Carla's Song Reviews

Depressing!

I found the Scottish accent very difficult to comprehend. This,plus a heavy Central American accent made this movie hard going.

I found this a very depressing movie....and for what!

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Love And War

Ken Loach's films (Kathy Come Home, Kes, The Wind That Shakes The Barley) always come from the heart and deal with big issues, and this one is no exception. Set partly in Glasgow and partly in Nicaragua, the film follows the developing relationship between Robert Carlyle's fiesty Glaswegian bus driver and Oyanka Cabezas's disturbed Nicaraguan exile.

The Nicaraguan so-called 'civil war' has now been forgotten by many people, but this is a film which reminds you not only of the tragedy of that particular conflict, but also of parallels still continuing around the world today where US foreign policy is operating covertly or openly to prop up or destabilise regimes. And in case you think this is long past history, bear in mind that the Reagan administration was for some time selling armaments to Iran and channelling the funds raised to supporting the Contras in Nicaragua. In the film this US involvement is shown through ex-CIA man Bradley, played explosively by Scott Glenn (especially when he's filling in the less savvy Carlyle as to the realities of what is going on in the warzone).

Moving between romance and harsh reality as this film does, it sometimes makes for uncomfortable viewing, which is as it should be. The hopeful and determined Sandinistas are shown being brutally attacked by the Contras, with the added tragedy of families being split down the middle in the escalating conflict. Too many films show wars as thrilling background for love stories, but Carla's Song shows war for what it is: a violent and ugly waste of human life and happiness. And ultimately, the honesty of Carlyle's and Carbeza's performances are what make this film such a moving piece of cinema.

A quietly searing triumph

A brilliant story, great acting and a searing indictment of the CIA's sponsorship of all sorts of nastiness in Nicaragua.

I knew nothing about recent Nicaraguan history when I first saw Carla's Song - but the great thing is, nor did Robert Carlisle's character before meeting Carla. The greatest injustice he had encountered was from over-judicious bus company officials. We take a voyage of discovery along with him and discover what real injustice is.

Brilliantly filmed, exciting in parts and not preachy. Hugely recommended.

Touching and powerful

One thing you can say about Ken Loach is that he doesn't pull punches. He's one of the most fearless directors around. And he makes films that are bursting with humanity.

All the performances are excellent, but Robert Carlysle goes that one step further. He's an ordinary Joe, a bus driver in Glasgow, thrust into a different world. Carlysle handles the transition well, from that hard determinism to do the right thing, his love for Carla, through to his realisation that there is horror in this world that he has no inkling of. Superb.

The film strongly reminded me of Oliver Stone's "Salvador" in tone, so if you liked that, I'm pretty certain you'll enjoy "Carla's Song".

Preaching

We found this a very dry and tedious film to watch. We didn't make it to the end as interest waned. It was rather like some lecture going on. We were being educated... It was also very difficult to understand. The sound was muffled, the accents inpenetrable.

A beautiful song

A lovely film. The actress playing Carla is amazing but Bobby Carlisle steals the show. Not usually a big fan of Ken Loachs films, I find his approach all a little too conceited. His choice to use non actors in the quest for authenticity, I find heavily patronizing to actors and iIsimply don't believe it works.

This film has something going on though, it might just touch on the truth that Loach strives for. But then, what do I know about the plight of Nicaragua?

Anyway, regardless of what it says, achieves, reaches or changes - it's beautiful to watch and savour.

Very impressive

The title of this film doesn't automatically incline anyone other than a music lover to want to watch it. However, it is a well acted, gut wrenching drama which leaves the viewer feeling too involved and furious at the fact that the situation within the film is all too common in today's world.

carlas song

not bad but became bored half way through movie

Starts off well...

With typical Carlyle acting and some sharp glasgow humour, but then it tails off and I lost interest when it moves to South America. Too many stories after that and I lost interest and sympathy for any of the characters, Carlyle included. Not in my must see collection.

Excellent

Excellent, but not a film for everyone.