Movie spotlight
Clean
When Mariel falls into Peter's life, he becomes diverted from his routine of mindless trysts to discover a heretofore, unfelt desire to nest. An urban love fable about finding oneself by losing one's heart.
Insights
Plot Summary
Emily is an unconventional woman living in Paris who tries to rebuild her life after her husband, a musician and drug addict, dies. She attempts to get her job back as a cook in a Chinese restaurant and also tries to gain custody of her young son. Throughout her struggle, she grapples with her own past addictions and the challenging realities of single parenthood.
Critical Reception
Clean received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for Maggie Cheung's lead performance, which was lauded as raw, powerful, and nuanced. The film's raw portrayal of addiction and recovery, combined with its understated yet affecting narrative, resonated strongly with critics, who praised its honesty and emotional depth.
What Reviewers Say
Maggie Cheung delivers a career-defining, unforgettable performance.
A raw, honest, and deeply moving portrayal of addiction and redemption.
Olivier Assayas masterfully crafts an intimate and resonant character study.
Google audience: Audiences praised Maggie Cheung's powerful and realistic portrayal of a woman struggling with addiction and motherhood. Many found the film to be emotionally engaging and a realistic depiction of the challenges faced by its protagonist.
Awards & Accolades
Maggie Cheung won the Best Actress award at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.
Fun Fact
Maggie Cheung learned to cook actual Chinese dishes for her role as a cook in the film, and her culinary skills were reportedly impressive.
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