Since discovering this film, it has since become one of my all-time favorite period pieces. There is a unique combination of lightness and frivolity on one hand, and the very darkest side of love, deception and manipulation on the other. Foreman's "Amadeus" also was an elegant period-piece which brought the extremes of comedy and drama together brilliantly. The highlights of this film, for me, must begin with Annette Bening. After all is said and done this is her movie. She is absolutely radiant. There is a remarkable breadth in her character. . . she displays a sweet sensitivity towards Cecile's innocence and you sense that she longs to return to that kind of experience in love. And yet she has turned cold, bitter, and resentful through her real life experiences with love. There is much more to be said. . . Colin Firth as Valmont is funny, charming, and very sly. His 'old aunt' is a treasure. Fairuza Balk (who I loved in her debut 'Return to Oz') well portrays the anxiety, anticipation and awkwardness of all teenagers starting to embrace love. The locations and costumes are lucious. There are the inevitable comparisons to 'Dangerous Liaisons,' also a very entertaining film. Personally, I think there's no need to compare them. They're both excellently written and acted. However, since 'Valmont' was missed by many, it needs to be brought to the attention of those who haven't yet had
