The screenplay ... oversimplifies aspects of Lee and Mr. Grey's relationship while unnecessarily complicating others.
Comment
10/02/02
Secretary (2002)
74
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:138
Fresh:102
Rotten:36
Average Rating:6.7/10
Consensus: Maggie Gyllenhaal impresses in this romantic comedy with a kinky twist.
Runtime: 1 hr 51 mins
Genre: Comedies
US Box Office: $3,806,471
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... [More]
Starring: Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Spader, Jeremy Davies, Lesley Ann Warren
Director: Steven Shainberg
Reviews for Secretary
81 - 100 (sorted by date; Australian critics are listed first)
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10/02/02
Top CriticClick to read the article
10/02/02
I don't know about you, but I found all these outrageously romantic maneuvers both funny and endearing.
10/02/02
Fancy a little S&M? If so, then the kinky Secretary should be right up your alley.
10/01/02
Secretary” is owned by its costars, Spader and Gyllenhaal. Maggie G. makes an amazing breakthrough in her first starring role and eats up the screen.
09/30/02
Secretary is just too original to be ignored.
09/27/02
Top CriticIf you don't flee, you might be seduced. If you don't laugh, flee.
09/27/02
It provokes nothing but yawns, and the sex it explores is stuff everybody knows about and says, 'So what?'
09/27/02
Secretary is a textbook example of a movie that's not for everybody: It's easier to respect it than to enjoy it.
09/27/02
Though it was made with careful attention to detail and is well-acted by James Spader and Maggie Gyllenhaal, I felt disrespected.
09/27/02
Both lead performances are earnest in the extreme and that the psychological explanations for what's shown on screen are facile, at best.
09/27/02
Goes to extremes, but it takes slow, purposeful steps to get there.
09/27/02
A good piece of writing.
09/27/02
It is truly original in its tone, its choices made and paths taken.
09/27/02
The director, Steven Shainberg, has succeeded by focusing intently on his characters, making them quirky individuals rather than figures of fun.
09/27/02
Top CriticDepending upon your reaction to this movie, you may never again be able to look at a red felt Sharpie pen without disgust, a thrill, or the giggles.
09/27/02
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09/27/02
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09/27/02
Secretary manages a neat trick, bundling the flowers of perversity, comedy and romance into a strangely tempting bouquet of a movie.
09/27/02
Latest News for Secretary
July 17, 2008:
Maggie Gyllenhaal Talks The Dark Knight 
It's a far cry from indie fare like Secretary or Sherrybaby, but for Maggie Gyllenhaal, taking on the role of Rachel Dawes in The Dark Knight was just the logical next step in... More...
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