Clean is one of those movies thats admittedly very well made, but ultimately fails to engage the audience throughout. This is partly the fault of an overlong running time thats packed with needless subplots, but what it really comes down to is the fact that the central character just isnt all that intriguing. Maggie Cheung stars as Emily, a Yoko Ono/Courtney Love type whos dating a popular and talented musician named Lee. Emilys life is thrown into disarray when Lee dies of an overdose, and shes consequently sent to jail for heroin possession. Six months later, Emily emerges from prison determined to get clean and start her life over so that she may be able to take care of her son who is currently being looked after by Lees father (played by Nick Nolte). Despite its problems, Clean remains worthwhile thanks primarily to the performances and director Oliver Assayas appropriately gritty style. Reel Film Reviews