The Secret in Their Eyes
Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: April 16, 2010
8.5
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 222 Ratings
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Positive:
198
Mixed:
19
Negative:
5
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8
stugongjuSep 5, 2010
A very good detective story and love story with a nice twist at the end. Well acted and directed. The makeup bothered me a bit because it seemed a bit too much and even a bit fake, giving the actors a pasty look..
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
snakerakeSep 5, 2010
Great acting and dialogue, flashes of sheer brilliance. The problem is the first hour develops primarily in flashback and robs the mystery of immediacy. When it returns to the present, the suspense kicks in, and all the languid meanderingGreat acting and dialogue, flashes of sheer brilliance. The problem is the first hour develops primarily in flashback and robs the mystery of immediacy. When it returns to the present, the suspense kicks in, and all the languid meandering development pays off so well you forget how annoyingly novelistic and "arty" the first half really was.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
SpangleJan 3, 2017
An intense crime film, The Secret in Their Eyes is incredibly dark, thrilling, and smart. Often times, mystery crime films can sort of go through the motions. There is a murder and a detective sets off to find out who committed the crime.An intense crime film, The Secret in Their Eyes is incredibly dark, thrilling, and smart. Often times, mystery crime films can sort of go through the motions. There is a murder and a detective sets off to find out who committed the crime. There are clues, there are red herrings, and then the predictable ending arrives. It is the equivalent of watching a crime show on CBS that is shown on Thursday nights. Yet, this Argentinian crime film is any but that sort of film. Instead, it is a smart film that creates political parallels and crafts a compelling tale of revenge, punishment, and pain. Instead of relying upon the crime, the crime merely serves as a spring board into deeper and more purposeful explorations.

Remade in 2015, I have not seen the remake, but it is clear that it is very different than this film. Starting with the brutal rape and murder of a woman, Liliana Coloto (Carla Quevedo), the film introduces our detective: Benjamin Esposito (Ricardo Darin). Writing a novel about the case 25 years after it happened, Esposito is a man who has never let go of this case. After the convicted killer escaped his clutches, Esposito continues to track him while forging an never-to-be romance with his boss, Irene (Soledad Vallamil). Along the way, he interacts with Liliana's widowed husband, Ricardo Morales (Pablo Rago). As the film likely indicates through the title, the eyes are very important, as well as passion. A thing a person is passionate is something they can never let go. This is a major focus of the film, with much of the story being told through the eyes. Irene and Benjamin are passionate about one another and can never let each go, no matter how much time has passed. Ricardo is passionate about Liliana and cannot let her go as he seeks revenge for his wife's brutal death. The murderer is passionate about Liliana. These passions are through the eyes with Ricardo identifying the killer because of the look in his eyes in a photo and he can tell Ricardo's passion and anger simply by looking into his eyes. Here, the film is incredibly smart and really takes to the heart the belief that the eyes are the window to the soul.

One of the best features of the film, however, is the way in which it does not focus on the crime. By the halfway point, we know the killer. Yet, the film continues to have tricks up its sleeves and keeps you guessing all the way to the end. By the time the film ends, it leaves you shocked with its subtle brutality and the horrifying nightmare experienced by its character. The story here is really in the details and require complete attention throughout to be able to follow all of the moving parts. Thus, it is a film that would certainly benefit from a rewatch in order to pick up on all of these intricacies. Using a color-palette of browns, golds, and some grays, The Secret in Their Eyes feels both warm and passionate. Campanella uses the connotations of these colors to create a haunting atmosphere that feels omnipresent in the film and never really ceases. Though brown is typically a color of comfort, he uses it in such a way that nothing ever feels comfortable. Esposito walking to a crime scene or in the house leaves you with great anxiety, even if browns are a major color in these moments. At the very least, these colors work very well together the film is incredibly appealing to the eyes. With this great blend of colors, the film captures the nostalgic and melancholy nature of the film as Esposito is filled with regret over his love life and the crime, with nostalgia for a time when he had Irene and could have had a life with her.

Acting-wise, the film is equally terrific. Darin turns in a great performance in the lead role, capturing the stolid nature of his character as well as the internal tormented soul. As the film focuses on the eyes, his eyes are great here and really reveal the true nature of his character. Pablo Rago is also great in a smaller role here as he captures the depression and passion of Morales, the widowed husband. By the end, his performance stands as being one of the more haunting roles in the film and leaves a great impression along the way.

