Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2009

©2004 - Rectangle Productions / Leap Films / 1551264 Ontario Inc / Arte France Cinema

Emily seems to be in perpetual, desperate, unhappy motion. She and her husband are fading rock stars and heroin addicts. After he dies of an overdose and she does six months for possession, she realizes she has to change or die. The thing keeping her from spiraling ever downward is the hope of being reunited with her young son. Emily’s father-in-law, currently caring for the kid, doesn’t share the view held by his wife and angry fans that she was the cause of her husband’s downfall, and he tries, with sincerity and honesty, to help her find redemption. Few actresses could pull off this lead role, but Maggie Cheung, initially known for her dozens of Hong Kong action movies, really shows her acting chops here (Best Actress award at Cannes in 2004), admirably demonstrating her multilingual skills as well. (Watch her answering questions in a Vancouver cop shop.) And although his role is smaller, Nick Nolte puts in a fine, emotionally honest performance as dad-in-law. Written for Cheung and directed by ex-husband Olivier Assayas. Good use of music by Brian Eno.