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Australia · 2006
Rated R · 1h 56m
Director Neil Armfield
Starring Abbie Cornish, Heath Ledger, Geoffrey Rush, Tom Budge
Genre Drama, Romance
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A poet falls in love with an art student, who gravitates to his bohemian lifestyle -- and his love of heroin. Hooked as much on one another as they are on the drug, their relationship alternates between states of oblivion, self-destruction, and despair.
Any drug movie's effectiveness can be measured by the strength of its detox, and Candy doesn't sweeten the cold turkey. Still, it's a downward spiral from there in more ways than one. Never mind the neo-psychedelic-pop soundtrack and occasional double-vision cinematography: Dope just can't account for the film's fried brain cells.
With its intelligence, compassion, human terror and sheer loveliness, Candy is a winner despite the well-worn path it treads.
New York Daily News by Elizabeth Weitzman
Because although there are some very striking moments in Neil Armfield's debut, there are simply not enough to keep us absorbed the way a movie should.
ReelViews by James Berardinelli
Despite being well made and supremely acted, Candy is a true feel-bad experience.
Entertainment Weekly by Lisa Schwarzbaum
A wildly romanticized Australian druggie drama.
The New York Times by Manohla Dargis
Doesn’t add anything substantively new, though it has been nicely directed by Neil Armfield, known in his country for his theater work, and features striking performances from Heath Ledger and Geoffrey Rush.
Though it's a well-worn story, Candy does touch on a universal anxiety. For two people basking in the heat of an all-consuming love, what happens when the power gets cut off?
The Hollywood Reporter by Richard James Havis
As the characters' lives fall apart, Ledger fails to bring the necessary gravitas to the role, and he looks a bit too healthy throughout.
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