Review of Candy (2006) by Casselise R — 15 Jan 2012

This film is getting crappy reviews, and I don't get it! I think it's some of the most brilliant cinema that I've seen in years. It's moving, shocking, imposing and achieves exactly what it is designed to achieve.

It is probably one of the most realistic tributes to drug culture that I have seen in some time. It's gruelling, that's for sure, but it doesn't try too hard. It isn't more confronting than it should be, and it doesn't exaggerate the horror of the characters dilemma. The anger, the setting, the lighting; everything about the film mimics what one would expect to see should they ever be privy to such a tragic story.

Many have suggested that this film is too closely paralleled with others in its genre, but I don't agree. Despite its murky subject matter, Candy beholds much beauty. This, for me, is what sets it apart from many of its counterparts. Rather than focus on the absolute depravity of the drug culture (although it certainly covers this), it also delves into the enticing intimacy that can form between users, and how this intimacy, even in the sober light of day, can cling to the soul and permanently imbed itself. The film demonstrates this intimacy in such a way that it does not glamourise drug culture, but rather, invites the viewer to consider its fingerprints.

For me, it is definitely up there with Requiem and Trainspotting and is brilliant all on its own.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Watch it if you liked: Requiem for a dream or Trainspotting.

Don't watch it if: So many reasons. It's pretty gruelling and deals with some very confronting issues; reserve only for those who can handle very confronting drama.

Children: Definitely not.