Carla’s Song

Carla’s Song

Year: 1996

Runtime: 125 mins

Language: English

Director: Ken Loach

RomanceDramaWar

A dream called freedom. A nightmare called Nicaragua. A Glasgow man visits war-torn Nicaragua with a refugee tormented by her memories.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Carla’s Song (1996)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Carla’s Song (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1987

Set in 1987, the film reflects a period of intense geopolitical tension during the Cold War era. It was a time characterized by civil unrest, Cold War conflicts, and U.S. involvement in Central America. The movie captures the social and political climate of this period, emphasizing the impact of war and propaganda on individuals and communities.

Location

Glasgow, Nicaragua, Honduras

The movie takes place in Glasgow, Scotland, a city known for its industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene, as well as in Nicaragua and Honduras, which are marked by their war-torn landscapes and rural villages. These locations highlight the contrast between the tranquility of everyday life and the chaos of war. The settings serve as a backdrop for the characters' personal struggles and the broader conflicts of the region.

🌍 Urban 🌴 Tropical 🏞️ Rural

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:58

Main Characters – Carla’s Song (1996)

Meet the key characters of Carla’s Song (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

George Lennox

A compassionate Scottish bus driver who forms a tender bond with Carla. He displays quiet strength and kindness, driven by a desire to help others and find meaning beyond his routine life. His journey reflects themes of empathy and personal growth.

🎖️ Protector 🚍 Driver 💙 Caring

Carla

A traumatized Nicaraguan refugee haunted by her past and suffering from PTSD. Her fragile emotional state is contrasted with her resilience as she seeks closure and connection with her loved ones. Carla's character embodies vulnerability and inner strength.

🌺 Refugee 🌿 Survivor 😢 Haunted

Bradley

A U.S. aid worker involved in documenting human rights abuses. His struggle with his past and his efforts to aid others highlight the moral complexities of war. Bradley is both a helper and a symbol of the United States' controversial role in Central American conflicts.

🌎 Aid Worker ⚖️ Activist 💢 Conflicted

Antonio

Carla's boyfriend who has been brutalized and disfigured by Contra fighters. His character embodies the horrors of war, showcasing the physical and emotional toll on victims. Despite his disfigurement, his spirit and love remain intact.

🎸 Musician 💔 Victim 🧍‍♂️ Resilient

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:58

Major Themes – Carla’s Song (1996)

Explore the central themes of Carla’s Song (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🩸 Trauma

The movie explores the deep psychological scars left by war and violence. Carla's suffering from PTSD and her suicide attempt highlight how conflict affects mental health. The story emphasizes healing, the weight of past trauma, and the importance of confronting painful memories for closure.

❤️ Love and Compassion

Central to the film is the theme of love—romantic, familial, and altruistic. George's caring nature and Carla's vulnerability showcase how compassion can provide solace amidst chaos. The narrative underscores the power of human connection to overcome despair and find hope.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:58

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Unlock the Full Story of Carla’s Song

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Carla’s Song Summary

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Carla’s Song Summary

Carla’s Song Timeline

Track the full timeline of Carla’s Song with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Carla’s Song Timeline

Carla’s Song Spoiler-Free Summary

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Carla’s Song Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Carla’s Song

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Carla’s Song: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Carla’s Song

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