The Burning Plain

The Burning Plain

Year: 2009

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Director: Guillermo Arriaga

DramaRomanceCrime

A woman named Sylvia struggles to maintain control as a stranger reveals hidden aspects of her past. This encounter triggers a complex exploration of memory and longing, connecting the lives of four people: a young girl, two teenage lovers, and a woman grappling with concealed truths. Their interwoven stories are driven by the intensity of forbidden love and lead them toward a pivotal moment that will profoundly change their destinies.

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Timeline & Setting – The Burning Plain (2009)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Burning Plain (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Mid-1990s, over a decade later

The film begins in the mid-1990s, capturing an era characterized by shifting familial values and hidden secrets. As the story progresses, it leaps forward over a decade, exploring the consequences of past actions and how they shape the present, particularly in the lives of Sylvia and her estranged daughter Maria.

Location

Las Cruces, New Mexico, Oregon, Mexico

The story unfolds primarily in Las Cruces, a small town nestled near the Mexican border, characterized by its serene landscape and cultural blend. Later, the narrative shifts to the culinary world of Oregon, where Sylvia thrives in a prestigious restaurant, showcasing her talents. The journey also takes them to Mexico, where crucial encounters and profound revelations occur.

🌵 Desert 🍽️ Culinary 🏥 Hospital

Last Updated: October 23, 2024 at 08:46

Main Characters – The Burning Plain (2009)

Meet the key characters of The Burning Plain (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Gina

Gina is a devoted wife and mother whose secret affair with Nick Martinez sets off a tragic chain of events. Her character embodies the struggle between desire and familial duty, ultimately leading to devastating consequences. Her choices significantly impact her family's dynamics and legacy.

💔 Betrayal 🏠 Family 😔 Heartache

Mariana

Mariana, a teenage girl, becomes the catalyst for tragedy when she attempts to end her mother's affair. Her actions, driven by desperation to protect her family, lead to immense guilt and loss. As she grows, she grapples with the weight of her past decisions and seeks a path toward healing.

😔 Guilt 🚶‍♀️ Journey 💕 Growth

Santiago

Santiago is Nick's son and Mariana's love interest, caught in the crossfire of family secrets and tragedies. His relationship with Mariana evolves as they both navigate their shared grief. Santiago represents the potential for hope and healing amidst chaotic circumstances.

💔 Loss 💞 Hope 🔄 Growth

Sylvia

Sylvia, formerly Mariana, finds herself thriving in the culinary world after abandoning her past. However, her internal struggles and unresolved feelings linger, as she confronts her choices and seeks redemption. Her journey back to her daughter highlights the complexities of motherhood and forgiveness.

🚀 Reinvention 🤰 Motherhood 🔄 Redemption

Carlos

Carlos is Santiago's loyal friend and business partner who plays a crucial role in reconnecting Sylvia with her past. His character embodies loyalty and resilience as he navigates the emotional turmoil surrounding their shared history.

🤝 Loyalty ❤️ Friendship 🔄 Connection

Maria

Maria is Sylvia's estranged daughter, grappling with feelings of abandonment. Her journey from skepticism to the possibility of reconciliation with her mother adds depth to the narrative, illuminating themes of trust and familial bonds.

🤔 Conflict ❤️ Family 🔄 Reunion

Last Updated: October 23, 2024 at 08:46

Major Themes – The Burning Plain (2009)

Explore the central themes of The Burning Plain (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Loss

The film intricately explores the theme of loss through tragic events that profoundly affect the characters' lives. Gina and Nick's untimely deaths induce a ripple of grief, prompting Mariana and Santiago to navigate the aftermath of their actions and the loss of their parents. This theme deepens as Sylvia grapples with abandoning her daughter, culminating in a poignant search for redemption and healing.

🕊️ Redemption

Redemption serves as a driving force in the narrative, highlighting the characters' struggles to reconcile their past mistakes. Sylvia's journey back to her daughter represents a powerful confrontation with her history, seeking forgiveness and the chance to rebuild their relationship. The emotional reunions emphasize the importance of acknowledging one's past in the pursuit of personal redemption.

💑 Love

The theme of love permeates the storyline, intertwined with relationships marked by complexity and heartache. From the illicit affair between Gina and Nick to the budding connection between Mariana and Santiago, love plays a pivotal role in shaping their trajectories. Ultimately, the film examines both romantic and familial love, revealing its capacity to transform and heal.

Last Updated: October 23, 2024 at 08:46

Unlock the Full Story of The Burning Plain

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Burning Plain 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 The Burning Plain is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Burning Plain Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Burning Plain, 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.

The Burning Plain Summary

The Burning Plain Timeline

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

The Burning Plain Timeline

The Burning Plain Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Burning Plain Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Burning Plain

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The Burning Plain (2009) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The Burning Plain (2009) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

The Burning Plain (2009) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow