Lazzaro

I wanted to be someone else, but now I'm happy being who I am.

Lazzaro

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Tancredi

Hope is just a way to break the routine of despair.

Tancredi

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Lazzaro

I believe in you, even if no one else does.

Lazzaro

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Lazzaro

Sometimes, being a fool is the only way to be free.

Lazzaro

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Tancredi

You can only truly love a person if you love their flaws.

Tancredi

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Lazzaro

Life is a series of moments; some are joyful, others painful, but all are necessary.

Lazzaro

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Tancredi

You have to believe in the impossible to achieve the extraordinary.

Tancredi

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Lazzaro

I will find a way back to you, no matter the obstacles.

Lazzaro

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Lazzaro

The world may be harsh, but kindness can still prevail.

Lazzaro

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Tancredi

Every person has a story; it’s our job to listen and understand.

Tancredi

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Lazzaro

In the search for happiness, we often forget to appreciate what we already have.

Lazzaro

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Tancredi

Dreams are the seeds of reality; nurture them to watch them grow.

Tancredi

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Lazzaro

No one truly knows their heart until it is tested.

Lazzaro

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Lazzaro

Sometimes, innocence is the greatest strength.

Lazzaro

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Tancredi

To be happy, we must first accept our shadows.

Tancredi

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Lazzaro

True freedom comes from within, not from what we possess.

Lazzaro

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Lazzaro

Sometimes, those who suffer the most teach us the most.

Lazzaro

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Tancredi

Love is the only truth that can illuminate the darkness.

Tancredi

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Tancredi

Fear can be a prison if we let it overtake our lives.

Tancredi

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Lazzaro

Life is a journey; it is the people we meet that shape us.

Lazzaro

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Tancredi

In every end, there is a beginning; in every loss, there is a lesson.

Tancredi

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Lazzaro

Let us not forget to dream of a better world.

Lazzaro

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive
Tancredi

It’s never too late to change the script of your life.

Tancredi

Happy as Lazzaro, Reelive

T'amo

T'amo by Alice, Played during the final scenes, enhancing the emotional impact.

Ma che bel sogno

Ma che bel sogno by Nilla Pizzi, Used in a nostalgic context reflecting on the past.

Il cielo in una stanza

Il cielo in una stanza by Mina, Background music during a pivotal moment of realization.


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Lazzaro's Sacrifice

Lazzaro willingly sacrifices himself to save the wealthy Marchesa from a dire situation. The buildup comes from Lazzaro's pure heart and love for his friends, especially for Tancredi. The pivotal moment occurs when Lazzaro steps in front of danger, showcasing his selflessness and innocence. After this act, it changes the lives of those around him forever, highlighting the consequences of societal divide. Viewers feel a profound sadness mixed with admiration for Lazzaro's courage.

Context: This moment leads to greater themes of class disparity and sacrifice, reinforced by Lazzaro's character throughout the movie.

Tancredi's Transformation

Tancredi reveals his true self to Lazzaro after their shared adventures. The build-up is full of camaraderie and trust between them. The turning point is when Tancredi decides to leave his old life behind, declaring his need for freedom. This moment shifts the trajectory of their friendship and leaves Lazzaro heartbroken. As Tancredi walks away, the emotional weight creates feelings of abandonment for Lazzaro, showcasing the complexities of friendship.

Context: This scene emphasizes the contrast between reality and illusion, exploring how aspirations can lead to betrayal.

The Transformation of the Village

The village's dark past reveals itself when Lazzaro meets the new inhabitants. The buildup comes from mythology around the village and Lazzaro's innocent nature clashing with harsh realities. The pivotal moment is when the truth of exploitation is unveiled, shocking both Lazzaro and the audience. After this shift, the scene changes how viewers understand the film – it becomes a mirror reflecting societal issues. It evokes a mixture of disbelief and frustration as the audience confronts these uncomfortable truths.

Context: This moment shines a light on the consequences of ignorance and exploitation, significantly tying to the film's themes of innocence and corruption.

Lazzaro's Awakening

Lazzaro wakes up to find himself in a completely different world. The build-up creates anticipation and curiosity about his journey. The pivotal moment happens when he realizes how much the world has changed and how far he is from home. This realization transforms him from a passive character into one seeking answers, altering the course of his journey. Viewers feel a deep sense of confusion and empathy for Lazzaro's plight in a strange new world.

Context: This awakening acts as a critical turning point, highlighting themes of disconnection and the search for belonging.

The Reunion

The reunion between Lazzaro and his village friends is filled with emotional tension. The buildup is marked by Lazzaro’s longing and persistent search for familiarity. The emotional peak hits when Lazzaro finally finds them, but things have drastically changed. The aftermath leaves viewers to grapple with the bittersweet nature of the reunion. It evokes a mix of joy and sorrow, emphasizing the themes of nostalgia and the loss of innocence.

