Secretary

Lions Gate Films | Release Date: September 20, 2002

5.6	USER SCORE Mixed or average reviews based on 173 Ratings

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SpangleMar 10, 2016

The critically acclaimed 50 Shades of Grey, Secretary is either too smart for me or just about one of the dumbest movies I have ever seen. Sexist, unsexy, and one of the worst written films I have ever seen, Secretary is not the worst film IThe critically acclaimed 50 Shades of Grey, Secretary is either too smart for me or just about one of the dumbest movies I have ever seen. Sexist, unsexy, and one of the worst written films I have ever seen, Secretary is not the worst film I have ever seen, but it not as far off as it should be. It is awkward, uncomfortable, and exists in this sort of dream world that tries to explore sexuality and depression, but winds up just sitting there and waiting for something to happen. Tragically, it never does and the viewer is left in the awkward position of being bored to tears. Character actions are odd, awkward, and completely undeveloped, leaving the audience to wonder why something happened. It not funny, it is poorly directed, and the acting is pretty rough. While I appreciate the dream aesthetic to the film, it is still an unbearable film that is not something I would subject my worst enemy to.… Expand

23 of 26 users found this helpful233

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Jan333Dec 13, 2019

I have run into this movie several times while channel surfing, but had never watched it all the way through. Tonight, however, I saw the entire film.

This movie will leave you with more questions than answers. It is disturbingly erotic. II have run into this movie several times while channel surfing, but had never watched it all the way through. Tonight, however, I saw the entire film.

This movie will leave you with more questions than answers. It is disturbingly erotic. I say “disturbingly”, because both of these characters have severe mental health issues, and the last thing you want for them is to be in any kind of a romantic relationship. You want to see them both get to mental health facilities ASAP. Nevertheless, (or perhaps because of this), the viewer’s primal sexual urges will definitely be awakened while watching this film.

Lee is a naive, troubled young lady who has just been released from a mental institution for self-mutilation. Her feelings of vulnerability and abysmally low self-esteem are palpable as she tries to cope with her newly found freedom back home with her family.

When she answers a help wanted ad, it seems to be Destiny stepping in to play a cruel and deviant trick on her, giving her even more of the same punishment she had already inflicted on herself. As we watch her become dysfunctionally entangled with her boss, Mr. Grey, the viewer’s only wish is for her to run away as fast as she can and never look back. Oh, if only she had done just that. As I watched her bizarre odyssey unfold, (at one point hating this man for hurting her, while at the same time feeling pity for him), I was dumbstruck while witnessing the sick commonality they shared, that of a deeply depraved mutual attraction. Lee seems to thrive on the physical and verbal abuse she is receiving from her boss. This is extremely disconcerting, to say the least.

I felt somewhat conflicted at the movie’s conclusion, however. Maybe for them, this is not dysfunctional at all and can work, or at the very least, be as good as it could ever get for each of their twisted psyches.

In any event, this film will leave you questioning and re-thinking society’s moral codes and values, as well as your own.

It is a thoroughly creepy, unsettling ride.… Expand

12 of 13 users found this helpful121

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Pluto744Jun 21, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This isn't the worst movie, far from it. However the movie has some interesting moments but the majority of the movie is banal especially the scenes featuring the BDSM. There are a few sexy scenes in the movie but they are unerotic, they are done merely in relation to the plot. Maggie goes full frontal nude in the movie but it is because the plot requires her to. I was expecting more depth from James's character because he lacked massive depth in his personality. His character came off as bizarre, aloof & overly one dimensional. If there was more sexuality in the movie & the relationship was presented stronger than what is seen, I would have enjoyed the film much more. Lastly the movie was lacking in supporting characters. There is only Maggie & James to hold the movie together. They attempt to salvage the movie but it all falls apart. If talented, well known actors were added to the movie, the movie would have been very engaging. Unfortunately this movie is worth watching once but you don't need to watch it again or buy the movie because it is totally average but barely exciting. Kudos to Maggie for trying a daring role and for being semi-sexy in a few scenes, aside from that the movie is a dud. The relationship between Maggie & James is Creepy and it should be erotic. If the BDSM scenes were erotic and passionate the movie would have worked perfectly. Those scenes are passionless, awkward and bland.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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