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Secretary
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Secretary

2002
Romance
Comedy
1h 47m
A powerful and unique love story that toys with our expectations of love, sexuality and intimacy. (Lions Gate)
Directed by:
Steven Shainberg
Written by:
Erin Cressida Wilson Mary Gaitskill
+1 more
Starring:
Maggie Gyllenhaal Maggie Gyllenhaal Jeremy Davies Jeremy Davies James Spader James Spader Patrick Bauchau Patrick Bauchau Lesley Ann Warren Lesley Ann Warren Stephen McHattie Stephen McHattie Oz Perkins Jessica Tuck Jessica Tuck Amy Locane Amy Locane
More
Genres:
Romance, Comedy, Drama
Country:
USA
Language:
English
imdb More information at IMDb
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Secretary

2002
Romance
Comedy
1h 47m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 52.6% from 3837 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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paxtonPaxton
Rated 15 Oct 2014
62
42nd
While watching this with the wife last night, I totally dominated a plate of pizza rolls. They definitely knew who was boss alright.
Rated 15 Oct 2014
indyatmnINDYATMN
Rated 18 Feb 2010
100
99th
It's difficult 2 imagine subject matter this polarizing being delivered in a better crafted package. A completely fearless, air-tight script is brought to life by direction that requires a tightrope walker's sense of balance (given that unusual sexual kink, by definition, is an acquired taste often provoking WTF incredulity in every1 not into it), & beautifully nuanced performances by Spader & Gyllenhall playing utterly unpredictable, yet surprisingly believable characters.
Rated 18 Feb 2010
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 14 Aug 2007
78
63rd
Loved the tone of this movie. The pacing is a bit sluggish, but it's acceptable. I'm really glad they didn't go over the top with the weirdness of it. Very satisfying.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
shmendrekShmendrek
Rated 24 Sep 2007
2
33rd
I really liked this when I first saw it, but I've since recognized its mediocrity. Fuck BDSM, it is a stupid, sexist lifestyle. It would be nice to move beyond power dynamics in sex. This film is a fairly obvious plea for acceptance of a kink that is fucking retarded in every way. No dice. Otherwise, well acted and competently directed.
Rated 24 Sep 2007
thedenizenTheDenizen
Rated 05 Mar 2007
80
84th
James Spader is deliciously sleazy and Maggie Gyllenhaal has two masturbation scenes. What else could you possibly need to know?
Rated 05 Mar 2007
hellboy76hellboy76
Rated 25 Sep 2010
68
65th
Probably a bit of a peek into Spader's private life.
Rated 25 Sep 2010
haverchuckHaverchuck
Rated 05 Jul 2008
99
96th
This is one of those movies where I have very little in common with any of the characters, but I fully buy and understand their desires and motivation. I think it is a beautiful love story that is completely unconventional, and quite humorous.
Rated 05 Jul 2008
ozymandius10ozymandius10
Rated 14 Aug 2007
65
47th
Odd movie about loyalty and bondage. Christ is it weird though.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
ktappektappe
Rated 25 Mar 2008
44
19th
That there is a lot to say about this film is a testament to how adventurous it is in exploring ground that other films avoid. That said, it still made me feel creepy for having seen it. The feminist in me cringed the entire time, which really ruined the film. So, it's an interesting piece but hard to recommend.
Rated 25 Mar 2008
aneyaney
Rated 10 Jun 2012
72
80th
James Spader being insanely sexy. Yes, please.
Rated 10 Jun 2012
rufamRufam
Rated 20 May 2011
65
42nd
"Secretary" is weird, sexy and sort of endearing -and it grows on you. Gyllenhaal is delightful and Spader is adorably neurotic. Shainberg's direction is certainly above-average for a rom-com -a very twisted, very unconventional rom-com that is. I have no idea what it wants to say, but I know that I enjoyed something about its perverse simplicity.
