Before commenting on my impressions about this movie, I read approximately a hundred reviews on IMDB. Why? because of all the fuss and bias upon its release.

By no means, this is an awful movie. Nor dreadfully produced. In fact, its visual approach is quite enjoyable from the point of view of whom has not read the controversial book and; hence, has no need to establish comparisons nor prior expectations to meet. This was my case: a plain unbiased observer.

Let’s start with the obvious:

    1. Both main characters are great looking and nothing better for a fantasy than to look your possibly best;
    2. The music seductively sets the mood for the movie;
    3. The guy has money to help female’s fantasy reach to new heights. Just like in any James Bond’s movie. As the quote says, «money can’t buy happiness but, surely helps!»;
    4. There is evident sexual chemistry and vulnerability shared by the main characters; and
    5. It is actually entertaining and goes at a fast pace.

Into the flaws now:

    1. The dialogues fell short;
    2. The “R” forced by the producers killed its potential. After all, if this movie was advertised as kinky, the least you want to get is that. Not hints here and hints there hanging as wall décor at the Red Room. So, the movie was indeed a kinky let down; and
    3. The lack of resolution in a greedy attempt to force audiences to watch part two left way too much unsaid. One single catchy scene was all it was needed.

Now the obnoxious:

    1. This is not a porn movie. Why was that a point of comparison? Furthermore, I would love for porn movies to have more seductive elements because their ridiculous arguments are even more of a downer than Fifty Shades;
    2. This is not a movie advocating domestic violence. There is even a contract before anything actually happens. Contracts grant consent;
    3. This is not a movie about abusive relationships. It is a movie about a very particular sexual preference. It takes a giver and a receiver. Or, as the movie and the BDSM proper terms are, dominance and submission. Why do people judge others’ personal taste? Think of it: we do role play authority / obedience since birth: parent / child, boss / employee, law / citizen, etc. Then, why is so wrong when it is done in sex?;
    4. This is not a movie about being rich and, because of that, getting it your way. We all should be able to afford seduction. It’s all a matter of being creative and of purposefully paying attention to what actually tickles and delights your partner instead of assuming that what we give, the other better readily takes and gives thanks for; and
    5. This is not a chick-flick movie. In any given case, this is a movie for men to go learn how to better service their women. Except that it doesn’t show as much as we, women, would have liked for our men to learn. Pity!

A personal praise to E. L. James, the author of the book for making the subject public, contributing to eradicate taboos. Even if your book is not all what women would have wanted, it definitely has been noteworthy in helping to send a message to men: women do expect men to really master what they consider their signature department: sex!

Last but not least, a praise to all men who understand that sex is not just for their own satisfaction. That the more they give, the more they’ll get!