Cruel Intentions
Cruel Intentions is a 1999 American teen drama film directed by Roger Kumble.
Cruel Intentions is a 1999 American teen drama film directed by Roger Kumble. Set among wealthy Manhattan prep school students, it centers on manipulation, seduction, and a wager between step-siblings, and is a modern adaptation of *Les Liaisons dangereuses*. The film became a cult favourite after its release.
Plot
The story focuses on manipulative step-siblings at an elite Manhattan prep school. Their scheme involves a wager over seducing Annette Hargrove, who has publicly said she intends to remain chaste until marriage.
Cast
The principal cast features Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kathryn Merteuil, Ryan Phillippe as Sebastian Valmont, Reese Witherspoon as Annette Hargrove, and Selma Blair as Cecile Caldwell.
Production and release
Cruel Intentions was directed by Roger Kumble and released in the United States on March 5, 1999. It has a runtime of 97 minutes and was released by a major studio after originally beginning as a smaller-scale production.
Reception and legacy
The film received mixed reviews on release but performed strongly enough to become a long-term favourite with audiences. It has since developed a cult following and is widely remembered as a distinctive late-1990s teen drama. The film is part of the late-1990s Hollywood teen-movie cycle that also circulated widely in Canada through theatrical release, home video, and television broadcasting.
Key facts
- The film follows wealthy step-siblings Kathryn Merteuil and Sebastian Valmont as they make a wager involving Annette Hargrove.
- It is a modern retelling of the 1782 French novel *Les Liaisons dangereuses*.
- The main cast includes Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon, and Selma Blair.
- The film was released in 1999 and is often described as a cult favourite.
- Its content includes sexual situations, drug use, and manipulation, which contributed to its R rating.
The film is part of the late-1990s Hollywood teen-movie cycle that also circulated widely in Canada through theatrical release, home video, and television broadcasting.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cruel Intentions based on?
Who directed Cruel Intentions?
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Who stars in Cruel Intentions?
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References
- Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/cruel_intentionsSupports: release year, runtime, rating, director, synopsis
- Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/cruel-intentionsSupports: release date, director, cast, rating, runtime, plot summary
- Digital Spy — https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a785476/10-incredible-facts-you-never-knew-about-cruel-intentions/Supports: modern retelling of *Les Liaisons dangereuses* and cultural reception
- IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0139134/Supports: original title, plot details, cast identification
- Simple English Wikipedia — https://www.simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruel_IntentionsSupports: summary of plot, cast, release year, cult-favourite status