Featured Audience Ratings

• Mark W

  
  The 2010 Academy Awards category for Best Foreign Language film contained some strong contenders with the likes of Jacques Audiard's "A Prophet" and Michael Haneke's "The White Ribbon"; two films that could easily have laid claim to the award. However, it… More
  The 2010 Academy Awards category for Best Foreign Language film contained some strong contenders with the likes of Jacques Audiard's "A Prophet" and Michael Haneke's "The White Ribbon"; two films that could easily have laid claim to the award. However, it was this film crept up from under their noses and took the Oscar. Whether or nor you pay any credence to the Oscars is neither here nor there but there's no doubt that this is solid and absorbing filmmaking. In 1999, retired criminal justice officer Benjamin Esposito (Ricardo Darìn) decides to write a novel about a murder case that he investigated in 1974. He decides visits his old colleague Irene Hastings (Soledad Villamil) to talk it over. The case had repercussions for everyone involved but Benjamin didn't realise the direct effect it had on him or his deep, suppressed feelings for Irene. With a title like "The Secret In Their Eyes", this film states it's intentions and stands by them. Director Juan José Campanella lingers long on shots and wisely focuses on the eyes of his performers. For a film that's predominately dialogue driven, the abundance of close-up's add another dimension where the eyes speak a thousand words. It's a great technique that conveys a myriad of hidden meanings in the relationship between the two main characters, Benjamin and Irene. However, this relationship is not entirely apparent from the off-set. It's only when the film's layers are revealed that this comes to the surface, as in the meantime you're too preoccupied with it's murder-mystery plot developments. This mystery progresses into a manhunt, while taking time to explore the judicial system and political corruption that was rife in Argentina in 1970's. It's during this, that Campanella takes advantage of the thriller element in the story, delivery an absolutely astounding and very skilfully handled tracking shot through a football stadium, leading to an impressively assembled chase sequence. Just how they managed to do it is beyond me and needs to be seen to be believed. There are many moments of intensity when it matters (including a nerve-racking elevator moment that's hard to forget) but it also knows how to ground itself and that's were the performances come in; Ricardo Darin is a charismatic presence who more than holds your interest with unshakable ideals and a strong moral compass, while Soledad Villamil delivers a strong and reserved show. It's the chemistry between these two wonderful actors that play a big part in the film's, effortless, tonal shifts. It's also not without humour or tragedy which is provided by Guillermo Francella as Benjamin's alcoholic, but loyal and reliable colleague, Pablo. Quite simply, it's easy to see why this film took the Oscar, it's has a bit of everything; a sharp and involving script that pays great attention to detail; skilful direction; rich cinematography and natural, committed performances. A complex tapestry about life, love and chances rued that's built around the constructs of a thriller. It excels in everything it challenges and that's exactly where it's strengths lie. Mark Walker

• Emily A

  
  This movie reminds me a little of Oldboy or Tell No One; it's a rivetting crime drama tied together by really endearing and human characters. This movie makes a point of letting you get to know all the characters and seeing their fears , goofiness and pettiness - all the things… More
  This movie reminds me a little of Oldboy or Tell No One; it's a rivetting crime drama tied together by really endearing and human characters. This movie makes a point of letting you get to know all the characters and seeing their fears , goofiness and pettiness - all the things that make them human, basically - and uses them to anchor the investigation into a decades-old crime. Every single character in this movie is interesting and genuine: the villains aren't devoid of moral fibre, and the heroes aren't free from feelings of bitterness and selfishness. I really appreciated the time they took to hash out these people's motivations and relationships. The Secret in Their Eyes also reminded me a little of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, but much less mean-spirited. This is not the kind of movie I usually go for, but I am so glad that I saw it.

• Jan Marc M

  
  An eye for an eye. The Secret In Their Eyes is an intelligent, multiple coherent plots on love, loss, and justice with political subtexts. Highly intriguing subtle themes. Sensational.

• Jim H

  
  A former criminal court prosecutor recalls a case involving a raped woman and judicial corruption. <i>The Secret in Their Eyes</i> is a superbly constructed thriller with strong performances by Ricardo Darin and Soledad Villamil, both of whom are able to convey so much… More
  A former criminal court prosecutor recalls a case involving a raped woman and judicial corruption. <i>The Secret in Their Eyes</i> is a superbly constructed thriller with strong performances by Ricardo Darin and Soledad Villamil, both of whom are able to convey so much with so little movement; it's understated, stoic acting at its finest. The direction by Juan Jose Campanella is also quite strong. Benjamin is always at the edge of the screen, never fully seen until the very end. It's a strong choice, indicating Benjamin's distance from himself and inability to face all that his life has come to. Also, there's a great continuous shot (think: <i>Children of Men</i> or <i>Atonement</i>) at the football game and another shot of a chase scene that shows Campanella's technical brilliance. I did think that the love story was not adequately set up so that when it became the main element of the third act, I was surprised. Overall, this is a very strong thriller and quite accessible for all audiences.

