Happy as Lazzaro

Happy as Lazzaro

Year: 2018

Runtime: 125 min

Language: Italian

Director: Alice Rohrwacher

Drama

In the isolated village of Inviolata, a tender friendship develops between Lazzaro, a generous peasant, and Tancredi, a nobleman struggling with inner turmoil, under the dominion of the stern Marchesa Alfonsina de Luna. When Tancredi devises a plan to stage his own kidnapping with Lazzaro's help, their lives take an unexpected turn, blurring the lines between past and present and revealing the clash between Lazzaro's inherent goodness and the complexities of modern society.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Happy as Lazzaro (2018)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Happy as Lazzaro (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film spans multiple years, highlighting the stark contrast between life on the farm in isolation during the sharecropping era and the urban life Lazzaro faces years later. The narrative addresses past injustices and encapsulates how time can alter people's circumstances and perceptions.

Location

Inviolata

Inviolata is an isolated estate that has housed a community of farmhands since 1977, known for its sharecropping system which keeps workers in perpetual debt. The estate is dominated by Marchesa Alfonsina De Luna, who rules in a feudal manner, making it infamous as the 'Queen of Cigarettes.' The landscape around the estate is also noted for its connection to nature, where a solitary wolf roams the land.

🏰 Estate 🌾 Tobacco Farm

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:33

Main Characters – Happy as Lazzaro (2018)

Meet the key characters of Happy as Lazzaro (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lazzaro

Lazzaro is portrayed as a simple, naive soul whose loyalty and obedience reflect his unfaltering dedication to those around him. His innocence is juxtaposed against the harsh realities of exploitation and greed, making him a poignant figure in the narrative. Lazzaro's journey symbolizes hope and resilience as he navigates through a confusing and often harsh world.

🤲 Kindness 🤔 Naivety 🐺 Innocence

Tancredi

Tancredi, the son of Marchesa Alfonsina De Luna, embodies the contradictions of privilege and rebellion. While he initially seems to befriend Lazzaro, his self-serving nature reveals deeper complexities of wealth and entitlement. As a character, Tancredi's evolution from schemer to nightclub owner illustrates the corruption of innocence and the pitfalls of a dissipated fortune.

🎭 Duality 💸 Wealth ✨ Transformation

Marchesa Alfonsina De Luna

The Marchesa represents the oppressive authority that dominates the lives of the farmworkers. Her role reflects the exploitation inherent in feudal systems, and her actions lead to the dramatic unfolding of events that expose the injustices of the estate. Alfonsina's character is marked by a blend of cruelty and control, positioning her as the antagonist to Lazzaro and his friends.

👑 Authority 💔 Cruelty 🚫 Oppression

Antonia

Antonia embodies the spirit of resilience among the impoverished former residents of Inviolata. She provides Lazzaro with a link to his past and the community that once thrived in their shared struggles. Her character highlights themes of survival and adaptation in a society that has shifted dramatically away from their previous way of life.

🤝 Community 🌆 Survival 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Resilience

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:33

Major Themes – Happy as Lazzaro (2018)

Explore the central themes of Happy as Lazzaro (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Friendship

At the core of the story is the bond between Lazzaro and Tancredi, showcasing deep friendships formed under unusual circumstances. Their escapades reflect the innocence of their connection and the complexities that arise when socio-economic divides are exposed. The theme resonates with the notion of loyalty and the longing for belonging across different worlds.

⚖️ Exploitation

The film addresses the theme of social injustice and exploitation as the farmhands suffer under a corrupt sharecropping system. The shocking revelations of the 'Great Swindle' unfold the harsh realities faced by the community, emphasizing the unfair distributions of wealth and power. This theme critiques the feudal-like structures that persist in modern society.

🌌 Isolation

Isolation is a significant theme reflected through Inviolata and Lazzaro’s experiences. The estate's seclusion symbolizes the characters' disconnection from the outside world, both physically and socially. Lazzaro’s journey to a city that represents modernity highlights the challenges of adapting to change and reintegration into society after a lifetime of being sheltered.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:33

Unlock the Full Story of Happy as Lazzaro

Don't stop at just watching — explore Happy as Lazzaro in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Happy as Lazzaro is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Happy as Lazzaro Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Happy as Lazzaro, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Happy as Lazzaro Summary

Happy as Lazzaro Timeline

Track the full timeline of Happy as Lazzaro with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Happy as Lazzaro Timeline

More About Happy as Lazzaro

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Happy as Lazzaro: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Happy as Lazzaro

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