The Burning Plain
Director: Guillermo Arriaga
Actors: Charlize Theron, John Corbett, José María Yazpik
PlotSeveral interconnected stories converge involving complex characters grappling with feelings of guilt, love, and redemption. Sylvia, a restaurant manager in Oregon, is haunted by a traumatic past and indulges in reckless behavior as she seeks escape from her haunting memories. A secret relationship between a woman, Gina, and a man, Nick, erupts into tragedy in the New Mexico desert, profoundly impacting their respective families. In Mexico, young Maria and her father struggle to cope with sudden loss while navigating their own internal strife as they seek solace and understanding.
Simultaneously, a story unfolds of a teenage girl, Mariana, who confronts her burgeoning emotions and the consequences of the actions of those around her. Through a series of non-linear events, connections between these characters are gradually revealed, demonstrating how their seemingly disparate lives interweave through shared pain and love. These revelations compel each character to face their past and present selves, as the threads of their lives entwine towards an unavoidable reckoning. The narrative explores themes of forgiveness and reconciliation while painting a poignant portrait of human vulnerability and strength.
Writers: Guillermo Arriaga
Release Date: 05 Nov 2009
Runtime: 107 min
Rating: R
Country: United States, Mexico, Argentina
Language: English, Spanish
Home Video Reviews
Compelling performances and beautiful cinematography are marred by a manipulative timeline; strong A/V presentation but lacking in extras, worth a rental.
Read our review of The Burning Plain Blu-ray to find out more