Secrets & Lies Review (1996) — 87% Celluloid Score
Directed by Mike Leigh · 1996 ·
Is Secrets & Lies worth watching?
Yes. Secrets & Lies (1996) earns an 87% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Critics and audiences are closely aligned on this one. See the 4 inputs.
4-input transparent breakdown
Also known as Secretos y mentiras Secrets et mensonges Lügen und Geheimnisse Segredos e Mentiras 秘密と嘘 비밀과 거짓말 秘密与谎言 秘密與謊言
Theatrical release Where to watch
- HBO Max
- The Criterion Channel
Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home
Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home
Where to watch Secrets & Lies by country
| Country | Streaming on |
|---|---|
| South Korea | TVING |
| United States | HBO Max, The Criterion Channel |
Subscription availability, refreshed from TMDB. Rental and purchase options may differ.
Why this score?
- Celluloid's editorial rating is exceptional (95/100).
- Audiences widely enjoyed it (90%).
- Metascore signals universal acclaim (91/100).
- Letterboxd diarists rate it highly (4/5).
- IMDb users score it 8/10.
Best for
- Viewers who want a well-regarded drama pick
Not ideal for
Scores reflect data indexed at build time. Component sources are shown on this page; Celluloid Score is our composite, not a third-party trademark. Scoring policy
Streaming availability, artwork and title metadata courtesy of TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
Is Secrets & Lies worth watching?
Yes — Secrets & Lies earns an 87% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. It suits viewers who want a well-regarded drama pick.
Celluloid verdict
Secrets & Lies — Palme d'Or at Cannes 1996. A landmark festival winner on Celluloid.
Kaiser Khan, Founder & Editor
Critics and audiences are closely aligned on this one.
What is Secrets & Lies about?
After her adoptive mother dies, Hortense, a successful black optometrist, seeks out her birth mother. She's shocked when her research leads her to Cynthia, a working class white woman.
Watch the Trailer
Secrets & Lies stills
Official production imagery supplied through TMDB, kept with the movie instead of split into a thin gallery page.
Images courtesy of TMDB. TMDB does not endorse or certify Celluloid.
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Secrets & Lies: frequently asked questions
Is Secrets & Lies worth watching?
Yes. Secrets & Lies (1996) has a Celluloid Score of 87%, averaged from the available Celluloid editorial, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb ratings. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Audience sentiment is shown separately and does not change the score.
Where can I watch Secrets & Lies?
In the United States, Secrets & Lies streams on HBO Max, The Criterion Channel with a subscription, and you can rent it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube. Elsewhere: TVING in South Korea. Availability changes; the where-to-watch table on this page is refreshed from TMDB.
How long is Secrets & Lies?
Secrets & Lies runs 2 hours 22 minutes (142 minutes).
What is Secrets & Lies rated?
Secrets & Lies is rated R in the United States, 15 in the UK, M in Australia and 15 in South Korea. These are the official classifications as recorded on TMDB; check your local classification board for content advice.
Who stars in Secrets & Lies?
Secrets & Lies is directed by Mike Leigh and stars Brenda Blethyn, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Timothy Spall, Phyllis Logan, Claire Rushbrook.
What is the Metascore for Secrets & Lies?
Metacritic's Metascore for Secrets & Lies is 91 out of 100. It is one of the inputs to the Celluloid Score.
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