Overall, The Secret in Their Eyes is a great film. Haunting, tragic, and thrilling, the film uses a great color scheme to create an odd warmth for its tale of passion. Exceeding the trappings of the crime mystery genre, the film never plays it safe and instead rises above cliches and keeps you guessing throughout. At no point is the film's tragic conclusion predictable, but it is certainly fun to watch it all come together with the film showcasing all of its little subtle hints that led to this finale.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
SwoiginAug 16, 2010
Excellent film and thoroughly deserved it's Oscar win. Absorbing performances from all of the lead characters, beautifully written, and the direction and cinematography (including one long cut over a football stadium) were unbelievablyExcellent film and thoroughly deserved it's Oscar win. Absorbing performances from all of the lead characters, beautifully written, and the direction and cinematography (including one long cut over a football stadium) were unbelievably accomplished for the director's first picture. The combination of so many different genres (mystery, romance etc.) would normally cause any movie made today in mainstream cinema to buckle under the weight, here however, the seamless transitions brings all emotions to the fore at one point or another. In a era of motion pictures when Hollywood seems so bereft of ideas, it appears more and more than the foreign language Oscar means a lot more in terms of invention, plot, script, acting, and passion, and never has this case be more apparent than here.… Expand
7 of 8 users found this helpful71
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10
DTApr 26, 2010
Excellent (a bit long)--Fantastic thriller.
3 of 4 users found this helpful
0
wadewilliamsNov 20, 2015
ok, here I go again trashing a movie where, it seems, others rave on about it. From the previews I'd seen a month or so ago, I thought I was in for a chase-suspense-payback thriller. Instead, I got a bunch of scenes with Kidman stillok, here I go again trashing a movie where, it seems, others rave on about it. From the previews I'd seen a month or so ago, I thought I was in for a chase-suspense-payback thriller. Instead, I got a bunch of scenes with Kidman still looking hot and her co-starlet (sorry to say, Mr Gere) "Repugnant Woman" looking constantly forlorn, troubled, miscast and dull --- the dialogue came quick and seemingly pointless at times and the end turned into a rather silly thing...dare I call it a twisted, surprise ending? --- bad boy in a cage...Julia, you repugnant psycho you!!! The flashbacks came and went so quickly, one had to either measure hot kidman's hair or pay attn to what's-his-name's salt and slightly peppered hair in order to, dare I say, follow along??? A mosque, a stable, a baseball game, a chopshop, a cage.....I couldn't wait for this to end---I guess I need to see the French version (with or without subtitles---it wouldn't matter).… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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10
J.LealApr 21, 2010
This movie is a dazzler. The screenplay is something you don't see these days, it's Billy Wilder caliber. The actors really inhabit those characters, and the final twist is at the same time jaw dropping and completely meaningful.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
JotafriscoMay 17, 2010
Kinda shit sandwich.
0 of 12 users found this helpful
4
warfieldFeb 25, 2012
Really not much to this movie. Critic who said it was "kiddie-pool deep" hit the mark. Seems like a made-for-TV movie, the Lifetime channel. Hard to believe it was even nominated for an Oscar.
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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10
SecretAgentGalSep 19, 2010
Argentinian romance crime drama The Secret in Their Eyes was released in the U.S. after winning the 2010 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Writer-director Juan Jose Campanella has crafted thoughtfulness and humanity into thisArgentinian romance crime drama The Secret in Their Eyes was released in the U.S. after winning the 2010 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Writer-director Juan Jose Campanella has crafted thoughtfulness and humanity into this masterwork.

Graceful arcs of script are translated lovingly into story on film. Action and plot move in satisfying ways. Relationships develop fully and believably. The film uses no cinematic formula, and only one CSI-like murder scene. It moves from present to past to present with all the naturalness of fully realized drama.

