The Secret Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: The Secret
| Movie | The Secret |
| Release Year | 1979 |
| Director | Ann Hui |
| Genre | Drama / Mystery / Thriller |
| Runtime | 85 minutes (1h 25m) |
| Language | CN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Secret (1979) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Secret are led by Sylvia Chang . The supporting cast, including Angie Chiu Nga-Chi and Norman Tsui Siu-Keung , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Secret does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Secret has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Secret
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1979, The Secret is a Drama, Mystery, Thriller film directed by Ann Hui, written by Joyce Chan Wan-Man. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Sylvia Chang as Lin Jeng-ming.
Ending Explained: The Secret
The Secret Ending Explained: A tangled murder mystery unfolds amid a complex love triangle. Directed by Ann Hui, this 1979 drama film stars Sylvia Chang (Lin Jeng-ming), alongside Angie Chiu Nga-Chi as Li Yuen, Norman Tsui Siu-Keung as Ah Saw, Lai Cheuk-Cheuk as Grandma. With a 6.2/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Secret?
A tangled murder mystery unfolds amid a complex love triangle. As conflicting witness accounts emerge, the truth about the victim and key suspects is revealed, leading investigators down a dark and twisty path where nothing is as it seems.
Ann Hui's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Sylvia Chang (Lin Jeng-ming)'s journey. As conflicting witness accounts emerge, the truth about the victim and key suspects is revealed, leading investigators down a dark and twisty path where nothing is as it seems.
How Does Sylvia Chang (Lin Jeng-ming)'s Story End?
- Sylvia Chang: Sylvia Chang's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Angie Chiu Nga-Chi (Li Yuen): Angie Chiu Nga-Chi's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Norman Tsui Siu-Keung (Ah Saw): Norman Tsui Siu-Keung's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Secret Mean?
The Secret's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Sylvia Chang may feel rushed. Ann Hui's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Secret Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Secret Based on a True Story?
No, The Secret is a work of fiction. While the drama, mystery, thriller film directed by Ann Hui and starring Sylvia Chang may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Secret?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Sylvia Chang or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
At just 85 minutes, it's a quick watch.
The Secret Parents Guide & Age Rating
1979 AdvisoryWondering about The Secret age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Secret (1979) is 85 minutes (1h 25m). Directed by Ann Hui, the film runs for 85 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, The Secret is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1979 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Secret worth watching?
The Secret is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Secret parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Secret identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Secret (1979)?
The runtime of The Secret (1979) is 85 minutes (approximately 1h 25m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