Rated 20 May 2011
teftef
Rated 13 Jun 2009
80
54th
Maggie Gyllenhaal kind of repulses me and I still liked the film.
Rated 13 Jun 2009
johnsandwichJohnSandwich
Rated 13 May 2009
75
74th
Somewhere in the asshole of my eye, there's a muscle which relaxes when you cry.
Rated 13 May 2009
msindpndntMsIndpndnt
Rated 23 Jan 2009
98
99th
I like this movie, kind of hot. Love James Spader and damn did I want to be that secretary.
Rated 23 Jan 2009
zarkonZarkon
Rated 14 Aug 2007
50
5th
Slow, stupid, and Gyllenhaal does nothing for me.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
servantdagonServantDagon
Rated 14 Aug 2007
79
45th
Who can resist Maggie Gyllenhaal needing a spanking, 'ey?
Rated 14 Aug 2007
dunbardunbar
Rated 30 Aug 2010
30
5th
This film flopped against what little expectations I had. After instantly revealing its own intentions to show a boy-meets-girl (or boss-meets-secretary) romance with a BDSM twist, it then goes on to develop an incredibly pedestrian love story. Looking beyond a little bit of torture drummed-up to be cutting edge and an intelligent portrayal of particular sexual fetishes you are dulled beyond measure. At least it is affirming to think that your own sex life is more interesting even sans whip.
Rated 30 Aug 2010
cultofsamecult_of_same
Rated 02 Mar 2009
80
96th
I also would do most anything for the attention of James Spader, possibly even wetting myself.
Rated 02 Mar 2009
derbarneyDer_Barney
Rated 08 Dec 2008
70
15th
Maggie Gyllenhaal excels at breathing life into her character, helping us to ...kind of... understand that woman, but I couldn't for the life of me wrap my head around James Spader's character and his motivation or feelings. That said, it's certainly an interesting and unusual movie, a bit sluggishly paced as others here have observed, but not at all bad. I'm surprised to see that Steven Shainberg hasn't made more movies - the direction is actually one of the stronger suits of this movie.
Rated 08 Dec 2008
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 28 Feb 2015
78
80th
Provocative and dirty, but in its own peculiar way actually rather beautiful. Spader and Gyllenhaal (who was super hot before her face started to turn into a cabbage!) are both fantastic. The pacing is a little off and the final third doesn't pack enough punch, but the characters are great and the central relationship compelling.
Rated 28 Feb 2015
thehynesthehynes
Rated 11 Nov 2015
54
42nd
I'm just so relieved to find out I'm not the only one who loudly masturbates whilst moaning aloud about creamed potatoes & peas.I had been beginning to think I might be a bit weird
Rated 11 Nov 2015
td888td888
Rated 08 Aug 2010
50
41st
It goes to show that women always get what they want
Rated 08 Aug 2010
dustydDustyd
Rated 16 Sep 2007
75
79th
Very different romance. It has the courage to be a dark comedy that has a happy ending....which it deserved.
Rated 16 Sep 2007
owen1218owen1218
Rated 17 Apr 2007
25
4th
A cinematic effort to make sexual harassment and domination sexy.
Rated 17 Apr 2007
sirrobbieSirRobbie
Rated 25 Oct 2009
80
81st
It's flawed in many ways but I can't help but love this film. Maggie was excellent!!! It had possibly the most intense sex scene - and it involved only two fingers.
Rated 25 Oct 2009
johncowjohncow
Rated 16 Sep 2007
100
95th
Hot!
Rated 16 Sep 2007
sentry04Sentry04
Rated 17 Sep 2008
66
44th
Wow, kinky, different.
Rated 17 Sep 2008
keauKeau
Rated 01 Apr 2008
79
77th
Loved this movie... definitely something very different and taboo but the film does the fetish justice.
Rated 01 Apr 2008
friscalatefriscalate
Rated 01 Feb 2009
80
14th
Good movie, Gyllenhaal and Spader are great in it.