Soulful Ricardo Darin plays Benjamin Esposito, a retired detective now writing a novel. Benjamin once worked for Irene Menendez Hastings (Soledad Villamil), now a judge. Irene had been Benjaminâ… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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8
super312Sep 26, 2010
A well made crime drama, ties together a long period of time well. Not going to blow your mind. Some of the subtlety may have been lost in translation.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
LaMagiadeVirueAug 15, 2013
Una genialidad del cine de mi país, Argentina. Campanella maneja muy bien la película y la historia es realmente impresionante. Suspenso, gran guión y muy bien contada.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
PaulAApr 20, 2010
It's a very good murder mystery that, by the time the final twist kicks in, transforms into an moving meditation on memory and justice.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DardoSApr 18, 2010
The key here is catching everything that they say. Every word(rapidly spoken) provides a beautiful piece in creating the big picture. The movie stirs many emotions, and it leaves you satisfied yet thinking about alotta things. It will take The key here is catching everything that they say. Every word(rapidly spoken) provides a beautiful piece in creating the big picture. The movie stirs many emotions, and it leaves you satisfied yet thinking about alotta things. It will take patience, however if you stick through it I'd bet my family jewels you wont regret it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
PatG.Apr 16, 2010
Very impressive and interesting--rich adult fare.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
wetwebworkSep 27, 2010
A moving romantic thriller. The cast are excellent, the story well developed, and yes, the football stadium shot is brilliant. Here's hoping Hollywood leave the original well alone.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
CorneliaLSep 6, 2010
Wonderful. Rich, suspenseful, smart, romantic and intense. Relatable characters, great cinematography and thought-provoking twist(s). A great thriller, told in a skillful way.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
weisbergerJan 25, 2011
This is a splendid movie - a murder mystery, a romance, a political history and a contemplation of what comprises a meaningful life. The casting and acting are spot on, the dialogue crisp, the characters compelling, and the cinematographyThis is a splendid movie - a murder mystery, a romance, a political history and a contemplation of what comprises a meaningful life. The casting and acting are spot on, the dialogue crisp, the characters compelling, and the cinematography intelligent and appropriate. You will go to bed with it in your head and it will be there when you wake up and you will want to see it again.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
beelzie14Dec 17, 2011
What an inspired gem of a film. Fantastic acting - some of the best I have had the pleasure of watching in years. Unique plot and story with some great humour. But overall a dark drama with undertones which you can never quite see, but canWhat an inspired gem of a film. Fantastic acting - some of the best I have had the pleasure of watching in years. Unique plot and story with some great humour. But overall a dark drama with undertones which you can never quite see, but can certainly feel. The film starts scratching a bit deeper below the surface, and this is when it really keeps you captivated.
I just wish more people would watch it and experience the clever directing of Campanella. Forget the subtitles ... I would rather "read" a great film, than watch a mediocre one any day!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
Tono111Feb 5, 2011
The movie is beautifully written (adapted from a novel). I liked how it manages to weave the personal with the political and plenty of suspense seamlessly. Very complex in a good way. Great acting too. Apparently not as good as Jack Black'sThe movie is beautifully written (adapted from a novel). I liked how it manages to weave the personal with the political and plenty of suspense seamlessly. Very complex in a good way. Great acting too. Apparently not as good as Jack Black's School of Rock, according to critics, ja ja.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
CitizenCharlieMar 17, 2011
After watching a series of mediocre films, the next one you watch which is outstanding is even that much more special; you appreciate it more. I had the luck to watch this after a string of disappointing films. This film does not make anyAfter watching a series of mediocre films, the next one you watch which is outstanding is even that much more special; you appreciate it more. I had the luck to watch this after a string of disappointing films. This film does not make any wrong moves. The story is tight, the acting is wonderful, the cinematography is impressive, and even though it concerns such heavy subject matter, the end doesn't leave the audience without any good feelings or something to look forward to. At first, it appears to be a standard look back at the one case the investigator could never stop thinking about; the one which got away. But the script does not let it remain an average whodunit where the audience sits through the standard motions of will they ever get the bad guy through a series of staged events. The dialogue is crisp and interesting, individual scenes are fleshed out and given weight, and even the slight twist of an ending does not disappoint or lend itself to implausibility. It is also not just a police procedural or suspense thriller; there are multiple sub-plots devoted to an unmentioned romance and plenty of reminders that Argentina was not very democratic during the 1970s. There is a political underlining beneath the characters' actions and hushed conversations which display their fear towards not just the government, but even people who may or may not be government informers.

