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.

Flixster Users

85% liked it

52,032 ratings

Critics

74% liked it

138 critics

R, 1 hr. 44 min.

Directed by: Steven Shainberg

Release Date: September 20, 2002

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DVD Release Date: April 1, 2003

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Stats: 4,926 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (4,926)


  • January 15, 2010
    This movie was totally off the hook but I found myself fascinated by it anyway.
  • October 30, 2009
    I 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) Not quite softcore porn, not quite dark comedy.
  • September 22, 2009
    Naughty but nice, Spader and Gyllenhaal are brilliant in this sexy comedy drama.
  • July 16, 2009
    One of the strangest and craziest love stories I've ever seen on screen. A funny black comedy and a great performance by Maggie Gyllenhaal.
  • May 25, 2009
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  • January 23, 2010
    Interesting 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)ins to enjoy as she develops a crush on her boss. Its strange but darkly comical, well written with a story that holds your attention throughout with Maggie Gyllenhall putting in a brilliant performance as Lee. Worth a watch if you fancy something different.
  • January 18, 2010
    I 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)f not weird romance!!
  • January 17, 2010
    Secretary 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)trar lo que mas se adapta a cada individuo, y eso es algo con lo que todos nos podemos identificar, lo que nos hace felices, no siempre es lo que al vecino lo hace feliz, y que mas humano que la diversidad e individualidad. Maggie Gyllenhaal da una muy muy buena actuacion, una de las mejores de su carrera. James Spader sorprende y da muy buen soporte a esta historia.-
  • January 15, 2010
    S & M isn't my cup of tea but the movie was interesting.
  • January 14, 2010
    Great 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

It provokes nothing but yawns, and the sex it explores is stuff everybody knows about and says, 'So what?' full review

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

View more Secretary reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • queenjessie0610
    July 16, 2008
    Im 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.
  • faerygyrl
    February 1, 2007
    ooooh. good movie.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Secretary Trivia


  • In 'The Producers', Max declares that he has worked very hard, so he is going to buy himself a toy. What does he get himself?  Answer »
  • In "Liar Liar", where did Fletcher REALLY get the photo frame he gave his secretary?  Answer »
  • What does the secretary say to the principal about Ferris Bueller in Ferris Bueller's Day Off?  Answer »
  • Name the actor that starts in the movies Secretary, Supernova, Sex, lies and videotapes and The Watcher  Answer »

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