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Secretary

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Secretary (2002)

74%
86%
81%
N/A
N/A
N/A
74 %
Reviews Counted: 137 Fresh: 102  Rotten:35 Average Rating: 6.7/10
 
Consensus: Maggie Gyllenhaal impresses in this romantic comedy with a kinky twist.
 

How does the Tomatometer work?

The Tomatometer measures the percentage of positive reviews from Approved Tomatometer Critics for a certain movie.[-]

Runtime: 1 hr 51 mins

Synopsis: With sheer originality and bold,unflinching humor, Secretary embraces a most unconventional relationship and lays open the notion that love doesn't always occur in the traditional fashion. Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal) has a few strikes against her when she applies for a secretarial... With sheer originality and bold,unflinching humor, Secretary embraces a most unconventional relationship and lays open the notion that love doesn't always occur in the traditional fashion. Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal) has a few strikes against her when she applies for a secretarial position at the law office of E. Edward Grey (James Spader). For starters, she was released only recently from a mental institution. However, she gets the job anyway and soon learns that Mr. Grey is not your average boss. Eventually, they begin a relationship, crossing lines of conduct that would give most human resource directors the shivers. Director Steven Shainberg performs a remarkable feat by taking what could be construed as weighty material and infusing it with sensuality and, even more surprisingly, humor. Based on a critically acclaimed short story "Secretary," by Mary Gaitskill, the exquisitely honed character development of Secretary lures us to the darker side of human sexuality, all the while warming us up to the idea that people are getting--and giving--what they want. While it toys with society's expectations of love, Secretary also explores the delicate balance between pain and healing, control and surrender. It could never be labeled old-fashioned but, when all is said and done, Secretary is, at its core and undeniably, a love story. -- © 2002 Lions Gate Entertainment [More]

Genre: Comedies

Starring: Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Spader

Director: Steven Shainberg
Screenwriter: Steven Shainberg, Erin Cressida Wilson
Producer: Andrew Fierberg, Amy Hobby, Steven Shainberg
Composer: Angelo Badalementi

DVD Info

Release:

Mar 7, 2009

[DVD Details]

DVD Features:

  • Keep Case
  • Widescreen

Audio:

  • Dolby Digital - English
  • Subtitles - English, Spanish

Reviews

 
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1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
Text View | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 >> >|
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4/5

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Full Review | comment Comment
12/30/06
Empire Magazine
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N/R

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06/24/06
Derek Adams
Time Out
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N/R

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Full Review | comment Comment
12/15/03
Alexander Walker
This is London
N/R

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Full Review | comment Comment
07/08/03
Guardian [UK]
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N/A

Playfully subversive and oddly life-affirming.

Full Review | comment Comment
05/20/03
Tim Robey
Daily Telegraph
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5/5

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05/17/03
Matthew Turner
ViewLondon
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2/5

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05/06/03
Nev Pierce
BBC
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N/R

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11/03/02
Rich Cline
Shadows on the Wall
N/R

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11/01/07
David Ansen
Newsweek
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3/4

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07/14/07
Joe Lozito
Big Picture Big Sound
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B

This S&M satire teeters on the verge of sleaze and exploitation but never descends into those domains due to Maggie Gyllenhaal's exquisite performance in a tricky sexual-psychological role.

Full Review | comment Comment
12/03/06
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
Ratings Image
78/100

A twisted and very funny rethinking of the romantic comedy genre. Great performances by Spader and Gyllenhaal.

Full Review | comment Comment
04/22/06
Dan Jardine
Cinemania
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3.5/5

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12/06/05
Film Threat
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2.5/5

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12/06/05
Film Threat
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3.5/5

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12/06/05
Film Threat
Top Critic Icon Top Critic
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2/4

A comedy? A wake up call? I'm not sure.

Full Review | comment Comment
10/25/05
Ross Anthony
Hollywood Report Card
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N/A

Perhaps there is something bold about saying pain can bring healing as long as it’s applied by the right hand, but that seems obvious and normal thanks to... Gyllenhaal.

Full Review | comment Comment
06/25/05
Moriarty
Ain't It Cool Movie Reviews
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4/5

A great feature film with enough laughs, weirdness, fine performances and filmmaking flair to earn it a place on most critics' top ten of the year lists.

Full Review | comment Comment
03/08/04
Oz
eFilmCritic.com
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4/5

A grande proeza do filme é mostrar que, para os personagens de Gyllenhaal e Spader, seus desvios de personalidade não são defeitos, mas um caminho diferente para a felicidade.

comment Comment
03/01/04
Pablo Villaca
Cinema em Cena
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8/10

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10/28/03
Anton Bitel
Movie Gazette
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