Untold Scandal (2003) User Reviews

Vibrant Korean adaptation of "Les Liaisons Dangereuses"

[divemaster13 · 8/10 · 9 February 2010]

"Revenge is sweetest when done secretly."

"Untold Scandal" is a lush adaptation of the novel "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" set in Chosun Dynasty Korea. I have not read the novel nor seen any of the other film adaptations (e.g., "Dangerous Liaisons"; "Cruel Intentions"), so my review is on the merits of the film itself rather than a comparison to other works.

Lady Cho is none too happy when her husband brings in 16-year-old So-OK to be his concubine. She is cute and virginal and of course Lady Cho can't stand it. So she turns to her cousin, Sir Cho Won, and makes a devious proposition--seduce this "innocent flower" and impregnate her. The thought of presenting her husband with a pregnant concubine makes Lady Cho's eyes sparkle. What would Cho Won get in return? What he has always wanted—to enjoy the carnal pleasures of Lady Cho.

But the idle rich are easily bored and this is hardly the test Cho Won was looking for. Seducing a naïve teenager is no challenge. A few flattering words and, well, what girl would *not* fall into bed with the dashing and charming Cho Won? He offers a counter-proposal. If he can bed the virginal Lady Chung, who belongs to a Catholic group and has made a vow of chastity, that would be a true accomplishment worthy of the reward Lady Cho offers. (Of course, being the Lothario that he is, he can't help making eyes at So-OK as well. Just a little something on the side to keep in practice.) Now the games begin. Cho Won finds it rough going, as Lady Chung wants nothing to do with him. She has heard of his reputation and she has no interest in anything but her Catholic service and charity work. She's rather a plain Jane and can't even conceive of why Cho Won would want to have anything to do with her anyway. In fact, she tells him straight out that she would rather live with the plague victims than even carry on a conversation with him. He's certainly got his work cut out for him.

Lady Cho gets a perverse pleasure out of this game of seduction and manipulation. And she's got her own devious games to play with the clueless So-OK.

The scheming escalates in intensity and nefariousness. Will Lady Chung crack? Will Lady Cho have to pay up on the bet? Will So-OK end up a pregnant bride? Will the Law of Unintended Consequences come back to bite Cho Won? The challenge for the actors is to make such characters engaging enough so that the viewer isn't completely turned off by them. Let's face it. Cho Won is a cad of the first degree, and Lady Cho is no better. Even when it appears that Cho Won is succumbing to actual feelings of affection and love, we are not sure if it is genuine or just a part of his merciless game.

Many films can offer up good villains, but they are usually played off against protagonists who have the audience's sympathy and interest. It is more of a task when the villains have to carry the film. I think "Untold Scandal" rises to the challenge admirably. The scheming cousins set about their plans with such style and panache that viewers may find themselves actually rooting for them. These are interesting characters who are surprisingly multi-dimensional (especially in the case of Cho Won).

My major issue with the film was that the ending seemed sort of slapped together. Up until then we've been treated to a very tight and contained piece, but then things start spinning all over the place. I'm not sure if this is true to the original story or if the director felt that after 2 hours he'd better just wrap things up.

If you like costume and period pieces, this is the movie for you. The look of the film is colorful and vibrant. The Hong Kong DVD version carries a Category III rating for some nudity, eroticism, and sensuality, but it is not some silly sex romp. The characters develop, and there are some surprises along the way.

Well-told Scandal

[Rogue-32 · 7/10 · 28 October 2004]

I've seen the previous films based on Les Liaisons Dangereuses, and I have to say that this one is surely the most subtle of the bunch, with wonderfully nuanced performances from all concerned. The story is familiar, of course, to anyone acquainted with the material, but it's the way it's told here, with such profound restraint, that separates it from being merely derivative. I haven't seen that many films from Korea, but based on this one, I would definitely like to see more, particularly from director Je-yong Lee.

Can't imagine why Elvis Mitchell (in his Times review) called this a comedy (and it's even listed here at IMDb as a drama/comedy) - perhaps if you're a first-class sadist, it would come across as amusing, this tragic story of disillusionment, heartbreak and ultimate death. I wasn't laughing.

