Clean (2004)

This movie is badly written and well acted, which is a shame because you're interested in the characters right away, and the movie begins as though it's going to be a different sort of drug redemption film, one that might just skate the line between glorification and demonization. Instead, the script loses it's emotional way and falls fast into a four star disappointment. Terrible follow-through. Both maggie cheung and nick nolte provide a fair- enough effort, yet their relationship never picks up any developmental speed. The other characters are quasi-interesting, but probably because we never really find out anything about them. Plus, the little boy didn't get the direction he needed, because he sounds like he's reading lines, to the point that you're embarrassed for the filmmakers that they even attempted the hook, line and cute-kid sinker. And finally, the music should be more than just set dressing in a story so critically dependent on rock credibility. Though i'd admit that there were a couple interesting sequences, i wouldn't recommend a film this weak to anyone. The script doesn't nearly get redeemed by any particular virtue of filmmaking.

Maggie Cheung plays a junkie rock ex-semi-star. Her common law husband, also a never- quite-made-it rocker in decline dies of a heroin overdose. She spends 6 months in prison for possession. Meanwhile her young son is being raised by her dead husband's parents. Nick Nolte, as the grandfather does some terrific, nuanced work as a flinty man, with a soft heart. He won't let Cheung see her son until she gets her life together, which she circuitously does, weaning herself off drugs, getting basic work, and eventually starting the process of reconnecting to her son, especially as Nolte realizes, with his wife dying, and his own aging, the boy will eventually need his mother. The film avoids the usual clichés and sensationalism of drug movies – no throwing up or screaming withdrawals. It's low key and real, filled with small moments of life rather than than dramatic highlights. It's willing to have lead characters who are unlikable and selfish at times, and yet still makes us care for, and be moved by them. But there's also a flatness to it. And a sense of familiarity and predictability to the plot, if not the execution. It's great that it doesn't fall into melodrama, but it feels distanced. As one critic put it 'it avoids moralizing, but fails to replace it with anything'. A bit harsh, but not without some truth. Also, Cheung, while very good in spots, never seems believable as a junkie; she's gorgeous healthy looking and luminous on drugs or off. On the other hand the photography is beautiful, and the score is filled with wonderful and effective music by Brian Eno.Worth a look for the acting, and the small grace moments throughout.

It takes a hell of a lot to keep me up past my bedtime, and it was this outstanding performance by Maggie Cheung (Jet Li's Hero, 2046) with support by Nick Nolte (Affliction, The Prince of Tides) that did it.All you need to know about the film is in the summary. The story of a woman or man trying to battle their demons and get their life on track is as old as film itself. It is Cheung that brings the magic to the story and gives a performance that stands out from the rest. Using three languages was powerful, and certainly puts here a step above others.Writer and director, Olivier Assayas, provided the perfect vehicle to display Cheung's ability. Cinematography by Eric Gautier (A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, The Motorcycle Diaries) was brilliant.Cheung fans will be thrilled; others will be amazed at Nolte's ability.

I just rented this film last night, and can't stop thinking about it. Prior to this film, I really never understood the "cult of Maggie Cheung," as I wasn't very impressed with her work in "In the Mood for Love" or "Hero." However, there was no mistake awarding Maggie Cheung Best Actress honors at Cannes for this performance...she was astonishing. And the fact that her performance was so strong speaking in English and French (with a little Mandarin thrown in there as well) makes it all the more remarkable.While Cheung is clearly the primary reason to see this picture, I happened to think it was an excellent story, and Nolte and the child actor were above average as well. What I liked about the plot so much was that I've seen so many films like this that end so horribly and depressingly. Instead, "Clean" ends on a positive (yet realistic I think) note, which was a refreshing change for the type of movie this is.Too bad this wasn't released in America closer to it's original release, and too bad it came and left in American theaters so quickly. It's one of the best American releases I've seen in 2006, and I doubt there will be too many that I will rank higher before the year is out.