Cécile and Tourvel illustrates the power dynamics of seduction, where innocence and virtue are exploited. This theme highlights the intersection of love and manipulation in a society defined by appearances and expectations.

⚔️ Revenge

The quest for revenge drives much of the story, particularly for Merteuil, as she seeks to humiliate her former lover. This theme explores how vengeance can lead to devastating consequences, affecting not only the victims but also the perpetrators. The cycle of revenge ultimately results in tragedy for all involved.

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 17:38

Similar Movies to Dangerous Liaisons (2012)
Discover movies like Dangerous Liaisons (2012) that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.