Now the feminist lobby are going to kick me to death for this but as we left the cinema my wife said: "I know I really shouldn't have enjoyed that, but I did..."

And she's absolutely right - Secretary is sheer secret guilty pleasure.

It's story of the sadomasochistic relationship between a girl (Maggie Gyllenhaal) just released from an institution, and her new boss (James Spader).

Spader discovers that his latest secretary, who he lusts after and wants to dominate, likes inflicting pain on herself.

Now let's not beat about the bush here. He likes humiliating her and she gets off on it. Bigtime.

Now the world needs another movie where a guy humiliates, dominates and beats a pretty girl like it needs another war. But ignore the howls of protest and and give this movie a chance.

The sex and sadism will grab the headlines, but at its heart, Secretary is a love story (with a pinch, a slap and a twist).

It's also another re-run of Pride And Prejudice - a girl with an unsuitable suitor pursues a cold, distant and closed man. Jane Austen in bondage gear.

James Spader seems to have completely cornered the market in big-screen psycho-sexual deviants and gives a stunning performance here as our lonely, isolated egomaniac lawyer.

The only reason Secretary works is because his performance is matched by Maggie Gyllenhaal as the unlikely seductress who swaps cutting for slutting. This will be the movie that makes this fine young actress.

Jeremy Davies and daytime TV movie queen Lesley Ann Warren both turn in great little supporting roles as our heroine's lover and mother.

Premiered in January 2002 at Sundance, Secretary picked up a slew of awards, but didn't make it to British screens until more than a year later.

Would I want to watch this with my mum? No probably not, but Secretary is a great couples movie. Go see it yourself and make up your own mind.

Mike Taylor