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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Burnt Money (2001). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


In Argentina, the lives of two men take a tumultuous turn after a chance encounter. El Nene (Leonardo Sbaraglia), a small-time thief, crosses paths with Angel (Eduardo Noriega) in the restrooms of a Buenos Aires subway station, leading to an unwavering bond that becomes the foundation of their tumultuous relationship. They quickly gain the nickname “the twins,” but their connection transcends friendship, evolving into a passionate romance and a partnership steeped in crime. However, as their relationship grows more complicated, a fateful heist sets off a chain of events that puts their love and loyalty to a severe test.

When “the twins” decide to join a group of seasoned criminals in robbing an armored truck, the stakes escalate. Their ensemble includes the boisterous Cuervo (Pablo Echarri), a seductive sedative addict involved with the alluring Vivi (Dolores Fonzi) and their cunning boss Fontana (Ricardo Bartis), along with the aging lawyer Nando (Carlos Roffé), who uses his connections to assemble a competent heist crew. During the robbery, a tragic twist occurs when Angel is shot by the police, triggering an enraged Nene to react violently, resulting in multiple casualties, including two officers.

As the Buenos Aires police launch a manhunt for the perpetrators, they discover leads that point to Vivi’s apartment. However, by this time, the gang has fled to Uruguay, leaving Vivi behind to face the consequences. Under pressure, the police extract information from her, broadening their search across the border. Meanwhile, the group awaits new passports, which depend on the dubious reliability of a character played by Héctor Alterio.

Taking refuge in a vacant Montevideo apartment, they find the waiting game excruciating, especially for Nene. Angel, described as hearing voices and showing signs of schizophrenia, has started to pull away from Nene, creating strife between them. One night, craving contact, Nene, along with Angel and Cuervo, breaks curfew, seeking a night of leisure at a local fair. Unfortunately, this escapade leads to further complications as Angel continues to shutter himself off emotionally.

During this tense period, Nene engages with another man but ultimately forms a bond with a prostitute named Giselle (Leticia Brédice). Amid growing tensions, Angel suspects Nene’s infidelity and grapples with jealousy. Giselle’s offer to clandestinely transport Nene and her ultimatum to choose between her or Angel puts Nene in a precarious position. Ultimately, he selects Angel, leading to a confrontation with Giselle, who spitefully goes to the authorities with knowledge of their whereabouts.

As the police close in, Nene, Angel, and Cuervo mistakenly believe they can evade capture, considering the value of their stolen haul. With spirits high, they prepare to defend their temporary sanctuary, and amid the chaos, Nene and Angel reconnect, sharing fleeting moments of joy. In a moment of quiet introspection, Angel even notes that the “voices” he hears have silenced.

However, the reality quickly shifts when their escape route is cut off; Cuervo perishes in a desperate attempt to flee, leaving only Nene and Angel to confront the inevitable. Faced with the grim reality that there’s no escape and unable to safeguard their lives or their fortune, they make a dramatic decision—burning the significant loot in an act of liberation.

In a heartbreaking climax, Nene succumbs to police gunfire while cradled in Angel’s arms. With the sound of relentless police fire echoing in the background, Angel continues to retaliate, ultimately leading to a tragic conclusion when the screen fades to black, leaving the audience with a haunting implication of Angel’s fate, as he seems to choose a deadly end at the hands of the approaching law enforcement.

Timeline

Track the key events of Burnt Money (2001) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Chance Encounter

In the bustling Buenos Aires subway station, El Nene, a small-time thief, unexpectedly crosses paths with Angel in the restrooms. This seemingly mundane interaction sets off a series of events that dramatically alters both their lives.

Buenos Aires Subway Station

Bonding as 'The Twins'

Following their encounter, El Nene and Angel quickly form a deep bond that earns them the nickname 'the twins.' Their relationship rapidly evolves from friendship to a passionate romance, deeply intertwined with their life of crime.

Joining the Heist Crew

Determined to take their criminal endeavors to the next level, El Nene and Angel join a gang of seasoned criminals to rob an armored truck. This group includes various eclectic characters, with a cunning boss named Fontana leading the way.

The Fateful Robbery

During the robbery, chaos ensues when Angel is shot by the police, turning the heist into a tragic event. El Nene’s rage takes over, leading to violent confrontations and the loss of lives, including that of two police officers.

Police Manhunt Begins

In the wake of the robbery gone wrong, the Buenos Aires police launch an aggressive manhunt for the gang. They discover leads that point to Vivi's apartment, putting immense pressure on the remaining members of the crew.

