"Amy", the powerful documentary film by British director Asif Kapadia about the late singer Amy Winehouse gained the admiration and praise of many critics after recently premiering in this year's Cannes Film Festival. One critic, Peter Bradshaw, even posted his positive remarks on Twitter, declaring the director to be this year's 'King of Cannes'.

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In an industry that celebrates the glitz and glamor of Hollywood and stardom in general, "Amy" was reportedly a stark reminder of the "dark side" of fame and fortune. Winehouse was a worldwide phenomenon during the peak of her life, which was cut rather quickly when she passed away of accidental alcohol poisoning in July of 2011, at the young age of 27.

Kapadia presented Winehouse in his documentary as a vibrant and soulful person, whose voice and lyrical talents lifted her up to fame quicker than she could imagine. At one point in the film, she even remarked how little she anticipated her fame. "I don't think I'm going to be at all famous," a young Winehouse said. "I don't think I could handle it." Contrary to this, she would go on to dominate the 2008 Grammys with one of her most popular albums, "Back to Black".

Despite her popularity, though, Winehouse struggled with her own personal demons. With the sudden pressure of stardom, her battles with depression, bulimia, drugs, and alcohol only made all the worse.

"Amy" isn't the first documentary film that shows the lives of stars behind closed curtains, nor is it the first insight people have about the inner workings of fame, and how it affects the minds and hearts of everyone it's centered around. However, the fact that Asif Kapadia's documentary film was premiered at Cannes, the world center of paparazzi-filled media, added an additional touch of irony that turned "Amy" into a cautionary tale too real to set aside.

TagsAmy Winehouse, Amy, Asif Kapadia