Rated 01 Feb 2009
vincentevincente
Rated 14 Aug 2007
81
78th
null
Rated 14 Aug 2007
closefriendCloseFriend
Rated 26 Jul 2013
37
11th
The Lynchian stagey acting and the world peopled with neurotic and mentally ill characters did less to give this movie its own atmosphere than it did to make the film difficult to identify with. This movie embodies the very blandness the real-life kink crowd decry. I applaud the ambitions at work, but the film has very little to offer outside of naked Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Rated 26 Jul 2013
jennajenna
Rated 14 Aug 2007
97
88th
80's heart-throb Spader and modern-day heart-throb Maggie G.... very sexy and clever mix.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
jonquilljonquill
Rated 12 Sep 2007
94
97th
The characters mold this movie entirely. And Spader and Gyllenhaal are both insainely good at breathing life into every scene. For my money, there is nothing in this world sexier than Lee simply saying "Why not?"
Rated 12 Sep 2007
taleaTalea
Rated 14 Aug 2007
78
58th
Anyone who actually knows anything about the BDSM scene will find this film inauthentic and painfully (in a bad way) tame. That said, for neophytes, it's kind of cool. Maggie and James are a great match.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
harmonicaHarmonica
Rated 14 Aug 2007
73
44th
A kink movie, but also a movie about a loving, sweet and respectful relationship.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
manwhonosemanwhonose
Rated 24 Feb 2018
96
88th
This could so easily come off as creepy, weird, and offensive, but, thanks to a well-judged script and pitch-perfect central performances, it's nothing of the kind. The film is quirky, funny, and heartfelt. It's great.
Rated 24 Feb 2018
jennhoneyjennhoney
Rated 08 Mar 2009
85
66th
An 'I'm ok, you're ok' masochistic fairy tale.
Rated 08 Mar 2009
monkeycatmonkeycat
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
64th
James Spader so hot
Rated 14 Aug 2007
cestmoicestmoi
Rated 18 May 2008
85
72nd
Kinky fun. See, James Spader hasn't completely lost it.
Rated 18 May 2008
igormacheteigormachete
Rated 18 Apr 2016
38
4th
This is a well made movie, but everything in it is extremely repulsive
Rated 18 Apr 2016
clopinetteClopinette
Rated 23 Feb 2007
75
53rd
Oh, Maggie. Oh, James. I'll be in my bunk.
Rated 23 Feb 2007
altf4altf4
Rated 18 Oct 2008
83
76th
I though this movie was fucking hilarious. And thats enough for me.
Rated 18 Oct 2008
muutanetmuutanet
Rated 28 Jan 2024
65
58th
It was very good, but totally boring. Both actors did their best and the plot was good though filled with expected stuff. I would be better. To get the best parts your must suffer. And maybe a bit aged.
Rated 28 Jan 2024
tony_irwinTony Irwin
Rated 25 Jan 2013
97
96th
An incredible love story - to rival When Harry Met Sally, and better yet because it follows it from the female protagonist's point of view.
Rated 25 Jan 2013
henrikHenrik
Rated 07 Dec 2012
70
57th
Funny and steaming with sex. But the ending is kind of flat.
Rated 07 Dec 2012
x_humanx-human
Rated 19 Feb 2011
83
81st
Almost but not quite there. I think the original author nailed it on the head, "the Pretty Woman version, heavy on the charm (and a little too nice)." Gyllenhaal is what really makes this work.
Rated 19 Feb 2011
vadermatrix1VaderMatrix1
Rated 14 Aug 2007
50
38th
only good for the tits and muff
Rated 14 Aug 2007
leshiileshii
Rated 22 Jan 2007
6
1st
Miserable and stupid.