The Secret in Their Eyes deservedly won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film. It shows the audience how Argentina was during the time of the secret police and disappearances which really was not very long ago. I highly encourage everyone to take the time and enjoy this movie; it will not disappoint.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
HalfwelshmanMay 21, 2011
A movie so rich and emotionally grabbing, you'll still have it on your mind days later. One of the finest murder-mysteries/romances (not that there are many) to ever be committed to film. Covering guilt, regret, love and obsession, theA movie so rich and emotionally grabbing, you'll still have it on your mind days later. One of the finest murder-mysteries/romances (not that there are many) to ever be committed to film. Covering guilt, regret, love and obsession, the twisting, turning narrative featuring fully fleshed-out and believable characters will engage you from the start, and it's even occasionally darkly comic! A true gem.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
CarlosDMay 18, 2012
Absolutely fantastic, engrossing and surprising mystery. One of those movies that is infinitely recommendable to people, regardless of their ability to understand good films.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Nesbitt10Feb 3, 2013
"The Secret in Their Eyes" is directed by Juan José Campanella--it is a splendid multifaceted film which skillfully alternates between the present and past, as it seamlessly intertwines a murder mystery, love story, and judicial injustice."The Secret in Their Eyes" is directed by Juan José Campanella--it is a splendid multifaceted film which skillfully alternates between the present and past, as it seamlessly intertwines a murder mystery, love story, and judicial injustice. All of these elements of the story are flushed-out--creating depth, and all play a crucial part in Juan José Campanella's adaptation of Eduardo Sacheri's novel. A film that effectively juggles both affection and misery, using Benjamin's conflicted heart as a way to humanize the chilling details, while observing a man not only starved for justice, but after a woman he abandoned decades earlier.
Benjamín (Ricardo Darín), a retired court investigator, is trying to write a novel about an old case of his that was never resolved to his satisfaction. More than two decades ago, a woman was brutally raped and murdered, and although suspects were found, the case against them was thrown out on technical grounds. However, Benjamín always suspected someone else entirely. Benjamín and his assistant Pablo Rago (Ricardo Morles), ultimately were certain that a man named Isidoro Gómez was the real killer. For help, he returns to his old office and bounces his thoughts off Irene (Soledad Villamil), whom he has always loved despite never acting on those feelings. The past and the present begin to merge as pieces of the case are reinvestigated, forcing Benjamín to reflect on his past, and what could have been. But Benjamín's search for the truth will put him at the center of a judicial nightmare, as the mystery of the heinous crime committed 25 years ago continues to haunt him in the present. Interweaving past and present, we see how the investigation affects Benjamín, as well as Irene, over the period of decades. Stealthily weaving Esposito's relationship with Irene into the on-going murder mystery, it takes on a life of it's own--a compulsive narrative that manages to be genuinely surprising. Haunting and gracefully, the film reveals its secrets slowly. Lengthly, but engaging, wonderful storytelling, and extremely well-done. The entire cast is uniformly superb, enhancing this foreign thriller--with its intelligent, layered screenplay. Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film (2010). **This was a unpredicted and surprising winner of the Oscar. It beat out two great films also in contention that year. Respectively-- "A Prophet" and "The White Ribbon."… Expand
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5
ariel84Apr 7, 2014
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. i decided to watch this movie based on a clip of the extended tracking shot. which was wonderful, btw. i was on board with the plot until the interrogation scene. even with my unfamiliarity of argentine police procedure, i knew it was ridiculous. there was a point after the murderer is set free to be part of a death squad the story should've ended. but it went on until every thread was followed, needlessly. not a waste of time, by any means, but an oscar winner? weak.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
mapizarroOct 17, 2013
Wonderful film Juan José Campanella has a good filmography ("Son of the Bride", "Same Love, Same Rain" or "Moon of Avellaneda" for example). But Campanella released best film in 2009 with "The Secret in Their Eyes". A beautiful story aboutWonderful film Juan José Campanella has a good filmography ("Son of the Bride", "Same Love, Same Rain" or "Moon of Avellaneda" for example). But Campanella released best film in 2009 with "The Secret in Their Eyes". A beautiful story about impossible love, a mistery with solution and a difficult time in Argentine history, final political age of Isabelita Perón as national president of Argentina. If Campanella were Swedish, "The Secret in their Eyes" would be like Millennium saga films.… Expand
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10
nachooruizSep 21, 2013
A thrilling story with great twists and turns which will keep you hooked until one of the greatest movie endings I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
shayzoom9011May 6, 2017
Oscar Best Foreign Languages nominees and winners must never be missed; they are mostly spectacular gems who screenplays deserve place in the Library of Congress. This Law & Order :Argentina seeming Gone Baby Gone reminding thriller hits youOscar Best Foreign Languages nominees and winners must never be missed; they are mostly spectacular gems who screenplays deserve place in the Library of Congress. This Law & Order :Argentina seeming Gone Baby Gone reminding thriller hits you with an intense and powerful narrative culminating into what will only induce a double whammy; something which no one sees it coming! That quote - "The brevity or prolonging the life of a human being depends primarily on the flow of pain that person is forced to endure." by the author Eduardo Sacheri (y)… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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2
GardaitisSep 5, 2016
It is the first time I registered to write a review on a film database as I am so disappointed of the film and wasting two hours of my life, so that now I am even spending a half an hour more for a review, what an injustice!

