caseyrick I'm no expert on movies, I just like I like, but do watch a wide variety of films (especially since getting my Roku box!)I was quite moved by the universal humanity expressed in this tale, the exquisite attention to detail in the scenes and settings, and the quality of the performances of all actors and actresses involved. I had no idea of the refinement of Korean culture in this period, but it strikes me as every bit as refined as the Japanese, and makes me want to learn more about this period in history.I highly recommend the film too for its unabashed revelations of how the aristocratic nobility behaved, and profusely used sexual liaisons outside of marriages to advance, or counteract, political battles behind the public scene -- an all too familiar experience the world over, beyond 18th century Korea.--Rick in Boulder

N Nordin (sumpit) OK, admittedly, I haven't read the book, but I assumed it wasn't all that interesting to begin with, especially after watching the mediocre cruel intentions which is said to be based on the same novel. As for Dangerous Liaison, I haven't seen it, so I can't comment on it. However, watching Untold Scandals changed me. The plot is tight and very well structured, and it also helps that the acting is superb and the props (set design and costumes included) are set to perfection. And the comedy bit everyone is talking about? Well, there aren't that many and they won't get you rolling on the floor laughing, but they are witty enough to get you smiling..........Now if Untold Scandals were food, I'd say it tastes like chocolate.

noralee "Untold Scandal (Joseon namnyeo sangyeoljisa)" is the best all-around adaptation of "Les Liaisons dangereuses." Others have struck the right note with singular elements, but went flat on others. This has terrific, believable, very attractive casting -- from the young love-struck innocents to the older central cynics; an appropriate mise en scene of a rigid society with strict, hypocritical rules about women's behavior, here 18th century Korea; the epistolary format of the original to drive the machinations, helped by beautiful calligraphy and even writing positions; a varying tone that ranges from Shakespearean romantic comic bashing of human foibles to the diabolical thrusts that playing with people's hearts can really hurt, particularly communicated through the changing tone of the music. This very frank version is particularly good at closely examining the full ramifications of lust vs. love, chastity vs. celibacy, experience vs. naivete, foreplay vs. consummation, and of course, men vs. women. This is a battle of the sexes with a lot of sex. While it is a bit slow, the lush costumes, production design and settings fill the eye. Though the opening credits are translated into English, the closing ones aren't -- but you must stay past them as the plot concludes devilishly with closing images that demonstrate that the more things change, the more they stay the same. I wasn't sure about the accuracy of the English subtitles in describing the familial relationships among the characters as I was a bit confused about who was an in-law of whom how.

Harry T. Yung SpoilersNo, this has nothing to do with alcoholism. As well, movies with sweating, panting sex scenes are a dime a dozen. The accent here is aristocracy. The party in a tireless pursuit of amorous encounter here is as much of an artist as Diego Rivera is (remember the chap in Frida who is "physiologically incapable of fidelity"). More than that, he is a nobleman, one Jo-wan (Bae Yong-Jun), accomplished in not only painting, but also poetry, calligraphy and martial arts. And, for good measure, he paints scene of his own licentious encounters.Untold Scandal is yet another adaptation of 18th century classic Les Liaisons Dangereuses, better known to moviegoers as Dangerous Liaison (1988). The scene, however, is transported to feudal Korea. The main story line is Jo-wan's bet with his cousin Lady Cho (Lee Mi-sook) that he can seduce virgin widow Lady Suk (Jeon Do-yeon). Along the way, we are privy to Jo-wan's other exploits, including his painting model, Lady Suk's maid, and an adolescent concubine-to-be So-ok. In the last case, Lady Cho also got her prey in So-ok's young admirer, through a wicked conspiracy she and Jo-wan executed over the innocent young couple.So much for the pleasure of the flesh. The light, comic tone turns dark when a measure of affection develops between Jo-wan and Lady Suk, ending in a fatalistic tragedy.Comparison with Dangerous Liaison seems inevitable. Both Li Mi-sook and Glenn Close gave an excellent portrayal of this intelligent, cultured, completely bored and thoroughly wicked high-born lady. In Dangerous Liaison, the woman's brilliant performance is perfectly matched by the man's, in John Malkovich's cunningly charming nobleman. In Untold Scandal, however, Bae Yong-Jun, despite his immense popularity in Korean soup operas, is coming short. His Clerk Gable style charm and wit are rather superficial, rendering the successful seduction of this immovable lady rather unconvincing. With the character of Lady Suk, it's yet another story. Michelle Pfeiffer and Jeon Do-yeon both did a marvellous job, but it's not meaningful to compare them because their style is so different. Here I'd rather concentrate on Jeon Do-yeon, who must be considered one of the best actresses in Korea today. To fully appreciate her brilliant versatility, one has to see both the shy, innocent, lonely girl yearning for love in Cheob-sok (1997) and the scheming, reckless adulteress in Happy End (1999). Those who consider her lovemaking scene in Untold Scandal daring (for a Korean movie) should see the first ten minutes of Happy End for an eye-opener.The story of Untold Scandal is told in a simple manner, with conspicuous, frequent use of voice off. Art direction and cinematography are the forte of this movie. At the close range, we see a meticulously detailed shot of a serving tray with a sumptuous Korean meal served in some thirty bowls and dishes. A similar shot, but on a different subject matter, is the make-up tray for the high lady. In the medium range, the colourful Korean consumes and architecture become the star. Finally, there are breathtaking views of sea and snowfield that accentuate the poignancy towards the end.