Buenos Aires

Fleeing to Uruguay

As the police close in, the gang flees to Uruguay, leaving Vivi behind to face the heat alone. The urgency of their escape amplifies the tension within the group as they seek refuge and await new passports.

Uruguay

Life in Hiding

The group tries to lay low in a vacant Montevideo apartment, but the pressure mounts, especially for Nene. Angel begins to show signs of schizophrenia and isolates himself, further complicating their relationship.

Montevideo

A Break in Routine

Feeling suffocated by their circumstances, Nene, Angel, and Cuervo decide to break curfew for a night out at a local fair. This excursion only exacerbates the tensions between the two men, as Angel grows increasingly distant.

Montevideo Fair

Rising Jealousy

As emotional distances grow, Angel becomes suspicious of Nene's interactions with Giselle, a local prostitute. This jealousy heightens the stakes, with Angel struggling to cope with his feelings as Nene explores his connection with Giselle.

Giselle's Ultimatum

Giselle learns of the dangerous life Nene leads and offers him a choice: stay with her or go back to Angel. This decision forces Nene to confront his feelings, ultimately choosing Angel and igniting a confrontation with Giselle.

Stakes Rise

As the police close in on their hideout, Nene, Angel, and Cuervo remain optimistic about evading capture. They prepare to defend themselves against the authorities, fueled by the belief in their stolen fortune’s value.

Tragic Confrontation

In a crucial moment, the group's escape route is unexpectedly cut off, leading to a desperate attempt by Cuervo to flee. His demise further exacerbates Nene and Angel's fears, pushing them closer to a reckoning.

The Act of Liberation

Facing the grim reality of their situation, Nene and Angel make a drastic decision to burn their stolen loot. This act symbolizes their desire for freedom from the life they chose, signaling a turning point in their relationship.

Heartbreaking Climax

In a devastating showdown, Nene is shot and falls into Angel’s arms, leading to a tragic moment filled with despair. As the police close in, Angel retaliates, setting the stage for a heartbreaking conclusion.

End of the Line

The film culminates as Angel, left alone, confronts the approaching police, making an ambiguous choice between life and death. The screen fades to black, leaving the audience haunted by the implications of his fate.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Burnt Money (2001) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


El Nene (Leonardo Sbaraglia)

El Nene is a small-time thief whose life spirals into chaos after a chance meeting with Angel. His passionate and tumultuous relationship with Angel drives much of the plot, revealing his deep loyalty and emotional complexity. As the story progresses, Nene grapples with jealousy and tough choices, showcasing both strength and vulnerability.

🕵️‍♂️ Thief ❤️ Passionate 😔 Vulnerable

Angel (Eduardo Noriega)

Angel is a key character marked by emotional turmoil and mental health struggles, which add layers to his relationship with Nene. His schizophrenia and withdrawal create tension between the two, highlighting the fragility of their bond. Despite his difficulties, his passionate nature shines through, influencing both his connection with Nene and the events that unfold.

🧠 Troubled 💘 Romantic 😰 Isolated

Setting

Uncover the settings of Burnt Money (2001), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The film captures a contemporary setting where societal issues such as crime and emotional turmoil are prevalent. The plot unfolds through modern-day challenges, showcasing the characters' struggles against a backdrop of urban life.

Location

Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Uruguay

Buenos Aires is the vibrant capital of Argentina, known for its rich cultural heritage, tango, and architecture. The city serves as the backdrop for the tumultuous romance between Nene and Angel, reflecting the chaos of their lives. Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, becomes a refuge for the characters as they navigate the challenges of crime and love.

🏙️ City 🌍 South America

Themes

Explore the core themes of Burnt Money (2001). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Love & Betrayal

The film explores the complexities of love, particularly the passionate yet tumultuous relationship between Nene and Angel. Their bond is tested by jealousy and infidelity, highlighting the deep emotional turmoil that accompanies their criminal lifestyle. The theme of betrayal emerges profoundly as characters are forced to make harrowing choices.

💵

Crime & Consequence

The narrative delves into the world of crime, showcasing the characters' descent into a life of theft and danger. The consequences of their actions are vividly illustrated as a heist leads to violence and a deadly manhunt. The film emphasizes how crime can unravel relationships and lead to tragic endings.

🌀

Identity & Isolation

Angel's struggle with mental health and his internal battles create a poignant theme of identity and isolation. As he hears voices and withdraws from Nene, the film poignantly illustrates the impact of psychological struggles on personal relationships. This theme resonates with the broader implications of understanding and accepting individuality.

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