User Reviews: Secretary (2002)
Best mainstream B&D film to date
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.Was this review helpful? Yes - NoSexy, erotic and exciting
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
Was this review helpful? Yes - NoSecretary
Pros: Raunchy and raw
Cons: Sound and picture needed work; too dark!
It is weird, raunchy, and in-your-face....I love it!!!
Was this review helpful? Yes - NoSubmissives love Story
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
Was this review helpful? Yes - NoNot for the Faint of Heart!
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 beyond 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.Was this review helpful? Yes - NoThought provoking
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 Holloway. 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.
Was this review helpful? Yes - Noserious, comic, erotic, and romantic Mov
This movie is not released in Korea. My friend who lives in the states sent me this DVD title a couple weeks ago.
Secretary is a movie about a woman and man whose lives were not very happy and pleasant and they have lonely souls. They met at work and have a Sadist and Masochist relationship which would be regarded as a very unusual beginning of a romance in a movie.
It's not easy to tell abnormality apart normality talking about love. I don't even think they have a line between them. People generally say voyeurs and sadomasochists are shameful. However, things can be different just depending on the way you are looking at things and this movie seems to suggest that idea to me.
The first thing I come up with this movie article is how intricate subject this movie is dealing with. A boss with sadomasochism? And the secretary would love to enjoy the relationship? This movie has turned a sexual harrassment in a work place into a romance. It should be intricate and dangerous. This film has whole serious, comic, erotic, and romantic aspects.
I am not going to judge this movie rashly because of the S&M relationship. I will watch in an open-minded way and see if there is something I can learn about people and their relations which I didn't know before. I know there are always good chances to meet a good movie with this kind of attitude.Was this review helpful? Yes - NoSecretary
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
Was this review helpful? Yes - NoMade my 10 Best list of 2002
A original film.... Maggie and James are on screen magic duo !!!
Was this review helpful? Yes - NoWickedly Funny
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.Was this review helpful? Yes - NoGREAT MOVIE!!!
Shainberg (the director) is a genius!
the casting is perfect the actors were great production values are top drawer! a great one to own especially for those who appreciate a little spanking ;)Was this review helpful? Yes - No
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