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Ladies in Black (2019) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Ladies in Black (2019) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2019 · 109 min · English
Echo score 78
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Directed by
Bruce Beresford
Starring
Angourie Rice, Vincent Perez, Susie Porter, Ryan Corr, Noni Hazlehurst, Julia Ormond

In 1959 Sydney, sixteen-year-old Lisa finds her life transformed while working at Goode's department store. Surrounded by the sophisticated "ladies in black"—saleswomen Patty and Fay—she embraces a world of glamour and new experiences. Guided by the store's manager, Magda, Lisa sheds her bookish ways, exploring themes of love, identity, and the evolving landscape of Australia during a time of social change.

On this page (9)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (3)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (2)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 The book behind the movie
  7. 7 Movie threads
  8. 8 Movies like Ladies in Black
  9. 9 Every angle
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3 main characters · contains spoilers

Ladies in Black Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Ladies in Black (2019), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Lisa

    played by Angourie Rice

    Lisa is a fresh-faced assistant at Goode's department store, bringing a hopeful and optimistic outlook to those around her. She is eager to learn and grows close to several characters while navigating the complexities of relationships and personal goals. Her strong sense of ambition and love for literature drives her to dream big and aim for a future filled with possibilities.

    • 🌟 Protagonist
    • 📚 Ambitious
  • Magda

    played by Julia Ormond

    Magda is a kind-hearted Slovenian immigrant who plays a pivotal role in guiding Lisa through her personal and social journey. With her warmth and wisdom, she introduces Lisa to a supportive community and inspires her to chase her dreams. Magda embodies the spirit of adaptation and resilience, having established her place in a new country while nurturing her ambitions.

    • 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Mentor
    • 🇸🇮 Immigrant
  • Rudi

    played by Ryan Corr

    Rudi is a dashing Hungarian immigrant who brings romance and excitement into the lives of the women he meets. His charm and determination to find love add a layer of drama to the narrative. As he pursues Fay, he showcases the complexities of relationships, highlighting themes of longing and connection in a culturally diverse setting.

    • ❤️ Romantic
    • 🇭🇺 Immigrant

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:14

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Setting

Where and When Does Ladies in Black Take Place?

The setting of Ladies in Black (2019): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

1959

The story unfolds during the Christmas season of 1959, a time marked by post-war optimism and cultural shifts in Australia. This period saw the rise of immigration and a transformation in societal norms, which is reflected in the interactions and friendships established among the characters. The lively atmosphere of the late 1950s also enriches the personal dramas and festive spirit depicted in the film.

Location

Sydney, Australia

Sydney serves as the vibrant backdrop for the film 'Ladies in Black'. Known for its iconic landmarks, beautiful beaches, and a lively cultural scene, Sydney during the late 1950s embodies a mix of tradition and modernity. The festive spirit of the Christmas season makes Goode's department store a bustling hub for holiday shoppers and social interactions.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🎄 Christmas

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:14

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2 major themes

Ladies in Black Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Ladies in Black (2019) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Friendship

    Friendship is a central theme in 'Ladies in Black', as Lisa forges connections with various characters who introduce her to new perspectives. Through her relationships, particularly with Magda and Fay, Lisa navigates challenges and experiences emotional growth. The film highlights how friendships can bridge cultural divides and support personal aspirations.

  • Ambition

    The theme of ambition is woven throughout Lisa's journey as she contemplates her future aspirations beyond her current circumstances. Inspired by Magda's dream of opening a high-end fashion store, Lisa expresses her desires to explore the realms of literature and performance. It emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passions and the transformative power of education.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:14

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Character & theme questions

Ladies in Black Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Ladies in Black (2019): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Ladies in Black set?

The film is set in Sydney, Australia, during the late 1950s. The story centers around Goode's department store, a bustling hub during the Christmas season that serves as the main backdrop for the characters' interactions and personal growth.

  • sydney australia
  • setting
  • goodes department store
  • location
Q2

What year is Ladies in Black set in?

The story takes place in 1959 during the Christmas season. This period in Australia was marked by post-war optimism and significant cultural shifts, with immigration transforming society and traditional norms beginning to evolve.

  • 1959
  • 1950s
  • time period
  • christmas
  • era
Q3

What is Goode's department store in Ladies in Black?

Goode's is a prestigious department store in Sydney that serves as the central setting where the main characters work. It represents the world of glamour and sophistication that transforms the protagonist Lisa, exposing her to new experiences and perspectives during the festive Christmas season.

  • goodes department store
  • sydney
  • workplace
  • retail
Q4

What are the main themes in Ladies in Black?

The film explores two central themes: friendship and ambition. Friendship drives Lisa's emotional growth as she forms connections that help her navigate challenges and new perspectives. Ambition underlies Lisa's aspirations beyond her current circumstances, inspired by Magda's dreams of opening her own fashion store.

  • themes
  • friendship
  • ambition
  • personal growth
  • dreams
Q5

What does Ladies in Black say about friendship?

Friendship is portrayed as a transformative force that bridges cultural divides and supports personal aspirations. Through her relationships with Magda and Fay, Lisa learns to navigate challenges and experiences significant emotional growth, with the film highlighting how friendships can open doors to new worlds.

