Secretary (2002)

Not for the Faint of Heart!

By Yahoo! Shopping User  Jul 25, 2003 | 2 out of 2 found this Secretary (2002) review helpful

One of the most thought-provoking, visceral, tender, and well-acted films of recent times.This unusual and erotic comedy deals with subject matter that will make some squeemish, but for the open-minded the pay-off is incredible.Maggie Gyllenhaal is b...eyond excellent in her first starring role, and Spader embodies the controlling soul of repressed sexuality. The chemistry between the two main characters is completely believable. Although the humor is quite dark and cutting (no pun intended), this film is actually a beautiful romance about two troubled people who discover what REALLY makes them tick. Read more Less

Thought provoking

By Yahoo! Shopping User  Jul 5, 2003 | 2 out of 3 found this Secretary (2002) review helpful

Very interesting incite into some people's lives. James Spader is excellent as the self-controlled boss, Mr Grey. (his demeanor very much like his character in Sex, Lies, and Videotape) Maggie Gyllenhaal was incredible as the main character Lee H...olloway. Almost childlike at first, we see her transform, with the help of Mr Grey, into the woman she always wanted to be - not always to society's standards. Read more Less

Wickedly Funny

By Yahoo! Shopping User  Nov 23, 2002 | 1 out of 1 found this Secretary (2002) review helpful

Its very original and makes all the right moves without over doing it. Both actors have done a great job and I've become a big Maggie Gyllenhaal fan after watching this film.
Well worth your time. Overall rating 8/10.

Best mainstream B&D film to date

By Yahoo! Shopping User  Mar 15, 2008

Pros: Maggie and James are great together, shows a bit of what a B&D lifestlye is like

Cons: Many mistaken ideas about the lifestlye, mixes in other lifestyles

I have a much wider idea of what and who is beautiful. To me, Maggie Gyllenhaal is one of the prettiest and sexiest woman working in movies. Spader and Maggie are wonderful during the few times they are alone in this film. But when they are together... it's unbelieveable. This film is one of the most exotic, provocative, erotic and THE most romantic movie I have ever seen. It is a mainstream move that tries to tackle the feelings and lifestyle of B&D and it does well in some aspects, but it's totally wrong in other ways. The movie mistakenly makes you think that a "cutter" which is a disassociative disorder (which Spader's character gives a very good discription of) is what makes a woman want to be a sub (another problem, when Maggie's character is listening to the tape about the lifestyle, the word sub is capitialized, the word is ALWAYS in lower case, representing the sub's role). It MAY be to some women on occasion, however the woman is usually someone who gets excited at the thought of being Dominated, being told what to do. Also, in the movie, Maggie finds out fairly early on what the relationship between her character and Mr. Grey's is. However, Mr Grey isn't sure, he thinks it's wrong. A common feeling for many Doms and subs who think what they want is sick or wrong. It isn't. When they split up for a bit, the writer and/or the director thow in othe types of kink including S&M. While many probably think that it all goes together, it's wrong. There are many people who are into B&D who are NOT into S&M. Although a bit unusual to see, but an understandable part of the film is when another woman comes into the office and Mr. Grey hides while the woman almost comes off as a Dominatrix. It's understandable because Mr. Grey doesn't understand the way he is. The woman as well as Lee don't act like regular subs, but at least Lee understands Grey, falls for him and wants him to accept who he is. The end is GREAT, not only does it show you can have a life together that is not traditional, but she gives Grey a reason to punish her. The final shot or her face as she turns to face the camera is a moment of movie magic. Read more Less

Sexy, erotic and exciting

By Yahoo! Shopping User  Aug 4, 2007

Pros: stimulating and makes you think outside the box

Cons: could have gone a bit further

This is a pretty unusual movie to be released into mainstream, but it's very interesting, well-cast and keeps your attention through-out. I do think that they could've added a sex scene, especially given the s&m content, but it's still a ...good movie. Great fun to watch if you're at home having fun with someone else... ;0 Read more Less

Secretary

By Yahoo! Shopping User  Jan 5, 2006

Pros: Raunchy and raw

Cons: Sound and picture needed work; too dark!

It is weird, raunchy, and in-your-face....I love it!!!

Submissives love Story

By Yahoo! Shopping User  Aug 14, 2003

Wonderful Coming of Age story of a Submissive and her boss. More of his coming of age then hers, and coming to grips with the idea of being a Dom

Secretary

By Yahoo! Shopping User  May 7, 2003 | 0 out of 1 found this Secretary (2002) review helpful

They dealt with the healing aspect of an s & m relationship. Both slave and master were goods and they brought the topic out of the closet in a way that would get around the censor

Made my 10 Best list of 2002

By Yahoo! Shopping User  Mar 11, 2003 | 0 out of 1 found this Secretary (2002) review helpful

A original film.... Maggie and James are on screen magic duo !!!