(7 - the equivalent of a high *** - see my review of AI for my IMDb number/star equivalents, unique to this site)

A story about beauty and vice

[refresh_daemon · 8/10 · 3 February 2007]

This film is an interesting one. The story is adapted from the French novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liasans). It's an 18th (maybe 17th?)century French novel of intrigue and scandal and the movie is set in... 18th century Korea, during the Chosun period. If you've seen Dangerous Liasans or a modern-day adaptation, Cruel Intentions, you've basically got the plot down. Male womanizer and scheming female near relative make a bet that womanizer can't seduce a pure woman. And stuff goes crazy from there.

So I decided to watch this film because it was a massive box-office opener in Korea, beating out all of its competition at the time. A few things that I noticed: 1) I like watching Korean period films, especially those of older Korea because the costumes and set design tend to be very aesthetically pleasing. The art direction is beautiful.

2) The acting was actually quite impressive--certainly better than Cruel Intentions, which is the only other version of this film that I've seen.

3) There are a few graphic sex scenes (and many suggested ones), so if you can't handle that, don't watch the film.

4) The tragedy is tragic and the love story is surprising. The ending was quite moving and was tragic because the flaws of the characters led to their own demise and loss of the things that they love.

5) Cinematography and direction are very strong and the primary actresses are particularly strong.

In the end, this was a well rendered adaptation, so much that I'm curious as to what the original source material is like. I really like the plot lines and the story because it converges so many different themes into a tragic tale of human weakness and yet manages to paint the weak, fallible and sometimes wicked characters in such a way that you still have some sympathy for them, showing that there is something in everyone that was or is beautiful, but it can get buried under the vices of this world.

All the actors are not strong and the film suffers a little from slow pacing, but in the end, it's a very watchable film that has a lot of strengths, even if the film isn't one of the great films of all time. If you can handle the content, I recommend this film. 8/10.

Best All-Around Adaptation of "Les Liaisons dangereuses"

[noralee · 23 October 2004]

"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.

Intriguing Korean version of Dangerous Liasions

[Miranda345 · 7/10 · 17 May 2007]

I absolutely adore the version directed by Stephen Frears (starring Malkovich and Glose) so i was very interested what Koreans had made out of it. Korean films that I have seen that far are very interesting, they have quite a different approach then Western movie makers.

I think it was a good and intense film and the historical Korean scenery added a lot. Still, I think that Frears'is film is way stronger. The only acting work that stood out stronger then Frears'is characters, was the lady who played the virtous Madam Sook (Michelle Pfeiffer's character in Frears'is version). This was an incredibly strong performance and I liked it more then Pfeffer's approach.

As to the others they slightly lacked detail and depth. Overall, the Korean protagonists were no match to John Malkovich and Glenn Close. And the whole lot of other characters, both men and women, looked and acted in such a similar way that it took me some time to distinct them from each other.

However, the film was still very interesting to watch and all this historical Korean world was beautifully shot. The film got better at the end and when the bad guy changed it was really moving and believable. Specially the last scene with him on the beach. I also very much liked the scene between him and Madam Sook in the library.

Now It Can Be Tolled ...

[writers_reign · 7/10 · 22 April 2005]

... and, like the man said, never ask for whom it tolls. This is alleged to be the 10th version of Les Liasons Dangerouse and I haven't seen any of the previous nine. The main thing I took away from this version was elegance, stateliness, formality. Not unusual of course in a film emanating from the Eastern hemisphere. What it is, in fact, is a Comedy of Manners in top-to-bottom writing and no worse for that. Like most occidentals Asian names don't exactly trip off my tongue so I won't attempt to name the actors who I thought were uniformly excellent. I did find it singular to say the least that the leading man whose prowess at martial arts had been amply demonstrated would turn his back on an opponent who might have been down but was far from out. Although I'm woefully ignorant of Eastern mores I do know enough to realize that Honour is prized above most things and a man who has just spoken about the shame his family suffered at the hands of the leading man is not going to give up until he draws his last breath. It's just about feasible that the leading man wished to die/be killed but in that case why has he just kicked seven kinds of s*** out of his opponent instead of succumbing gracefully to the first blow. Overall it's a chocolate-box of a movie like Marivaux in Mandarin.

