Finally receiving a proper US theatrical release after two years in limbo, this 2004 festival favorite features some lovely performances from a near-ugly Maggie Cheung and a near-cuddly Nick Nolte. As a story of junkie redemption, it seems a bit old-fashioned (and compares unfavorably with last year’s Little Fish), but director Olivier Assayas’ clear empathy with his actors and characters and his wonderfully atmospheric mise-en-scène make the film quite compelling and, with its assertion that people can change if they need to, very encouraging.
One thing’s for sure: Maggie Cheung has no future as a singer.
by Leo Goldsmith | Source: Palm Pictures 35mm Print
21 Apr 2006 12:15 PM | Submit Comment