Untold Scandal Movie Review:


After the success of the Eighties’ adaptation “Dangerous Liasons”, and for the Nineties teeny market, “Cruel Intentions,” comes another interpretation of a novel penned in 1782 by De Laclos.

This time it is set in old-time Korea. In case you are not familiar with the basis of the tale, it remains the same here. A pair of high-society cousins gets their kicks out of daring each other to cause unspeakable chaos in the lives of those around them, particularly those that may have displeased them in some small way.

Wicked Lady Cho proposes the most merciless of the plans, teasing the womanising Sir Cho-Wan with the offer of her body if he carries out the ‘tasks’ successfully, while he relishes the challenges. He wants Lady Cho all the more because he cannot have her at will, and enjoys recanting to her his conquests, teasing, “You look most beautiful when you are jealous”.
They have a very odd relationship, and thrive on each other’s lack of compassion.

But no-one can sustain this lack of conscience forever, and though they inflict irreparable damage on the lives of others, they do not emerge unscathed.
The best thing about “Untold Scandal” is undoubtedly the costume pieces. They are ravishing to look at. From the bright silks, crisp white linens and wonderful head-wear, to the bejewelled hairstyles, all set off by china doll make-up, it really is something to behold.
The setting is quite lovely too, a lush re-creation of this long-past era that looks idyllic on screen.
True to this time in history though, women were there for little other than the pleasure of men. They lived separately, men could take concubines and girls learned deportment on how to be good, graceful wives. It is actually hinted at in various places that this repression is a catalyst for at least some of Lady Cho’s behaviour.
Another example of the creative beauty is Sir-Cho’s habit of painting wonderful pictures of women as an outlet - and as the paintings change so it signifies a change in
him.

The acting is also excellent, sometimes understated, sometimes positively theatrical darling depending on who we’re dealing with.
The difficulty with this interpretation is that although it is lovely to look at, with convincing performances, if the plot is familiar to you already then there is nothing of surprise here in this version at all.

Almost everything of the original story seems to have been included verse and chapter, only slightly altered to fit the location and period, which is fine, but only truly rewarding for a new audience, or die-hard fans.

It also feels slightly too long - a couple of people are supposed to be involved in lengthy ‘pursuits’, but take liberties are taken with that word, because although the pay-off is relatively enjoyable, it feels like it takes some time to get there.

If this is new territory to you then it’s definitely worth going to see, but if you’ve seen it in a previous incarnation it’s really not essential to see this version.

Terresa Gaffney

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