In some ways, it is a traditional narrative. But it is more. It is gently and powerfully acted.
– Roger Ebert,
Chicago Sun-Times,
26 Feb 2009
fresh:
There is pain and empowerment in The Secrets as difficult choices are made. There are also gaps, but emotionally moving performances by Ardant, Bukstein and Shtamler in particular, keep you with this small but provocative film until the end.
– Betsy Sharkey,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar 2009
rotten:
The Secrets twines coming-out, coming-of-age and coming-to-terms-with-Orthodoxy in a way that diminishes all three -- and dilutes its message with cliches.
– Amy Biancolli,
Houston Chronicle,
13 Mar 2009
fresh:
Restrained direction and the cast's strong, disciplined performances keep it from falling into soap-opera territory.
– Cary Darling,
Dallas Morning News,
13 Mar 2009
rotten:
Director Nesher has a way of reducing each confrontation to its two-dimensional essence, and he's not helped by a swampy, sentimental musical score.