• Adam M

  
  Great performances by the male and female leads, and fine dialogue for the supporting cast. Some great shots that show characters boxed in by their habitual environments and give a sense of texture to those environments. Unnecessary melodrama and overanxious plot shortcuts, but the… More
  Great performances by the male and female leads, and fine dialogue for the supporting cast. Some great shots that show characters boxed in by their habitual environments and give a sense of texture to those environments. Unnecessary melodrama and overanxious plot shortcuts, but the two leads sell it better than others could.

• Idrees K

  
  There are an uncountable number of layers to this film. Politics, love, justice, good old symbolism, great acting and so much more. In a movie that's all about the details, they seemed to have nailed every last one.

• Luke B

  
  Fantastic crime drama. It begins with Darin attempting to write a novel based on a case from long ago. It's been 25 years since the rape and brutal murder of a young woman. It was a case that just fizzled out after getting too hot. This film is filled with love, revenge and… More
  Fantastic crime drama. It begins with Darin attempting to write a novel based on a case from long ago. It's been 25 years since the rape and brutal murder of a young woman. It was a case that just fizzled out after getting too hot. This film is filled with love, revenge and obsession. It plays out in a rich tapestry of events over time. The film prevails against most others due to Rago. He plays the loving husband of the victim. He becomes obsessed with catching the killer, not to kill him, but to make him serve his time. With so many violent revenge fantasies, it's great to finally see a character we can relate to. The films wonderul story unravels, but does so with unique and satusfying scenes. The football stadium sees action and intrigue take center stage, whilst an elevator scene is sure to send chills through the viewer. The climax was so expertly handled I was giddy to see it all come together. It was an ending that you do see coming, but not so early on that it ruins the film. It also had me contemplating on the nature of good and evil, and punishment itself. It was satisfying, but also made me feel a little cold. An overall excellent film that I can't wait to watch again.

• Jennifer X

  
  A really overdramatic telenovela. The soccer house scene is the only one worth watching. Verdict: skip it.

• Conner R

  
  If this movie were to have been made in the US it would've been labeled as a collage piece of around six different existing crime/detective stories. However, since it is "foreign" there seems to be no bad judgment; it even won an academy award. I'm gonna say it,… More
  If this movie were to have been made in the US it would've been labeled as a collage piece of around six different existing crime/detective stories. However, since it is "foreign" there seems to be no bad judgment; it even won an academy award. I'm gonna say it, this is a bland movie with no surprises and hammy acting. It tries to have this really great parallel with the relationship and murder mystery, but it's just way too obvious and drawn out. The originality it does have is wasted. Yes, a six long shot is great looking when it is used in something with a great story and event taking place. It's watchable, but it's absolutely nothing you haven't seen before.

• Cynthia S

  
  A slow start, then some crescendo, and a grandiose finish. A very well shot, well written, well acted, well directed piece of art. When all is said and done, though, in spite of some painstakingly detailed scenes, and some sharp scripting, this film just seemed awfully long. I liked… More
  A slow start, then some crescendo, and a grandiose finish. A very well shot, well written, well acted, well directed piece of art. When all is said and done, though, in spite of some painstakingly detailed scenes, and some sharp scripting, this film just seemed awfully long. I liked it, but would have probably loved it with maybe 30 min shaved off.

• Gordon A

  
  Unresolved murder thriller elevated by high calibre performances, subtle humour and a touching thread of unrequited love. Infused with an appealing latin american flavour, this is a true gem.

• Saskia D

  
  The story could've been written by Stieg Larsson, the writer of the Millennium trilogy. Just like in this movie the 'love-interest' was a bit weak. I liked it nevertheless, worth a watch!

• Tony G

  
  The magnificent "The Secret in Their Eyes" is a richly layered, Academy Award-winning Argentine thriller that uses a murder to impeccably compel and captivate. Juan Jose Campanella creates a film filled with riches - in the middle is a disturbing rape-murder which… More
  The magnificent "The Secret in Their Eyes" is a richly layered, Academy Award-winning Argentine thriller that uses a murder to impeccably compel and captivate. Juan Jose Campanella creates a film filled with riches - in the middle is a disturbing rape-murder which instantly consumes federal agent Benjamín Espósito (a forceful Ricardo Darin). But "Secret" isn't an episodic television mystery so the investigation isn't the point of the film, the crime is a conduit toward exploring themes of love, forgiveness, true justice and life. A key to the film's success are the performances, the score and pacing. The performances are pitch perfect: Soledad Villamil (lovely and strong as Esposito's boss and lost love), Pablo Rago (tormented as the bereaved husband of the murdered), Javier Godino (creepy without exaggeration as the murderer), Guillermo Francella (funny and sad as Esposito's alcoholic partner) and Mariano Argento (appropriately vile as Esposito's corrupt rival). "Secret" doesn't lose its shrewd tone throughout - all the way to its astute end.