Rated 22 Jan 2007
ryan_luedersRyan Lueders
Rated 16 Aug 2015
74
38th
Hold all my calls. This film was quite strange. First, I must say that Maggie Gyllenhaal was so different in this film. She was kind of girly and bubbly, which she usually doesn't act like that. She's normally this really self-assured woman. Don't even get me started on James Spader in this movie, he was WEIRD. That's what makes this movie kind of fun, it's just so strange. It's not an awesome movie, but it has some unique scenes and writing that mirrors but predates Fifty Shades of Grey...
Rated 16 Aug 2015
nepetaNepeta
Rated 14 Jan 2014
60
28th
I'm a little perplexed by people calling this daring and highly original and such. It's certainly amusing and fairly enjoyable, but for the most part is just a pretty usual (if admittedly surprisingly well made) romance with very tame (and not entirely convincing) bdsm elements thrown in.
Rated 14 Jan 2014
drstrangeluvdrstrangeluv
Rated 16 Jan 2011
55
31st
A generic love story with BDSM window dressing. I do enjoy watching Maggie Gyllenhaal get her ass spanked, but that isn't enough to keep me from rolling my eyes at many of the downright stupid things that occur in this film.
Rated 16 Jan 2011
ayizanAyizan
Rated 06 Mar 2013
90
73rd
sexy, playful, fun romance. Wonderfully original, genuinely taboo-busting (and un-pc - but in the best way possible.)
Rated 06 Mar 2013
staticnzStaticnz
Rated 22 Jun 2007
63
38th
Suprisingly decent.
Rated 22 Jun 2007
tombomtombom
Rated 09 Apr 2016
35
36th
couldn't get away from how creepy the guy is, some of what he does is ok but goddd just bluirgh
Rated 09 Apr 2016
rockwellrockwell
Rated 14 Aug 2007
73
41st
sexiest movie i have ever seen
Rated 14 Aug 2007
bookhouseboybookhouseboy
Rated 22 Mar 2017
63
82nd
#17#, rw2, liked, oldies(2) }*{ #00s(e)#, ratings, story
Rated 22 Mar 2017
velvet_croweVelvet Crowe
Rated 01 May 2023
45
44th
Parades itself on its deprived premise but hardly cares to characterize itself beyond that. I have a hard time believing that someone with a BDSM fetish would be so obsessed with this that they'd neglect every other aspect of their life and be so dedicated to it that nothing else matters. Even worse is that the film frames this like the rest of the cast is being neglectful of her feelings, which is pretty eyerolling. The final stretch is pretty cool, but I don't think this movie has much merit.
Rated 01 May 2023
baitsellbaitsell
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
79th
A love story full of hope! Excellent date movie! A "must-see" for lovers of all ages! I can't stop reccomending this to people (even after they've seen it).
Rated 14 Aug 2007
derekstarDerekstar
Rated 02 Aug 2010
60
36th
Maggie Gyllenhaal is compelling to watch as usual. She's really good. But that's ALL this movie has going for it. The story is silly-goose, and James Spader is not very interesting.
Rated 02 Aug 2010
ag0stomesmerAg0stoMesmer
Rated 30 Jul 2012
4
91st
'Where there's equal perversion there's no perversion' - good little romance.
Rated 30 Jul 2012
tavingtonTavington
Rated 10 Oct 2016
2
37th
Tutorial how to become perfect secretary and please your boss in every way.
Rated 10 Oct 2016
fantacbobFantacBob
Rated 12 Jun 2009
53
28th
A secretary develops a bizzare crush on her boss. Didn't meet the hype.
Rated 12 Jun 2009
svicciarellisvicciarelli
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
32nd
Stuff you don't usually see, but at the end the question still stands, "Why?"
Rated 14 Aug 2007
xmulderxxmulderx
Rated 05 Jun 2010
50
50th
Mediocre.
Rated 05 Jun 2010
nancysidnancysid
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
86th
kinky!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
absentisabsentis
Rated 28 Jul 2007
84
82nd
Interesting love story that deals with the idea of giving everything for one person. Don't expect this to be a film about sex (well the subject is touched apron), it is more to do with a relationship that two people can have.
