A modern, well-made take on the classic tale “Les Liaisons dangereuses” by Choderlos de Laclos, published in 1782. My first meeting with said tale was in the early 90’s, through the film “Dangerous Liaisons”, which I love; despite this, forget about the older versions for a second and open yourself to this modern-day one. Ryan Philippe plays a brilliant, constantly calculating, Jude Law-ish Valmont, and Sarah Michelle Gellar does a subtle, wonderful, low-key treacherous Merteuil. These two, paired with the brilliant acting of innocent Selma Blair, make up a good portion of the film. The direction is very good and the soundtrack the same. The dialogue and editing makes for a snappy, well-made film where you’re continually well-fed, served a story of betrayal, games, sex and love.