Context: This moment encapsulates the journey of returning home but finding it irrevocably altered, tying back to the film's exploration of time and change.

The Windmill Scene

In a moment of beauty, Lazzaro and Tancredi play around a windmill, embodying the carefree innocence of youth. The buildup revolves around their friendship and simple pleasures. The scene reaches its peak when they spin together, laughing without a care in the world. This idyllic moment sharpens the contrast between their carefree childhood and harsh adult realities. Viewers are filled with joy and nostalgia, poignantly reminded of the fleeting nature of innocence.

Context: This scene offers a visual representation of happiness that later becomes juxtaposed with their harsh realities.

The Arrival of the Marchesa

When the Marchesa arrives in the village, the inhabitants react with awe. The buildup showcases their naive expectations about wealth. The pivotal moment is when the Marchesa's true character is revealed; this moment serves as a revelation about social hierarchies. The aftermath impacts the villagers' perceptions of wealth and class disparity, evoking a sense of disillusionment in the audience. It raises questions about the true nature of happiness and fortune.

Context: The arrival of the Marchesa reinforces the film's themes of exploitation and the illusion of prosperity.

Lazzaro's Trial

Lazzaro stands trial for a crime he didn’t commit. The buildup is steeped in tension as he is confused and helpless. The pivotal moment strikes when the truth of his innocence is overshadowed by the village's greed. This moment crystallizes the notion of sacrifice as Lazzaro bears the burden of others' sins. Viewers feel anger and sadness at the injustice, underscoring the theme of moral ambiguity.

Context: This moment critiques societal systems that prioritize profit over justice, reinforcing major themes throughout the film.

The Goodbye

The goodbye between Lazzaro and his friends is heavy with emotional weight. The buildup is filled with tender moments of connection throughout their journey. The heartbreaking realization peaks as they face the inevitable separation. The aftermath leaves viewers feeling a deep sense of loss and longing, encapsulating the theme of fleeting moments in life. This scene pulls on heartstrings, reminding viewers of the pain of growth and change.

Context: This goodbye represents the end of innocence and the transition to a harsher reality, reinforcing the film's exploration of human relationships.

Overall Reflection of Life

At the film's conclusion, Lazzaro reflects on the meaning of his life, set against the backdrop of the transformed world. The buildup consists of a journey filled with dreams and harsh realities. The pivotal moment is when Lazzaro understands the true nature of happiness and sacrifice. This epiphany profoundly impacts his character, providing closure to his journey. Viewers are left with feelings of introspection and melancholy, echoing the film's themes on the nature of existence.

Context: This powerful reflection encapsulates Lazzaro's journey and offers a poignant commentary on life, choice, and sacrifice.

The Village Dance

The villagers participate in a joyful dance that highlights their simple yet happy existence. The buildup is filled with shared laughter and community spirit. The laughter reaches a pinnacle as they dance under the stars, symbolizing fleeting happiness. The emotion in the aftermath is bittersweet as viewers recognize that this moment of joy stands in stark contrast to future hardships. The scene evokes joy and mourning for a disappearing way of life.

Context: This dance serves to emphasize the joy of community, family, and the idea that happiness can exist, even temporarily, in dire situations.

The Marchesa's True Self

The audience sees the Marchesa's manipulative tendencies exposed when she interacts with the villagers. The buildup reveals the contrast between her public persona and her true nature. The pivotal moment occurs when her redemptive façade crumbles, exposing her greed. This awareness impacts the villagers profoundly, evoking frustration and anger within viewers as exploitation is unfurled. It underscores the film's themes about morality and human nature.

Context: By illustrating the Marchesa's true nature, the film critiques the facade of wealth and its moral consequences.

The Vision of a New World

During a moment of contemplation, Lazzaro envisions a better future influenced by his dreams. The buildup provides a glimpse of hope amid despair. The pivotal moment is when he holds onto this vision, representing the power of dreams. The aftermath carries potential optimism and longing for something greater. It evokes inspiration in viewers, touching on desires for a brighter future amidst struggles.

Context: This scene encapsulates the essence of hope, tying it back to the film's overarching themes of aspiration and change.

The Festival of the Wealthy

A juxtaposition of the villagers’ hardship against the garish celebrations of the wealthy. The buildup is full of tonal dissonance, highlighting the divide between classes. The peak moment reveals the absurdity of excess while the poor suffer, evoking anger and melancholy. After this, the audience recognizes the persistent social divide. Emotional reactions include disbelief and frustration, emphasizing the absurdity of human society.

Context: This festival scene reflects the themes of class disparity and the often cruel reality faced by those less fortunate.

