This movie can be criticized from a dozen directions. It's a little hard to follow at the beginning. It jumps around in time. The story threads we are asked to follow seem unconnected.

But if any movie rewards patience (a cliche, I know, but true in this case), it's The Burning Plain.

The movie has a big secret that becomes apparent gradually about halfway through. At first, what we are watching seems to be happening concurrently. The revelation is that some scenes are about two decades apart.

We are watching, in some cases, we learn, the teenage and adult versions of the same people played by different actors/actresses at different points in the characters' lives.

Once this dawns on us, the movie becomes totally engrossing.

The basic plot is simple. Two families, one American and one Mexican, become linked by an adulterous relationship. There is a tragic fire causing two deaths. And it's not an accident.

Recriminations. Bitterness. Hatred. Years and years worth of ugly feelings. These two families hate each other. Yet, there's these two teenagers, one from each family. They find each other. Sound familiar?

Charlize Theron carries this movie all the way to the last scene. Kim Basinger, playing the adulterous mom, is also poignant. There's a scene where she reluctantly displays her breast cancer scar and her lover kisses it. Puddle city, boys and girls.

I docked this movie a point for a totally gratuitous nude scene that doesn't even make sense, plot-wise. Who tries to seduce a stalker?

I am not that savvy about Mexican film-makers and I gather this is the product of a team of young Mexican writers and helmers. All I have to say is, go for it guys! Let's see some more.