Rated 28 Jul 2007
citysqwirlcitysqwirl
Rated 14 Aug 2007
71
38th
Ew. Creepy. Get those two away from each other.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
cat9mancat9man
Rated 02 Jan 2018
93
95th
A classic A most non conventional look at alternate asymmetrical relationships that satisfies complex emotional needs Satisfyingly believeable Acting tones pace fabulous Very underrated
Rated 02 Jan 2018
jenner1407jenner1407
Rated 23 Feb 2015
89
95th
Skip 50 Shades and watch this erotic, delicious dramedy instead.
Rated 23 Feb 2015
hsncrspywlhsncrspywl
Rated 31 Jan 2014
76
57th
Maybe it's just me but I didn't see anything all that shocking about the sexual content of the film, but what did grab me was the art direction - the film is kinda vague in when it's set and gives it a sort of fantasy feeling which I felt was interesting. It's also pretty funny at points and Gyllenhaal/Spader do really well with their roles. It is a little forgettable though - it never really pushes past being a quirky niche sex comedy.
Rated 31 Jan 2014
stainStain
Rated 12 Mar 2009
50
33rd
The production design is elaborate and artificial enough that it's fairly clear that this is not supposed to be erotic, really. Instead it plays more like a practical joke. It's definitely different, I'll give it that, but whatever it is, it's not really that interesting or satisfying
Rated 12 Mar 2009
droplet00Droplet00
Rated 21 Jun 2008
78
20th
Well, the tension between the characters and their BDSM play is quite hot at times, and it's great to see a film that so gleefully upholds sex and intimacy. But those things don't add up to a great film. Decent.
Rated 21 Jun 2008
zolozolo
Rated 14 Aug 2007
86
71st
Interesting, long, boring
Rated 14 Aug 2007
neasneapneasneap
Rated 04 May 2008
75
16th
its a very different movie i have ever watched with crash. in both james spader are act and i think he done well.
Rated 04 May 2008
idiot27000idiot27000
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
49th
Starts off spectacularly, but becomes mysoginistic midway.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
martrynmartryn
Rated 27 Mar 2007
72
57th
This movie was worth watching for Maggie Gyllenhaal's boobs. Stock has also risen because I can use the excuse of having seen this so as never to watch 50 Shades of Grey.
Rated 27 Mar 2007
doctor7doctor7
Rated 14 Aug 2007
66
47th
Most certainly a different type of love story, for that I love it and it indeed gets extra respect. However it's not particularily incredible or amazing.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
plovisPlovis
Rated 20 Nov 2008
80
57th
The type of movie that seems to rarely get made, at least well.
Rated 20 Nov 2008
bizortbizort
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
66th
I liked the movie until the very end. They completely ruined it
Rated 14 Aug 2007
zangZang
Rated 15 Jan 2009
98
97th
Sexiest movie around because BOTH characters intrigue and draw you in.
Rated 15 Jan 2009
ashwilliamsAshWilliams
Rated 04 Oct 2008
80
65th
Superb acting and a daring plot!
Rated 04 Oct 2008
ytadelYtadel
Rated 14 Aug 2007
5
57th
Very weird, very quirky, and lest I forget, Maggie Gyllenhaal is very naked.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
spaceflohspacefloh
Rated 27 Feb 2008
84
97th
eng+ger; [secretary]; die geschichte einer außergewöhnlichen liebe zwischen einer labilen frau und einem exzentrischen anwalt.;
Rated 27 Feb 2008
whotempwhotemp
Rated 05 May 2017
60
9th
The dude... where did he come from, what does he want, why does he act that way? Total enigma. And I kind of get the Gyllenhaal character, but how does the Grey guy know the first aid kid stuff meant that it was okay to act like that? It makes no sense to me. He's too mysterious
Rated 05 May 2017
ddrudgesd_drudges
Rated 30 Dec 2014
60
69th
Original and, up to a point, daring. The happy Hollywood ending sullies the whole movie, and it should probably have ended with the marriage announcement with Peter. The value of having Maggie Gyllenhaal's character be a simpleton is also questionable.
