FemaleFirst.co.uk: DVD: Secretary [2002] [DVD]

Secretary [2002] [DVD]
enlarge	Actors: James Spader, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jeremy Davies, Lesley Ann Warren Studio: Prism Leisure Corporation Category: DVD List Price: ~~£5.99~~ Buy Used: £1.97 as of 21/11/2009 08:32 GMT details You Save: £4.02 (67%) New (10) Used (33) Collectible (1) from £1.97 Seller: zoverstocks Rating: 13 reviews Sales Rank: 8274 Format: PAL Languages: English (Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired), English (Unknown), English (Original Language) Rating: Suitable for 18 years and over Region: 2 Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Number Of Discs: 1 Running Time: 107 Minutes Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2 Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6 EAN: 5050824162250 ASIN: B000777UEK Theatrical Release Date: 2002 Release Date: February 7, 2005 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days


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Customer Reviews: Showing reviews 1-5 of 13 1 2 3 Next » An American Art House Classic!!! July 18, 2007 nmollo (London) 16 out of 16 found this review helpful "Secretary" is a classic American film. It has the distinct flavour of a European art house film because of its intelligence, pace and style. That said this is not everyone's cup of tea. It deals difficult subjects such as sexual perversion, masochism and self harm yet the film is blatantly romantic and life affirming. It is also very funny. br / br /The performance of Maggie Gyllenhaal is excellent and beautifully observed. Her transformation from loopy repressed adolescent to sexually confident woman is a joy to watch. She becomes extraordinarily sexy. James Spader is remarkable. No other actor in Hollywood could have played this part with such conviction and humour. His performance is that of an actor unafraid by the limitations imposed on most Hollywood leading men. He is ready to try the ridiculous at whatever cost and the results are more often than not refreshing and original. br / br /The director Steven Shainberg displays a wealth of talent and it is a shame he is not pre-disposed to direct more films. He is obviously an actor's director. The final reel is the weakest of the picture. It seems to want to apologize for the excesses of the preceding reels, which need no apology. br / br /I was left with one lingering question as Maggie Gyllenhaal stares directly at us provoking a judgement. Does her husband fire up the lights around the sign "Secretary Wanted" as soon as he gets to work? weirdly erotic February 28, 2005 Lawrence Windrush (uk) 38 out of 50 found this review helpful Lee a damaged self harming girl falls into a secretarys job by accident. The Lawyer Mr Grey who is her boss is curt, rude and downright agressive, strangely he becomes sexually attracted to her, they both enter into an erotic relationship based on domination and spanking. Visually stylish, its off kilter subject matter and feverish masturbation may not be to everyones taste. If you enjoyed "Crash" then this explores similiar territory. Simply Brilliant January 11, 2008 Michael Axworthy (UK) 2 out of 2 found this review helpful If you want to believe that human sexuality and human relationships should be all vanilla, sugar and spice, then this film is probably not for you. br / br /But if you want to enjoy an honest, well-made, perfectly performed film that is prepared to look at the ways that people may find fulfilment in the most unlikely practices, and if your understanding of people does not begin and end with the normal rules about sexual harassment at work, then you will like it. Fantastic Film. March 31, 2008 Edna Little (Stockport, England.) 1 out of 2 found this review helpful This is one of my favourite films of all time. Its an unusual Love story, of 2 people who desperately need each other to eventualy find happiness. It^s amusing, warm and has the perfect ending.! James Spader is superb as usual. Above all it^s not the everday done a million times love story, it^s something realy different and entertaining. Self-abuse February 7, 2009 Radiant Rose (from a rose-red 1960 Cadillac: solar-powered) This is the only film that I would watch purely for the decor. It really is a visual treat, but it has more going for it than just its looks. br / br /True, I would watch anything with James Spader in; however, this film is so good I would have loved it even it if he hadn't been in it. I am not sure if it is my favourite of of all his films, but it is definitely the best all round film that he has graced with his appearance. "sex, lies and videotape" has a great script. "Crash" has a mesmerising soundtrack. However, this has the whole package: lovely decor, many stylish outfits, a beautiful, intelligent script, good soundtrack (both incidental music and songs like Leonard Cohen's "I'm Your Man" and Lizzie West's "Chariots Rise") and great performances. br / br /Maggie Gyllenhaal is perfectly cast and indeed I was disappointed that her name is listed after Spader's in the credits as I feel this story is more about her character than his. br / br /What, however, are we to make of claims that this film is ... controversial? Some aficionados insist that feminists disapprove of it, and would have picketed cinemas had not its promoters cunningly concealed its true nature. Nonsense! The film was reviewed in major UK publications and no protests resulted. One fan suggested to me that only S and M enthusiasts can truly appreciate "Secretary". I feel it is unjust to the film to underestimate its appeal. br / br /A more serious criticism is that it condones domestic violence. A friend of mine said, "If he had given her a black eye, it would be clearer what was going on". However, it is only fair to point out that she has never actually seen the film. br / br /I think that it is clear to viewers there is a difference between Lee, who thrives on being spanked, and her mother, who hates and fears being used as a punchbag. I have lent my copies of this film to many people, including feminists and survivors of domestic violence. Nearly everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. The sole exception so far has been my mother. She objected to two incidents of self-harm rather than to any sexual content. br / br /Highlights include the dream sequence, the release of the mouse and the moment with "three little words" (not the usual ones). br / br /As amazon has a no-spoiler policy, I must be careful when I say that I adore almost all of the end sequences. The one thing that lets it down somewhat is Lee's wistful expression when ... someone leaves her for a few hours. Then again, she's a clever girl, she'll work something out. br / br /My favourite accessory is the humane mousetrap. Runners-up include the "yoke" Lee wears in the opening sequence, her snood and the peas. br / br /Animal lovers should note that the American Humane Association was praised in the credits. We can rest assured that not only was the mouse unharmed, but also that the monkey was not spanked. br / br / Showing reviews 1-5 of 13 1 2 3 Next »

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