  • friendship
  • relationships
  • cultural divides
  • personal growth
Q6

What does Ladies in Black say about ambition?

The film emphasizes the transformative power of pursuing one's passions. Lisa's ambition is fueled by her love for literature and performance, while Magda's dream of opening a high-end fashion store inspires those around her. The story underscores that ambition, combined with education and determination, can lead to meaningful personal fulfillment.

  • ambition
  • dreams
  • aspirations
  • goals
  • success
Q7

Who is Lisa in Ladies in Black?

Lisa is the sixteen-year-old protagonist who works as an assistant at Goode's department store. Played by Angourie Rice, she is a hopeful and optimistic character who begins as a bookish young woman and transforms through her experiences, embracing a world of glamour while pursuing her ambitions in literature and performance.

  • lisa
  • protagonist
  • main character
  • angourie rice
  • teenage girl
Q8

Who is Magda in Ladies in Black?

Magda is a Slovenian immigrant played by Julia Ormond who works as a manager at Goode's department store. She serves as a mentor to Lisa, offering warmth and wisdom while embodying resilience and adaptation. Magda's dream of opening her own high-end fashion store inspires those around her.

  • magda
  • julia ormond
  • manager
  • mentor
  • slovenian immigrant
Q9

Who is Rudi in Ladies in Black?

Rudi is a Hungarian immigrant portrayed by Ryan Corr who brings romance and excitement to the narrative. His charm and determination to find love add dramatic tension, particularly in his pursuit of Fay. His character highlights themes of longing and connection in a culturally diverse setting.

  • rudi
  • ryan corr
  • hungarian immigrant
  • romance
  • love interest
Q10

What is Ladies in Black about?

Ladies in Black is a 2019 Australian drama-comedy set in 1959 Sydney. The story follows sixteen-year-old Lisa as she transforms while working at Goode's department store, guided by the sophisticated saleswomen known as the 'ladies in black.' The film explores themes of love, identity, and Australia's evolving social landscape during a time of cultural change.

  • plot
  • summary
  • sydney
  • 1950s
  • australia
  • department store
Q11

What is the setting like in Ladies in Black?

Sydney during the late 1950s serves as a vibrant backdrop combining tradition and modernity. The Christmas season creates a festive atmosphere at Goode's department store, making it a bustling hub for holiday shoppers. The setting reflects a period of post-war optimism and cultural transformation in Australia.

  • sydney
  • 1950s
  • christmas
  • setting
  • atmosphere
  • nostalgia
Q12

Why is Ladies in Black set in 1959?

The year 1959 was chosen to capture a pivotal moment in Australian history when post-war immigration was transforming society and traditional gender roles were evolving. The Christmas season setting emphasizes themes of hope and new beginnings, allowing the film to explore personal growth against a backdrop of broader social change.

  • 1959
  • historical context
  • social change
  • immigration
  • australia

Movie threads

More Movies Like Ladies in Black, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Ladies in Black tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Sunny period coming-of-age movies like Ladies in Black

Hopeful stories of personal transformation set within a nostalgic past. If you enjoyed the hopeful, nostalgic feel of Ladies in Black, you'll like these movies. They are gentle coming-of-age stories set in the past, focusing on personal transformation, a charming period setting, and an overall light, optimistic tone.

  • nostalgic
  • hopeful
  • wholesome
  • charming
  • comforting
  • optimistic
  • Tone: hopeful, nostalgic, light
  • Pacing: steady, episodic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a young protagonist, often on the cusp of adulthood, as they are introduced to a new world—be it a job, a city, or a social circle. They befriend mentors and peers, encounter mild challenges to their worldview, and ultimately experience significant personal growth that is celebrated with a positive, fulfilling conclusion.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by their shared focus on a gentle, hopeful journey of self-discovery. They feature low-stakes drama, a steady, character-driven pace, and a nostalgic period setting that feels comforting and warm, resulting in an uplifting and wholesome viewing experience.

Charming ensemble movies about social change like Ladies in Black

Stories where a group of distinct characters navigate social shifts together. Discover movies similar to Ladies in Black that feature an ensemble cast navigating a changing world. These films blend character-driven comedy and drama, focusing on friendship, community, and positive social evolution with a light, charming touch.

  • ensemble cast
  • charming
  • character-driven
  • social change
  • friendship
  • optimistic
  • Tone: charming, hopeful, comforting
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot is structured around multiple character perspectives, often connected by a shared location or purpose. Their individual stories—involving themes like friendship, love, and self-improvement—unfold in parallel, gently intersecting. The central conflict is typically the characters' adaptation to evolving social norms, resolved through understanding and mutual support.

Why they belong together: This thread groups films that share a specific narrative structure and tone: a charming, low-intensity ensemble piece with a steady pace. The films prioritize character chemistry and the positive evolution of relationships within a context of mild social commentary, leading to a collectively happy ending.

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Movies Like Ladies in Black

Similar movies to Ladies in Black: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

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Every angle

Ladies in Black (2019) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Ladies in Black in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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