Rating: 
Summary: Um.........
Review: I don't get the rave reviews. I hated this movie, I'd give it a -10 if i could; it was boring, lame, and the S&M thing was too much for me to take. Now everytime when I see James Spader on TV I feel disgusted. :(
Rating: 
Summary: A curiosity, but not a comedy
Review: Theatrical trailers sneakily suggested this was a twisted romcom, but this is one of those times when the trailer people created a different movie than the one you end up getting. Secretary's two leads are hard to like - a woman just out of an institution who cuts herself, and a largely unexplained sadistic lawyer. The romance, such as it is, has as its highlight a lengthy bottom smacking scene that will appeal only to people who like bottom smacking. The comedy adds up to perhaps half a dozen slight smiles. So yes, an unusual, even thoughtful film, but very far from a sexy date movie for most people. One of those DVDs you only play once.
Rating: 
Summary: "Pretty Woman" This is Not
Review: Romantic comedies are mostly a collection of tired and predictable cliches nowadays, presenting stereotyped characters in unsurprising situations. Fortunately, sometimes appears a movie that tries to add something new and original to this limited genre, offering innovative perspectives. "Secretary" is one of those rare films, which actually dares to bring a breath of fresh air and add a couple of different concepts. Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader (both perfect in their roles)star as the offbeat and twisted couple who shares a weird connection, going beyond the typical and distant boss/ employee relationship. Steven Shainberg`s directing debut is an interesting and compelling indie cinematic experience, one that wisely combines dark humour, S&M, romance, dramatic tension and also works as an intriguing character study. However, the ending is a bit disappointing, since it presents a somewhat standard and expected resolution, similar to the romantic comedies it tries to satirize. Still, "Secretary" is innovative enough for the most part, making for a solid and recommended effort.A peculiar and convincing film.
Rating:
Summary: An S&M romantic comedy
Review: "Secretary" is very hard to take. I do not understand the S&M world, and I probably never will. Basicly it's the story of shy and masocistic Lee (pretty Maggie Gyllenhaal) who is hired on as a lawyer's secretary. Mr. Grey (James Spader, who else) is the sadist who loves to humiliate his underlings. But as things go on, they find they are compatable as a somewhat workable relationship. Things get way out of control when he starts spanking her for typing errors (Thank God I Don't Work For Him!), and then stranger punishments. No, first of all, none of these punishment really hurt Lee, and they are actually enjoyed by her. I know I am not the most nutreul judge for this movie, but I just didn't find the humor in it. It is very hard to watch her endure the punishment, especially the last one where Grey has Lee sit at his desk, heels on the floor and palms on the desk, and leaves her that way for three days. I didn't get it, sorry folks.
Rating: 
Summary: quirky,strangely [appealing],and ultimately winning
Review: Secretary is not your average romantic comedy to say the least.But that's what makes it so refreshing.It actually shows us that the sweetest love can blossom from people that you would deem "wierd" in everyday life.And that's what I think this film accomplishes the very best-taking "wierd" people that in the cinematic world (and unfortunately in the real one too)are either ignored, or made fun of, and it fleshes them into real people.Real people that you can like,admire,and respect.It shows us that despite their "alternative" lifestyles, they are people not much different from your average joe.I walked away from this film with admiration for how sensitively the subject of s&m was handled.Usually, it's a great opportunity for ridicule, but here, the characters were CHARACTERS, and not caricatures.You walk away from this film feeling warm, and delighted, not uncomfortable like you may assume. The pacing is perfect, and Maggie Gyllenhaal's performance was simply excellent and totally transforming.A truly magical role that lit up the screen, I truly felt she was this girl.James Spader also worked well as Gyllenhaal's crazed,neurotic boss. If you don't mind films that are a little strange, then check out Secretary.Not only does it have great performances, and and undeniably orginal concept,it successfully pulls you into an entirely different world-and you stay there 'till the end.
Rating:
Summary: So good & so unexpected.
Review: This film could easily have been the S/M crap feast that 9 1/2 Weeks was, but a fine sense of humor and a pleasurable tendency of the script, director and actors to play this straight makes for a fine film experience. The script walks a tightrope between humor and parody and finds the right tone throughout. The gal who plays the secretary is a revelation. The humor doesn't arrive from sniggering at the sex antics but from the interplay between characters. Very nicely done.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Date Flick for Freaks
Review: This is another great movie to watch with a member of the opposite sex, especially if they are into kinky stuff. It's right up there with "Sex and Lucia" and "In the Cut" -- but it's even better than both of those for warming up a person to experience the "New Sex Now" techniques from the dvd of the same name. This is one a few essential titles for any seducers library.
Rating:
Summary: My favorite from 2002
Review: Secretary, is one of those films that you will either love or be offended by, I loved it. Behind all of the S&M is a love story. A love story that is refreshing to see. Unlike, lame romantic comedies where every relationship is perfect and your soul mate is this perfect person and everybody in theatre knows that Julia Roberts and Richard Gere will end up together, Secretary to me was about two people who despite their kinks found each other and fell in love. It takes different strokes and what works for some will not work for others. The heart of this movie is what I found most impressive. James Spader is on the surface unlovable. Yet, Lee (played brilliantly by Maggie Gyllenhaal) being the perfect person to takehis abuse falls in love with him for who he is. Spader has a tremendous amount of self-loathing, hating who he is but with Lee's help becomes to accept his behavior as normal. Not what is perceived normal by society but what is normal to them. Lee, is a troubled woman with a warped self image. Mr. Grey makes her feel beautiful despite her scars. He controls her yet, instead of being repulsed by this she craves it. While it would be easy to suggest that he uses her, I don't see it that way. She makes him realize he should not be ashamed of his behavior. It is O.K. to be the way he is. A good love story will have two characters that love the other one for who they are. They will have a common bond and you should be able to see the ugly side of the personality as well as the goodness in their heart. Secretary had all of that and I will take that any day over You've Got Mail.
Rating:
Summary: Great movie, Not-so-great DVD
Review: The movie deserves 5 stars just for originality and though it falls apart towards the end (losing much of the credibility), it builds up so much momentum early on, that it does make it, albeit limping, to the finishline. Keep an open mind while watching, and you're in for a fun ride. That's all I wanted to add to the 100+ positive reviews preceding mine. Now, concerning the DVD itself, I'm rather disappointed in the lack of extras. The director's commentary is a nice addition, but he keeps mentioning shooting extended versions of many scenes in the movie, some of which he claims are hilarious, yet there are no deleted scenes on this DVD.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece of Kinky, Kinky Kinkiness
Review: This movie is absolutely magnificent. Maggie Gyllenhaal gives a performance that puts her on a level with Barbara Streisand in "Yentl". Furthermore, James Spader's rather disturbing performance is reminscent of a young Chuck Norris in "Invasion U.S.A.". The amazing ending reminds me of the ending of "Finding Nemo" only with some killer nude scenes. If you know what's good for you, you'll buy this movie. It's kinky :).
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