Untold Scandal (1970) Synopsis:
Based on the novel 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses,' this film is set in aristocratic 18th-century Korea at the end of the Chosun Dynasty. The irresistible temptress Lady Cho asks her cad of a younger cousin, Jo-won, to deflower the innocent young Soh-ok, who is to become her husband's concubine. But, his attentions soon shift to the graceful and aloof Lady Sook, who lives according to her convictions as a Catholic. Jo-won becomes obsessed with seducing this chaste woman who has remained celibate for nine years since her husband's death. However, conquering the most virtuous woman in the land proves to be more difficult than Chosun's notorious playboy expects.
Untold Scandal (1970) Movie Review:
Choderlos de Laclos' novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses has been adapted in various forms over the years, but nothing prepares you for the icy perfection of this Korean period drama. A gorgeous setting and ferociously charming cast add unexpected depths to this scalding saga of manipulation.
In the almost pathologically proper Chosun Dynasty of 18th century Korea, Jo-Won (Bae) is a charming womaniser who relishes his conquests even as he pines for the one woman he could never have, the respected Lady Cho (Lee Mi-Sook). But Lady Cho is just as ravenous, and together they wager to deflower her husband's new concubine (Lee So-Yeon) as well as a virginal widow (Jeon) Jo-Won has his eye on. Jo-Won's prize is one night with Lady Cho; but if he fails he must become a monk.
This is a film about "lecherous and immoral" people quietly flouting the proprieties of their fading society. It's viciously witty, astutely observed and completely unnerving. And this version has the ability to catch us sharply, even if we've already seen the lush 1988 costume dramas Dangerous Liaisons and Valmont, Roger Vadim's edgy 1950s-set version or the seductive 1999 teen adaptation Cruel Intentions. No matter how many times this story is filmed, there's gold inside it.
It helps that director E J-Yong draws out the energy and black comedy even while everyone talks and moves slowly--infusing the film with lust, even though there are only a few explicit moments. The cast fill their performances with spiky glances, slithering dialog and telling gestures. It's sensual overload in some ways--unhurried and achingly beautiful, building to a series of climactic releases in each plot strand. A couple of threads are lost at the end, but with such a strong central narrative we don't notice at the time.
E J-Yong expertly brings out the story's themes, especially the arrogance of people who try to manipulate emotions. There's a passionate, moving centre to this film that balances the wickedness. And in the cleverly twisting ending, he manages to pull a few surprises out of the tale, even for those of us who think we've seen everything this story has to offer.
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Untold Scandal (1970) review written by: Rich Cline
12th October, 2008 