Rated 30 Dec 2014
spikycactusSpikyCactus
Rated 03 Oct 2020
75
65th
Top badass moment? The horrifying glimpse into the seedy world of the legal profession, as a lawyer uses his position to coerce an innocent and vulnerable woman into a series of entirely inappropriate activities. Interesting management technique; all I ever got taught was a load of stuff around sexual harassment and workplace relationships. Everyone types their own letters these days anyway. Extra 5 points for Maggie Gyllenhaal looking totally cute and sexy. No cats, chainsaws or decapitations.
Rated 03 Oct 2020
freqflyerfreqflyer
Rated 31 Jul 2009
82
68th
very interesting premise. I found this very entertaining.
Rated 31 Jul 2009
rewilde-brewilde
Rated 04 Mar 2011
63
24th
Not really fulfilling as a drama, not too bad as soft-core porn.
Rated 04 Mar 2011
lady_moeLady Moe
Rated 19 Jun 2016
82
53rd
Off kilter and darkly comedic. Maggie Gyllenhaal plays Lee Holloway, a likable young woman who suffers from depression, and anxiety which manifests itself in self-harm. Lee finds a job as a secretary to a sadistic paralegal and a strange S&M relationship is born between the two. Gyllenhaal's performance of Lee is incredibly likable. At times you don't know whether to feel sad or to laugh but I feel it is the point of the film. It's odd, but enjoyable. It could even be cute if it wasn't so wrong.
Rated 19 Jun 2016
arossaross
Rated 21 Nov 2016
73
46th
Saw this movie pretty blind. not sure if i'd recommend that.
Rated 21 Nov 2016
darianpDarianp
Rated 22 Sep 2008
86
28th
Very fun performances by the two leads.
Rated 22 Sep 2008
shannon0000shannon0000
Rated 13 Dec 2007
96
83rd
hot
Rated 13 Dec 2007
vaaponurvaaponur
Rated 26 Dec 2017
75
12th
I understand human libido in this movie. And it is not a movie just teen girl fall in love with the man.
Rated 26 Dec 2017
freshFresh
Rated 18 Jul 2011
74
45th
Maggie Gyllenhaal impresses in this romantic comedy with a kinky twist.
Rated 18 Jul 2011
pickpocketPickpocket
Rated 29 Aug 2008
4
35th
They have this thing called BDSM guys. totally unnecessary
Rated 29 Aug 2008
willxcorewillxcore
Rated 06 May 2008
60
12th
I'm giving this a low score because I have only seen it once and it was a while back. I enjoyed it somewhat but overall it felt kind of obscure just because it could be. I'll have to see it again before I rate it higher
Rated 06 May 2008
tinysausagetinysausage
Rated 30 Apr 2011
82
88th
A touching and decidedly left-field love story which sensitively handles a dominant-submissive relationship. Spader is superbly odd, and Gyllenhaal warm and brave. Funny and heart-warming, this is a breath of fresh air, completely free of the usual Hollywood stereotyping, condescension and exploitation of this sort of subject matter.
Rated 30 Apr 2011
octane_deathOctane Death
Rated 22 Apr 2008
85
87th
James Spader essentially reprising his role from sex lies and videotape. but gyllenhaal steals the screen all over the place. hawt.
Rated 22 Apr 2008
parcalihamparcaliham
Rated 29 Nov 2009
80
64th
27 kasim 09. &
Rated 29 Nov 2009
slantmagSlantMag
Rated 19 Oct 2010
20
41st
"The film treats the subject of S&M with a kind of confused interest worthy of Madonna." - Ed Gonzalez
Rated 19 Oct 2010

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