Carlos

Carlos

Year: 2010

Runtime: 325 min

Language: French

Director: Olivier Assayas

BiographyDramaHistoryThrillerCrime

The story follows the transformation of Venezuelan Marxist Ilich Ramirez Sanchez into the infamous "Carlos the Jackal." He becomes a notorious operative, orchestrating daring operations across Europe, including the brazen kidnapping of OPEC oil ministers. As his reputation as a ruthless mercenary grows, he serves as a hired gun for various nations and organizations, leaving a trail of violence and intrigue on the world stage. His actions spark international attention and a global manhunt.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Carlos yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Carlos (2010)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Carlos (2010). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1970s-1980s

The narrative is set against the backdrop of the 1970s and 1980s, a period characterized by heightened political violence and terrorism. This era witnessed the global rise of various revolutionary movements and the consequential impacts of the Cold War. Events transpiring during this time have shaped international relations and marked shifts in geopolitical alliances.

Location

London, Paris, The Hague, Yemen, Vienna, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Budapest, East Berlin, Romania, Syria, Sudan

The movie traverses multiple locations across Europe and the Middle East, highlighting significant cities such as London, Paris, and The Hague, where pivotal events unfold. Yemen serves as a strategic base for Carlos as he collaborates with Palestinian factions, while Vienna becomes the stage for one of the most audacious hostage situations in history. Each location encapsulates the geopolitical tensions of the era, emphasizing the intricate connections between these places.

🌍 Global 🇫🇷 France 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇮🇱 Middle East

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:35

Main Characters – Carlos (2010)

Meet the key characters of Carlos (2010), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ilich Ramírez Sánchez (Carlos)

Carlos, originally Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, is depicted as a complex and charismatic figure who evolves from a revolutionary ideologue to a mercenary figure in the realm of terrorism. His cunning and strategic mindset allow him to orchestrate high-profile operations, yet he grapples with personal demons and the consequences of his violent choices. Carlos's character embodies the moral ambiguities of his time and the disintegration of his once-firm alliances.

🌍 Revolutionary 💼 Mercenary 🔗 Charismatic

Michel Moukharbal (André)

André, operating under the alias Michel Moukharbal, is a key figure who initially mentors Carlos and plays a significant role in his rise to infamy. His arrest creates a pivotal moment in the narrative, catalyzing Carlos’s shift towards increased violence and independence. André is portrayed as both a strategist and a victim of the very political games that Carlos embraces.

💼 Mentor 🚨 Casualty 🎭 Strategist

Wadie Haddad

Wadie Haddad serves as Carlos's superior within the PFLP, directing operations and expectations from Carlos. His ambitious vision for political violence drives Carlos’s actions but eventually leads to a breakdown in their partnership when Carlos fails to meet his high expectations. Haddad's character represents the elusive nature of revolutionary leadership.

📊 Leader 🌍 Visionary ⌛ Ambitious

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:35

Major Themes – Carlos (2010)

Explore the central themes of Carlos (2010), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔥 Terrorism

The theme of terrorism is central to the movie, exploring the motivations and impacts of Carlos's actions. It reveals the psychological and societal ramifications of political violence, as his operations gain notoriety worldwide. The narrative critiques the complex moral landscape of terrorism, forcing the audience to grapple with the fine line between political ideology and barbarism.

🤝 Alliances

Alliances play a critical role in Carlos’s journey, showcasing his shifting partnerships with various factions. From the PFLP to the Japanese Red Army and the East German Stasi, these alliances demonstrate the intertwining of personal ambition with global ideological battles. The theme underscores the transient nature of loyalty in the arena of terrorism.

🕵️‍♂️ Espionage

Espionage is intricately woven into the storyline as intelligence agencies pursue Carlos throughout his operations. The constant surveillance and pursuit reflect the broader game of cat and mouse between terrorists and state authorities. This theme highlights the tactical maneuvers used by both sides in a high-stakes environment.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:35

Unlock the Full Story of Carlos

Don't stop at just watching — explore Carlos in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Carlos is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Carlos Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Carlos, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Carlos Summary

Carlos Timeline

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

Carlos Timeline

More About Carlos

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Carlos: 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 Carlos

Similar Movies to Carlos

Discover movies like Carlos that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.