A drama with a two-tiered storyline concerning a mother and daughter who try to form a bond after the young woman's difficult childhood.
Director:
Guillermo ArriagaWriter:
Guillermo Arriaga
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Title: The Burning Plain (2008)
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2 wins & 3 nominations.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Charlize Theron | ... | Sylvia | |
| John Corbett | ... | John | |
| José María Yazpik | ... | Carlos | |
| Robin Tunney | ... | Laura | |
| Gray Eubank | ... | Lawrence | |
| Fernanda Romero | ... | Sophie | |
| Kacie Thomas | ... | Vivi | |
| Martin Papazian | ... | Young Man | |
| Sean McGrath | ... | Cook | |
| JD Pardo | ... | Young Santiago | |
| Diego J. Torres | ... | Cristobal (as Diego Torres) | |
 |
José Gallardo Jr. | ... | Xavier |
| Rachel Ticotin | ... | Ana | |
|
|
Rosalia De Aragon | ... | Aunt Rebecca (as Rosalia de Aragon) |
| Debrianna Mansini | ... | Paula | |
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
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Storyline
The Burning Plain follows the story of several different people separated by time and space -- Sylvia, a woman in Oregon who must undertake an emotional odyssey to rid herself of her past; Mariana and Santiago, two teenagers trying to piece together the shattered lives of their parents in a New Mexico border town; Maria, a little girl who goes on a border-crossing voyage to help her parents find redemption, forgiveness, and love; and Gina and Nick, a couple who must deal with an intense and clandestine affair... because they are both married. Written by sundance7490 from Scottsdale, Arizona
Plot Keywords:
female star appears nude | female nudity | caught having sex | unhappy wife | trailer on fire |Taglines:
Love heals. Love absolves. Love burns.Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See full technical specs »
Details
Release Date:
5 November 2009 (Argentina) See more »Also Known As:
Loin de la terre brûlée See more »Edit
Box Office
Budget:
$20,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend USA:
$58,749, 20 September 2009, Limited ReleaseGross USA:
$200,399, 20 November 2009Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
|Color:
ColorAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
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Sylvia: I guess.
Laura: Again?
Sylvia: Again.
Laura: Hmm. Same guy?
Sylvia: No.
Laura: Do I know him?
Sylvia: Maybe.
Laura: Do you know him?
See more »
Written by Ali Dee (as Ali Theodore), Henry Hey, Alana Da Fonseca (as Alana da Fonseca),
Zach Danziger (as Zach Denziger)
Performed by E. Wilson
Courtesy of DeeTown Entertainment
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
The title can be translated to Spanish as "El Llano en Llamas", the title of Juan Rulfo's short story collection, one of Mexico's most famous writers. See more »Goofs
The headboard in the bedroom of the trailer has a different carved design when Gina and Nick are using it for their rendezvous than the one shown in the burned out trailer after the explosion. See more »Quotes
Laura: Late night?Sylvia: I guess.
Laura: Again?
Sylvia: Again.
Laura: Hmm. Same guy?
Sylvia: No.
Laura: Do I know him?
Sylvia: Maybe.
Laura: Do you know him?
See more »
Connections
Featured in Top 5 Best/Worst: Top 5 Worst Jennifer Lawrence Performances (2016) See more »Soundtracks
Falling StarWritten by Ali Dee (as Ali Theodore), Henry Hey, Alana Da Fonseca (as Alana da Fonseca),
Zach Danziger (as Zach Denziger)
Performed by E. Wilson
Courtesy of DeeTown Entertainment
See more »
Frequently Asked Questions
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Films about interlocked fragmented stories aren't anything new to writer and director Guillermo Arriaga. As director, 'The Burning Plain' is his first feature film and its quite apparent that he has poured his heart into it. Here too the film involves three stories that are told separately but linked by the first scene.
However, the non-linearity of storytelling is initially confusing but once the tragic link is made apparent, the gut-wrenching conclusion (that explains the explosion shown in the first scene) hits the viewer hard. The setting is very simplistic but rich in atmosphere especially with the dark subtle undertones. The beautiful score contributes well.
Arriaga has gathered an impressive ensemble of actors who deliver wonderfully understated performances. Charlize Theron portrays Sylvia with a subtle intensity. Kim Basinger is skillfully restrained and Jennifer Lawrence shows tremendous potential. John Corbett, Robin Tunney, José María Yazpik, Rachel Ticotin, Brett Cullen, Tessa Ia and Joaquin de Almeida provide great support.
Despite the initial confusion, the narrative is strong. There are a few clichés that could have been avoided, such as the confession scene in the hospital, but these are very minor and don't effect the impact of the film. In the end, 'The Burning Plain' is a solid film.