Excellent film on so many levels

[asc85 · 9/10 · 18 November 2004]

I was privileged to see "Untold Scandal" earlier this evening as a member of the Trenton Film Society. First of all, this is one of the best films of 2004, and I hope it gets a wider release in America. Why did the Korean film, "Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall...and Spring" get a significant release in the USA, but "Untold Scandal" has not? "Untold Scandal" is the far better of the two. Secondly, I felt this version of "Dangerous Liasons" was FAR superior to the American version that was made a number of years ago with Glenn Close and John Malkovich. This version was played more as a love story, more of a Shakespearean tragedy, and infinitely more heartbreaking. While all the performances are strong, the woman playing Lady Sook (the Michelle Pfeiffer role in the American version) was by far the most moving of all the performances. As someone noted earlier in their comment, I didn't see this as a comedy at all. But again, this was absolutely tremendous, and I hope it gets a wider release in America, so that more will have the opportunity to see it.

Good film adaptation, but...

[akain8033 · 7/10 · 18 November 2007]

I enjoyed this film very much, but I personally feel that the modern American version, Cruel Intentions, is a better movie. I will say that this is a biased review. Mainly because I'm a white American. As for the movie itself, I'd have to say it was worth my time. I got a very different perspective on the storyline. The major difference for me is that I could not sympathize for Cho in the end as much as I did for Sebastian in Cruel Intentions. It's most likely the fact that I don't speak Korean and had to rely on my friend when I was confused about what was going on. Overall this is a film well worth anyone's time to watch (as long as you speak Korean, or have someone to watch it with you who is Korean).

Beautiful and moving and perfectly excellent

[sarastro7 · 9/10 · 28 April 2005]

I believe this is the best version of 'Dangerous Liaisons' yet filmed.

Going in, I expected nothing from this movie, as it had to compare with the other three versions of the story I have seen: The classic Dangerous Liaisons (Close/Malkovich/Pfeiffer), the more entertaining but less memorable Valmont (Bening/Firth/Tilly) and the worthy but inferior Cruel Intentions.

However, this Korean version was so stunningly well-produced in every way that it has to be pronounced the superior version of all. The cast was attractive and skillful, the sets and production values were so slick and artful that "perfection" is the only word that comes to mind. The story was thoroughly captivating from beginning to end, and I was moved to tears on several occasions, esp. of course towards the end.

I find that the story is becoming a classic and a favorite of mine (and I intend to move on to the original book very soon). It is about the wages of cynicism; a tragedy where the wicked are justly punished by experiencing on their own bodies and souls the effects of their ruthless actions. It shows how people's actions have consequences, and how those consequences will eventually come full circle, to slap the perpetrators in the face. It is a movie about human nature, saying that cynicism goes against our nature and can destroy us all if running unchecked. A morality tale. A good and true one. A Classic.

My rating: 9 out of 10.

(P.S. Yes, of course Jo-Won *let* that guy stab him in the back. He was killed by his own conscience.)

Fantasy for the sadist

[Pro Jury · 3/10 · 8 February 2006]

*** May contain spoilers. ***

Certainly, serious talent and skill came to bare in producing SCANDAL - JOSEON NAMNYEO SANGYEOLJISA (UNTOLD SCANDAL). The photography and direction are far above average. Set design, costumes, acting and music are all blended together with polish and flare.

Unfortunately, the story does not ring true. Surely in his life the seducer would have come across young ladies far, far, more innocent and sincere than the lady he sort of comes to love. There was nothing unique or special about her. In fact, she was so distrustful that she seemed more worldly than many. And that the seducer left her to seek sex with his kissing cousin points more to him never loving her at all.

Another problem is that all of the seduced young people in this film are always exactly dumb enough or inert enough to be tricked at every turn. The seduced people were boring puppets.

The story is introduced from a fictional book, and is told from the dead seducer's point of view (using his voice over at the end). The story is clearly presented as a unbelievable fantasy. Professional reviewers see UNTOLD SCANDAL as being a comedy? I agree with the amateur reviewers -- UNTOLD SCANDAL is a comedy for sadists. The fantasy is ugly and unpleasant. It is entertainment for the cruel.

Apply the photography, direction, acting, set design, costumes and music to a better story, and then we could have a world class movie.

comical but sad

[imisao · 10/10 · 17 October 2004]

I was charmed by the eyes of Bae Yong Joon. They sometimes made me laugh, but sometimes held my heart so tightly. The movie showed us the way of thinking and the beautiful fashion of old Korean people. Strangely the music was western classic, though it matched the movie very well. The original story seems well-known because it was made into several movies already. I haven't seen them yet. But I think this Asian style version is a good work. I don't understand Korean language but the sound of it is very comfortable for ears to hear. So I was charmed through both the scenes of Bae Yong Joon's eyes' action and the voices of the actors and actresses. It is very sad love story. I liked it.

