Happy as Lazzaro

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.

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.

💔 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.