Sometimes, actresses get the part because they're pretty. So do cities. An update of Dangerous Liaisons sets the action in 1930s Shanghai and stars Ziyi Zhang, who first found public acclaim in the states through Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon before starring in Memoirs of a Geisha. And yes, almost everything about Liaisons looks tremendous. But this isn't a portrait, so there's more to consider. Or not, since director Jin-ho Hur gives us nothing of substance to weigh. Perhaps the thought is that this story, told several times already (including the teen drama Cruel Intentions), is familiar enough that we don't need depth. If that's the case: mission accomplished. But what a shame this one has no teeth, because the production looks great, the cast is gorgeous and the source material would be worth adapting to this setting, rather than merely being retold.