• Lewis C

  
  "If that's what happened...why didn't you take me with you?" The Secret in Their Eyes is a thoughtful, layered mystery/drama from Argentina. The story is split between two time periods: the investigation by the three main characters of the rape and murder of a… More
  "If that's what happened...why didn't you take me with you?" The Secret in Their Eyes is a thoughtful, layered mystery/drama from Argentina. The story is split between two time periods: the investigation by the three main characters of the rape and murder of a young woman in 1974, and the reunion of two of those characters in 1999. Benjamin (Ricardo Darin) is writing a novel about the 25 year-old case that ended with an unfavorable outcome , and in the course of recounting what happened, we learn about the past events and the rather complicated past that Benjamin had with his superior, Irena (Soledad Villamil). What makes the movie so interesting is the relationships between the characters. Ricardo Darin, Guillermo Francella, and Soledad Villamil are all wonderful in their roles, and the camaraderie the two men and the chemistry between Darin and Francella makes what happens to the characters feel very involving and real. This really is a movie that has a little something for everyone. The unfolding mystery of what happened 25 years ago and the events that are revealed in 1999 are interesting and ultimately satisfying, and so is the understated relationship between the male and female leads. It's hard to imagine anyone not liking this, unless they just have a negative opinion of subtitles.

• Alireza M

  
  Another good movie from Argentina,starring Ricardo Darin who seems to be the only active actor in Argentina.Its two parallel storyline was the reason that movie could be something more than a simple crime thriller.In my opinion the movie could be better and it required more details… More
  Another good movie from Argentina,starring Ricardo Darin who seems to be the only active actor in Argentina.Its two parallel storyline was the reason that movie could be something more than a simple crime thriller.In my opinion the movie could be better and it required more details about the events.

• Ross C

  
  An elegant, witty story about love & justice, with a subtle nod of the head to Argentina's recent history.

• Stuart B

  
  Very good thriller.

• familiar s

  
  Just re-watched it (don't remember exactly when I first watched it except for it was a couple of months back). IMO, it deserved the Oscar by all means. Loved the way the story is told & the characters are developed. Great performances by one & all. But Pablo Rago… More
  Just re-watched it (don't remember exactly when I first watched it except for it was a couple of months back). IMO, it deserved the Oscar by all means. Loved the way the story is told & the characters are developed. Great performances by one & all. But Pablo Rago impressed me the most. He marvelously pulls off the role of Ricardo Morales, the lamenting yet determined husband expecting FAIR justice. Crime, romance (a genre I could care less for), comedy, mystery, there's a bit or more of each of them & it all blends perfectly with the proceedings. A job well done indeed.

• Greg S

  
  A retired Argentinian barrister can't forget a brutal rape/murder case from earlier in his career, and as he's writing a novel about the case he decides to follow up on loose ends. Absorbing drama/mystery about inability to let go of the past, for both better and worse.

• Fernando Rafael Q

  
  Utterly winning Argentinean film has been setting records from the get-go. First Argentine film to be released on Blu-Ray, second biggest-selling film in that country, as well as the second entry from Argentina (and Latin America) to win the 'Best Foreign Film' Oscar.… More
  Utterly winning Argentinean film has been setting records from the get-go. First Argentine film to be released on Blu-Ray, second biggest-selling film in that country, as well as the second entry from Argentina (and Latin America) to win the 'Best Foreign Film' Oscar. Veteran actor Ricardo Darín's performance, in his 4th collaboration with director Juan José Campanella, is excellent, just as Soledad Villamil's as Irene Menéndez Hastings, Benjamín Espósito's (Darín) boss and love interest and Guillermo Francella's as his alcoholic assistant and friend, Sandoval. Too bad language can sometimes be a barrier. I have no doubt that if El Secreto de sus Ojos had been filmed in English, it would already be (or would be close to becoming) a classic. It has everything to be one. A dramatic, unpredictable and involving story. A believable romance. Unexpected (but gratifying) moments of humor. It's easy on the eyes and contains great performances and impeccable directing. A thrilling action sequence. A chilling and tense scene in which Benjamín and Irene share an elevator with the main villain is up to par with Hitchcock's best suspense sequences. Excellent job by the makeup department, believably aging and rejuvenating the main characters in a story that spans 25 years. An unexpected and stunning finale is the perfect ending for this new masterpiece.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings