James Spader, Jeremy Davies, Lesley Ann Warren, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Patrick Bauchau
A young woman, recently released from a mental hospital, gets a job as a secretary to a demanding lawyer, where their employer-employee relationship turns into a sexual, sadomasochistic one.
DVD Release Date: April 1, 2003
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Stats: 4,926 reviews
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Flixster Reviews (4,926)
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January 15, 2010This movie was totally off the hook but I found myself fascinated by it anyway.
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October 30, 2009I didn't know what to expect from this one. I watched it with an open mind, but really couldn't help but be disappointed. Spader and Gyllenhaal are great, but the movie drags on with little going for it. Odd and hard to get into to are probably the best ways to describe this one....( read more)
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September 22, 2009Naughty but nice, Spader and Gyllenhaal are brilliant in this sexy comedy drama.
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July 16, 2009One of the strangest and craziest love stories I've ever seen on screen. A funny black comedy and a great performance by Maggie Gyllenhaal.
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January 23, 2010Interesting drama with Maggie Gyllenhall as a former depreesive who after getting out of hospital gets a job as a secretary. She picks things up after a while, but it seems her boss, played by James Spader, is a bit strange and has an interesting fetish. Which Gyllenhall soon beg...( read more)
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January 18, 2010I was pretty bored with this film but was so intrigued that i watched it till the end. I don't like Maggie Gyllenhaal as an actress but i gave this bizarre film a try. It drags on a bit and not really my type of film but the story behind it, is intrigueing, tasteful and a sweet i...( read more)
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January 17, 2010Secretary es una comedia romantica como nunca se habia visto, no es facil de contar pero el director la presenta llena de corazon, sin juzgar o defender a sus protagonistas, se apoya de una buena forma en el aspecto fisual y los deja ser, es una historia de exploracion y de encon...( read more)
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January 14, 2010Great film about strange love. Dirty and without tabus.
I love the decorations with so much expression. And of cause performance - it's just wonderful.
Critic Reviews
September 27, 2002
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
September 27, 2002
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times
Secretary is a textbook example of a movie that's not for everybody: It's easier to respect it than to enjoy it. full review
September 27, 2002
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
The director, Steven Shainberg, has succeeded by focusing intently on his characters, making them quirky individuals rather than figures of fun. full review
September 26, 2002
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer
If S&M seems like a strange route to true love, maybe it is, but it's to this film's (and its makers') credit that we believe that that's exactly what these two people need to find each other -- and t... full review
September 20, 2002
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com
A liberating, kindhearted picture, one whose ending brings with it the feeling that something has finally been shaken free. full review
September 6, 2002
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
Mary Gaitskill's infamous short story comes to the screen as a film of startling humor and feeling. full review
Comments
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July 16, 2008Im surprised that not alot of people have commented on this movie. Secretary is a wonderful story about a very taboo subject. Dominance and Submission. Usually I shy away from these kinds of themes in movies but Secretary drew me in because of the way in which the subject matter was dealt with. They didnt make it seem like some kind of perversion, just as a different and unusual way to love. I like unusual things, and I loved this movie.
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