Dangerous Liaisons

This Chinese and Korean 2012 remake is a marvelously refreshing take on the classic story.  South Korean actor Jang Dong-gun does a superb job of playing the wealthy seducer in cahoots with the wealth socialite played by Cecilia Cheung, to make sport of widow Du Fenyu (played by Zhang Ziyi) and orchestrate the affairs of a budding young couple for the purpose of revenge.  Zhang Ziyi has certainly matured in the range of her acting and handling the complexities of this role, is certainly proof of that. Amidst the great acting performances of a great cast, the other real unique feature of the film, is the very great detailed setting of 1930's Shanghai looking into the lives of the rich prior to the invasion of Japan.  I wouldn't say this version of Dangerous Liaisons had, say the particular punch of the 1988 version with John Malkovich and Glenn Close, but it is a spectacular treat in performance and visuals, that is both sumptuous and sultry to view. I admittedly have a great affinity for Asian period pieces of this caliber and so was looking forward to viewing this film.  No disappointments here, but perhaps what's best about any version of Dangerous Liaisons, is just the obvious brilliant plot, which still stands the test of time.