Movie spotlight
Purehearted teen Lazzaro is content living as a sharecropper in rural Italy, but an unlikely friendship with the marquise’s son will change his world.
In rural Italy, Lazzaro, an exceptionally kind young man, lives a simple life working on a tobacco farm. Through a series of magical realist events, Lazzaro finds himself transported to the city and faces the harsh realities of a world far removed from his pastoral origins. His unwavering goodness and unique perspective offer a poignant commentary on class, exploitation, and the enduring power of human connection.
Alice Rohrwacher's 'Happy as Lazzaro' garnered widespread critical acclaim for its unique blend of social commentary and magical realism. Critics lauded its distinctive visual style, profound thematic depth, and the exceptional performance of its lead actor. Audiences were similarly captivated by its emotional resonance and thought-provoking narrative, cementing its status as a modern arthouse masterpiece.
Praised for its unique blend of realism and magical elements.
Commended for its powerful social commentary on class and exploitation.
Celebrated for its poignant exploration of kindness and human connection.
Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly praised the film's originality, its emotional depth, and the captivating performance of the lead actor. Many highlighted its ability to provoke thought and inspire empathy, with a significant number appreciating its artistic and unconventional storytelling.
Cannes Film Festival - Best Screenplay Award; European Film Awards - Best Film Nominee; Chicago International Film Festival - Silver Hugo Award for Best Film.
The film's director, Alice Rohrwacher, cast her sister, Alba Rohrwacher, in a dual role; she plays both the mother of Lazzaro and, in the second half of the film, a grown-up version of his childhood friend, though they are different characters.
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Adriano Tardiolo is really good in this biblically apt story of the young “Lazzaro”. He’s a generous-spirited young man who energetically helps out in his community - one under the thumb of the uncaring dominatrix “Marchesa” (Nicoletta Bras...
A tale (or fable?) of social commentary by directress and writer Alice Rohrwacher (that I first knew in the short "Le Pupille") in rural Italy with touches of anti capitalism and class division, where sharecroppers live, without knowing the...
‘Happy as Lazzaro’ comes and goes like an airy fable but doesn’t make as much of an impact as it wants to. Through a lack of convincing and earned pivot, its first half in realism drags down the escapism it yearns for in its second half. It...