A bit of a weak adaptation to the classic tragedy

[KineticSeoul · 4/10 · 4 August 2013]

Now this movie is based on "Les Liaisons dangereuses". And the story this movie takes place is in Joseon Dynasty in Korea. But I couldn't help but think of the movie "She's All That" except this one goes in a more serious and sexual direction. Which the book has and this delivers for the most part. But falls flat in other areas as well. But did a good job of incorporating the classic sexual tale into taking place during the 18th century Korea. Bae Yong-jun plays the flirtatious seducer that picks on the weak minded girls and woman. I am not a fan of Bae Yong-jun and this movie didn't make me have a different thought about the actor. But I still think he fit the this role quite nicely. Bae Yong-jun's character pulls all the tricks up his sleeves in order to seduce someone for a bet. Who is a this virtuous woman that is difficult to tempt. But the chemistry between the two leads just didn't seem all that strong or leaves a presence. Even if it's one sided for quite a while. The build up is a bit weak for the most part. And thus made the ending less impactful and believable. As a matter of fact a lot of the areas just seemed a bit rushed and not developed well, especially the ending. It's a tragedy shown in a kinda bleak manner, it's a alright watch at least once.

4.6/10

One of the best of versions of Les Liaisons Dangerous

[daejeeduma · 7 December 2004]

What can I say... 18th century century Korea is almost a picture perfect combo of "east meets west" with 18th century France. Many will probably judge Untold Scandal with the John Malkovich version of Dangerous Liaisons. Both versions need a little help, but "love story" was more profound and more touching in this version. Malkovich seemed like the faking unfaithful perp till the end, but in Untold Scandal you genuinely see the transformation in him from a seducer to a man desperately in love. While i didn't give a $hit about the characters in Dangerous liaisons since they are all pretty much ruthless bastards, you really care for everyone in Untold Scandal which made the ending even more depressing. Lastly, the simple and beautiful scenery of 18th century Korea is in itself breathtaking enough to see the film. I recommend both versions, you might want to see them back to back.

Brilliant adaptation of 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses'

[Atavisten · 8/10 · 30 March 2006]

Moving this story from the French aristocracy to the Korean during Chosen dynasty when everyone held up a mask of decency in daytime and let it fall together with the hanbok at night was quite the trick to re-liven this story. Everything is done so well from the flow to the brilliant actresses/actors. Most notably is Lee Mi-suk as the sly older cousin/fox. The backdrop of Korean castles is quite fitting, and as they sneak around at night like teenagers we sit on the edge of the seat hoping they wouldn't get caught.

The charm of "Jeon-sama" is lost on me, but I know it wouldn't be for hordes of "women in their best age". So if you're one of those, catch it!! Must be a big hit in all of East-Asia now.

As brilliant as it can get

[pvn9 · 9/10 · 17 January 2006]

This is a fantastic movie, well worth your time. It was fast paced and seldom boring. Much better than the original French version or the English (Dangerous Liaisons) version. Korea was amazingly portrayed. All the props were just gorgeous. Women were beautiful and sensuous. All the scenes (including the few sex scenes it has) were very tastefully done... Great movie to watch... There seem to be several spin offs for the original French version (don't remember the name)like Cruel intentions and what not. But this is by far the best adaptation of the original. This movie has something for everyone. Drama, Romance, Intrigue, Sex (no much action though)!!!

Delicious Scandals

[sumpit · 9/10 · 17 June 2006]

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.

A.A. = Aristocrat Amorous

[harry_tk_yung · 30 March 2004]

Spoilers

No, 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.

Historical fiction at its best

[caseyrick · 19 September 2011]

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

no comments...just a spoiler

[qwertzy · 3 June 2004]

No reviews here, except for a MAJOR SPOILER which i feel the need to air. ..and it concerns how our beloved Korean Cassonova has his life ended. Being a skilled martial arts exponent, as we are led to believe from the earlier fighting sequences, how is he blissfully unaware of the ruffled footsteps of the assassin approaching from behind? I wasn't told he was hard of hearing. This begs the question : why does he even turn his back on somebody who has shown every intent to kill him? Did he really believe his assassin's knife was made of rubber? Hell, i'd watch my back if anyone carrying a dildo threatens to stap me with it! There can be only one conclusion : He already decides to die, much like Paulo Coelho's beloved Veronika, and he chooses death by a-huge-gaping-hole-at-the-back-of-the-body.