Carla’s Song *** (1996, Robert Carlyle, Oyanka Cabezas, Scott Glenn) – Classic Movie Review 1849

Robert Carlyle brings all his charisma to director Ken Loach’s tricky 1996 tale of Glasgow bus driver George Lennox who in 1987 woos a Nicaraguan refugee (Oyanka Cabezas) and goes to her country to find her ex-lover (Richard Loza).

Carlyle witnesses the battles of the Sandanistas against the American-backed Contras – a war he knows nothing about. The romantic Scots first half is stirring stuff but later the film seems to have turned into a forced political drama.

Yet you still respect Loach for his commitment and energy, and Paul Laverty’s for yet another intelligent screenplay that has something on its mind rather than just box office. And Carlyle is perfectly cast, giving a performance that holds it all together.

Scott Glenn also stars as Bradley and Gary Lewis plays Sammy.

© Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Movie Review 1849

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