Product ReviewsSecretary (DVD, 2003)

THIS 1 SHOULD READ Open Minded Viewers Need only Apply

I saw this movie in the theater, another one of those "art-house flix-that-my-boyfriend-has-dragged-me-to" is what I thought. LOL
Definitely not what I expected.. it starts off rather dark and you don't know what to make of Maggie Gyllenhaal "Lee" character. I mean she gets out of the mental institution and is still cutting herself. Her home is dysfunctional and Mom is very protective of her (or scared that she will do something drastic to herself again) and her Father is kind of screwed up all on his own. James Spader is just what she needed, and he is just what she needed. :)

James does a wonderful job as the tortured soul in this movie that has to fight himself, when he thinks there is something wrong with what they are doing. The hurt that Lee (Maggie) feels when she is rejected by Spader is so real and painful to see, that you at once realize this as more than just 2 injured people living out there non-traditional sexual desires.

I won't go into the details regarding the plot since it's been done so many times in the reviews before me. I will just say that at the core of this movie is a Man that has some bizarre tendencies and a Woman that has her very real dysfunctional issues. Through their own way and communication they discover a healthy albeit strange Love for one another. It is a rather touching love story in the end... it's just the way they get to it that is rather............. interesting. I know you may read a lot of reviews on this movie that says it's very Sexual... It is but not over whelming... I mean I just saw {Sex and Lucia} and {Y Tu Mama Tambien} which both had a EXTREME amount of sexuality. This one (in my opinion) is more subtle than those two. I can tell you this for a fact you may find yourself coming away from this movie with a different understanding of S&M or of the blurred line between the Dominator and the Sub.

I only recommend it for those that can have a open mind about non-traditional Sex roles or for those that can appreciate a somewhat Twisted movie.

Respectfully ReviewedRead full review...

James Spader at his best.

We've all seen The Blacklist - James Spader is so masterful and restrained he makes a chin twitch feel like a command. How did he get there from the timid cameraman in Sex, Lies and Videotape? In Secretary, James and Maggie Gyllenhaal both play characters who grow out of their timidity with a little help from deSade. I'm sure you'll find them much improved for the experience. Don't worry, it's all very mild. And very stimulating. There are hints at much more going on than we get to see. It feels like an hours of film must have ended up on the cutting room floor. Such a loss.Read full review...

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A movie about blossoming.

This movie depicts a Journey into womanhood from a girl who had little hope of happiness in her life. It illustrates the need to think outside the Box at times. What makes one person happy may not make another person happy. There are clearly some codependency and control issues illustrated the script. But, it's absolutely awesome that they found the Avenue that worked for them as individuals.

I would not recommend this movie for anyone under 16 years of age.Read full review...

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Sexy and funny

A different path for James Spader to take.....but that's part of acting. I've followed him for many years as an actor - - versatille. Maggie plays a good part too, but not as convincing. Spader has many faces.Read full review...

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Sexy, kinky and cute.

A great movie to introduce BDSM to a Vanilla partner. Spanking and bondage are subtle but there and this film is in of itself and art piece. Fun to watch!!!

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Perfect

This is another one of those 5 star movies in my opinion. Happened to see on tv. I had to have it. Comical on some level. I passed this around to others they laughed and laughed..

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Taboo subject

An interesting look at a hidden part of sex in America. We are so closed minded that we dehumanise any sexual life not considered "normal" to our archaic society. This movie explores one of many activities that are not within the realm of what most people normal. It is an educational movie about people who have anxiety about not being able to fulfill themselves. A sad story in a way. Remember on thing, 'There is no such thing as normal". Everyone is different. I found it very interesting. Too bad it is not well known. It's a good movie.Read full review...

Purhaps my all-time favorite movie

Love it. You have to feel and think more than the average to get and appreciate this, but it in my opinion, is one of the best peices of cinema I have ever been blessed enough to witness

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Great Actors, Entertaining Movie!

I saw this movie in the past and I just had to have it. The actors in this movie are exceptional and the plot is different than the cookie cutter movies. Thumbs up for all that made this movie possible. A work of art, indeed!Read full review...

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80 Shades of Hott

If you like 50 shades this feature will burn you up!!