The film isIt is the first time I registered to write a review on a film database as I am so disappointed of the film and wasting two hours of my life, so that now I am even spending a half an hour more for a review, what an injustice!

The film is such a cliché. I did not believe in the main idea of the plot twist – the reconstruction of the past by writing a novel. Not a minute. The love story of those lawyers was so dull and had a predictable end that almost made me cry. Last ten minutes caught my attention as the mystery was resolved, but please don't say it was something new and unexpected.

The acting of that young husband was senseless, so you could only believe from main character's words, that he was in such a big love – this was not possible to understand due to character's lack of emotions. And a make-up! These wrinkles around their eyes – what a disaster.

And so on, and so on. Unbelievable. How can this have a score of 8.6, come on – 8.6? Really? And how could you, BBC, how did you dare including The Secret... to the list of 100 greatest films of the 21st Century, how? I will not able to fall asleep if I do not find a reasonable answer why even The New Yorker rated it 100!

And what is the point of their eyes? Did not see any difference in any eyes of heroes comparing with other mystery dramas. Or is it due to these artificial unconvincing wrinkles?..

2 points go for the football stadium scene, which was interestingly shot indeed.

After this evening apparently gonna enjoy books and reading celibacy for months as this piece almost destroyed my believe in cinema, user scores and authority of critique.… Expand
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9
Cristofer21Aug 1, 2018
Great performances,an almost perfect script and the best ending I've ever seen in my life make this movie a great jewel of cinema, Campanella is an out-of-series.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
ManihOct 25, 2019
I can not find why this film have this good rate. Th story was not bad, but i think the director didn’t success to make the film...
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
AJ_13Sep 14, 2022
THE GOOD: A complete masterpiece. One of the best screenplays/adaptations in the history of cinema. Darín and Villamil are unbelievable. Marvellous colour-pallette, impressive editing and, of course, some great argentinian humour. THE BAD:THE GOOD: A complete masterpiece. One of the best screenplays/adaptations in the history of cinema. Darín and Villamil are unbelievable. Marvellous colour-pallette, impressive editing and, of course, some great argentinian humour. THE BAD: Absolutely nothing.… Expand
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8
EcleticNil0711Apr 9, 2023
Um filme adorável que passa diversas camadas de emoções durante seu tempo de tela, logo em seu início ele já mostra muito bem para que veio, deixando um impacto bem intenso no telespectador. De longe uma das cenas de crime mais chocantes queUm filme adorável que passa diversas camadas de emoções durante seu tempo de tela, logo em seu início ele já mostra muito bem para que veio, deixando um impacto bem intenso no telespectador. De longe uma das cenas de crime mais chocantes que eu já vi em um material fictício

O desenvolvimento é ótimo, a atuação é ótima e o filme em minha visão nunca deixa a desejar em nenhum quesito. Cada seção é bem feita e bem construída e mesmo que o final não tenha o teor "realista" que o filme proporciona durante a maior parte do longa, ele facilmente é extremamente satisfatório visto que ele fecha cada um dos plots iniciado de uma forma "justa" e aliviante para o telespectador.

Pra mim há duas grandes "partes" nesse filme, a thriller e a romântica, o entrelaçamento entre as duas me pareceu meio "off" visto que parecem dois filmes diferentes com duas histórias diferentes e esse pode ser um dos poucos erros do filme.

Visto isso, resumo a primeira como: Satisfatória e intrigante e a segunda como: Idealizada, angustiante e adorável… Expand
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