Lazzaro Among the Rich

Lazzaro's interactions with wealth and excess reveal the puzzling new world he is thrust into. The buildup highlights his innocence bumping up against the harshness of reality. The pivotal moment occurs when he recognizes the emptiness in this opulence. This realization shifts Lazzaro's understanding of happiness, making him question what he thought he wanted. Viewers feel empathy and confusion as they witness his detached perspective on wealth.

Context: This encounter serves as a critical exploration of the illusion of wealth, deeply interwoven with the film's themes of innocence and disillusionment.

The Lost Children of the Village

Lazzaro encounters children who have been affected by the changes in their village. The buildup grows from Lazzaro's desire to help and connect. The emotional peak is heartbreakingly revealed as the children express their lost hopes and dreams. The aftermath alters Lazzaro, driving him to seek a resolution. Viewers resonate with the pain of lost childhood and innocence, evoking protectiveness for the future.

Context: These children personify the thematic concerns of lost potential and hope, further illustrating the consequences of societal neglect.

The Marketplace Revelation

In a bustling marketplace, Lazzaro confronts the stark realities of life beyond the village. The buildup showcases his naïve wonder. The pivotal moment occurs when he realizes the harsh contrasts of wealth and pain visible in the exchange. This understanding impacts Lazzaro deeply, altering his view of his innocence and world. Viewers feel sympathy and sorrow as they witness this new, painful awakening.

Context: This scene critically explores the loss of innocence in the face of societal realities.

The Last Goodbye

Lazzaro’s final farewell to his friends is marked by overwhelming emotion. The buildup showcases their shared memories, infusing the moment with nostalgia. The emotional peak hits as Lazzaro says goodbye, realizing they may never meet again. The aftermath leaves the audience in tears, poignantly addressed by their transformation over time. It evokes deep feelings of heartbreak, reinforcing life's fragility and connections.

Context: This goodbye emphasizes the themes of irrevocable change and the bittersweet nature of life, standing out as a powerful conclusion for character arcs.

The Blessing of the Old Woman

An old woman offers Lazzaro her blessings at a crucial moment. The build-up emphasizes the connection between Lazzaro's innocence and the community's wisdom. The pivotal moment comes when she acknowledges the goodness in him, imparting a sense of hope. This interaction impacts Lazzaro positively, reminiscent of the film's exploration of purity and virtue. Viewers experience warmth and comfort, invoking the theme of interconnectedness in humanity.

Context: This moment connects the importance of tradition and morality within the narrative's larger themes.

The Echoes of Innocence

As Lazzaro walks through a meadow, echoes of his past experiences haunt him. The buildup is a reflective journey through his memories. The peak hits when he confronts a vision of his childhood, drawing a stark contrast with his current reality. This moment encapsulates the theme of lost innocence, sourcing emotional weight that resonates deeply with viewers. It evokes feelings of reflection and nostalgia.

Context: This scene serves as a thematic reminder of the purity of childhood and the inevitable loss that accompanies growing up.

The Struggle for Identity

In a moment of vulnerability, Lazzaro struggles to define himself in a changing world. The buildup details his confusion and isolation. The pivotal moment occurs when he confronts strangers who challenge his identity. This impacts his self-perception and purpose, resonating with viewers facing their identity struggles. It elicits feelings of sympathy and empathy.

Context: This struggle is emblematic of broader themes of individuality and societal expectations.

The Light in the Darkness

At the film's climax, Lazzaro finds a source of light that symbolizes hope amidst darkness. The buildup showcases his journey towards enlightenment. The pivotal moment shines as Lazzaro embraces the light, transforming despair into a beacon of hope. This impact deepens the film's exploration of resilience. Viewers feel uplifted and inspired, underlining the human spirit's strength.

Context: This moment connects to the overarching themes of hope, strength and the pursuit of happiness amidst struggles.


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Casting Choice

The lead role of Lazzaro was played by Adriano Tardiolo, a newcomer to film who director Alice Rohrwacher discovered while he was working in a supermarket.

Why it matters: Rohrwacher's choice to cast a non-professional actor brought an authenticity and innocence to Lazzaro, making his character's naïveté and altruism resonate deeply with the audience.

Location Shooting

Filming took place in the fictional village of 'Inviolata' in Italy, which was constructed specifically for the film.

Why it matters: The village setting not only established the film's unique atmosphere but also emphasized the themes of isolation and timelessness, enhancing Lazzaro's otherworldly charm.

Time Period Ambiguity

Rohrwacher intentionally blurred the time period, incorporating elements from different eras to create a story that feels both historical and contemporary.

Why it matters: This creative choice deepened the film's exploration of social issues, making it a commentary on modernity and tradition that transcends time.

Dreamlike Cinematography

Cinematographer Hélène Louvart utilized natural light and long takes, creating a dreamlike quality to the film's visuals.

Why it matters: The ethereal cinematography enhanced the narrative's fairy-tale-like atmosphere, contrasting Lazzaro's innocence with the harsh realities of the world around him.

Symbolic Use of Animals

Animals appear throughout the film, symbolizing innocence and purity alongside Lazzaro’s character.

Why it matters: This symbolism deepens the audience's emotional connection to Lazzaro and reinforces themes of exploitation and sacrifice in human relationships.

Last-Minute Script Revisions

Alice Rohrwacher made significant adjustments to the script during filming, adapting dialogue to better suit the natural interactions between actors.

Why it matters: These improvisations led to more genuine performances, contributing to the film's authenticity and emotional depth.

The Alice in Wonderland Reference

The narrative structure bears similarities to 'Alice in Wonderland,' as Lazzaro inexplicably falls into various absurd situations.

Why it matters: This reference enriches the storytelling by inviting interpretations of innocence confronting a corrupt world, much like Carroll's work.

Impact of the Opening Scene

The film opens with a helicopter shot that subtly sets the tone for the surreal yet deeply rooted narrative.

Why it matters: This choice creates an immediate contrast between the simplicity of village life and the complexity of societal issues, drawing the audience into Lazzaro's world.

Cultural References

The film includes references to Italian literature and cinema, weaving a rich tapestry of cultural commentary.

Why it matters: These allusions elevate the film’s intellectual engagement, allowing audiences to appreciate deeper layers of meaning within Lazzaro's journey.

Rohrwacher's Personal Connection

Alice Rohrwacher drew from experiences in her childhood, reflecting on the social dynamics of rural Italy.

Why it matters: Her personal connection lends authenticity and emotional weight to the narrative, as the film echoes real-life observations of exploitation and innocence.

Sound Design

The film's sound design features natural sounds that immerse the audience into the environment of the village.

Why it matters: This immersive quality enhances the viewer's experience, making Lazzaro's emotional journey feel more palpable and grounded.

Non-Traditional Structure

The film eschews traditional narrative structure, often shifting timelines and perspectives.

Why it matters: This unconventional storytelling invites viewers to engage actively with the film, allowing for personal interpretations and emotional responses.

Crowning Scene Moment

The climax where Lazzaro navigates the modern world was shot with minimal special effects, focusing on raw human reactions.

Why it matters: The authenticity of these performances crystallizes the film's themes of disillusionment and resilience, making it a powerful moment of clarity for audiences.

The Role of Tradition

The filmmakers consulted with local townspeople to authentically portray the lifestyle and folklore of rural Italy.

Why it matters: This commitment to authenticity grounds the film in reality while enhancing its magical realist elements, creating a rich cultural tapestry.

Mythical Elements

Lazzaro’s character has been interpreted as a Christ-like figure, showcasing selflessness and martyrdom.

Why it matters: This mythical layer adds depth to the character and invites viewers to explore themes of sacrifice and redemption in a modern context.

Impressive Ensemble Cast

The film features a talented ensemble cast who brought diverse dynamics to the storyline, each performing with unique interpretations of their characters.

Why it matters: The chemistry among the cast enriches the narrative, making character interactions feel organic and relatable.

Production Challenges

The film faced logistical hurdles due to its remote filming location, which impacted scheduling and resource management.

Why it matters: These challenges contributed to the film's sense of authenticity, reflecting the resilience of both cast and crew to create a compelling narrative.

Prolonged Filming Schedule

The filming lasted several months to accommodate the naturalistic style and allow actors to develop their characters naturally.

Why it matters: The extended process enriched character depth and performance, resulting in a more nuanced emotional landscape conveyed through the film.

The Influence of Magic Realism

Rohrwacher's inspiration from the magic realism genre resulted in a film where extraordinary events coexist with mundane realities.

Why it matters: This blend creates a space for surreal storytelling while probing deeper social and existential questions, enhancing the viewer's engagement.

Cultural Symbolism of the Wolf

A wolf appears in the film symbolizing both freedom and danger, paralleling Lazzaro's journey.

Why it matters: This symbolism deepens the narrative, representing the duality of human nature and the inherent struggles of existence.

Tension Between Villagers

Scenes of tension and conflict among villagers were inspired by real community dynamics, directly shaping the film's interpersonal conflicts.

Why it matters: These grounded conflicts contribute to the realism of the film, showcasing societal struggles and making Lazzaro's innocence all the more poignant.

Incorporation of Italian Folklore

Folklore elements were embedded within the film, drawing from local myths and traditions.

Why it matters: This element of folklore enriches the narrative, allowing cultural specificity to shine through while inviting audiences to immerse themselves in Lazzaro's world.


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