Licorice Pizza

Licorice Pizza

Year: 2021

Runtime: 133 min

Language: English

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

DramaComedy

Set in the 1970s San Fernando Valley, this coming-of-age story follows Alana Kane and Gary Valentine as they experience first love and the challenges of adolescence. Their journey unfolds against the backdrop of a changing era, filled with both tender moments and youthful exuberance. The film explores themes of friendship, ambition, and the search for identity, portraying a nostalgic look back at a specific time and place.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Licorice Pizza yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Licorice Pizza (2021)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Licorice Pizza (2021). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1973

The year 1973 was marked by significant cultural shifts in America, characterized by a wave of new youth movements and burgeoning creativity in film and music. The landscape of Los Angeles was changing, as young filmmakers began exploring themes of love, ambition, and the struggles of adolescence.

Location

San Fernando Valley

San Fernando Valley is a suburban area in Los Angeles known for its entertainment industry and as a hub for many aspiring actors and filmmakers. The valley's scenic landscapes provide a picturesque backdrop for the stories that emerge from Hollywood's vibrant culture.

🏙️ Location 🎬 Filmmaking

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:51

Main Characters – Licorice Pizza (2021)

Meet the key characters of Licorice Pizza (2021), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Gary Valentine

Gary Valentine is a charismatic young man whose ambitions lead him through various adventures in 1970s Hollywood. His charm and determination make him an appealing character, but his youth also reveals moments of insecurity as he navigates his feelings for Alana.

🎉 Young Ambition 💖 Charisma

Alana Kane

Alana Kane is a complex character torn between her ambitions and her affections for Gary. At 25, she finds herself at a crossroads, balancing her aspirations in Hollywood with her tumultuous relationship with a younger man.

🌟 Aspiration 💔 Complexity

Jack Holden

Jack Holden is a seasoned actor who embodies the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. His interactions with Alana reveal the intoxicating yet challenging nature of fame, serving as a contrasting figure to Gary's youthful energy.

🎬 Hollywood 🌟 Glamour

Lance

Lance is an actor who briefly enters Alana's life, representing the various romantic entanglements she navigates as she seeks her own path. His atheism brings conflict to their relationship, highlighting the differences in their backgrounds.

💔 Conflict 🎭 Relationship

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:51

Major Themes – Licorice Pizza (2021)

Explore the central themes of Licorice Pizza (2021), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love & Friendship

The film explores the complex dynamics of love and friendship between Gary and Alana, highlighting their age difference and the societal pressures that challenge their relationship. Their connection deepens as they navigate their dreams and insecurities, showcasing the bittersweet journey of young love.

🎭 Coming of Age

Licorice Pizza captures the essence of coming of age, as both Gary and Alana experience the trials and tribulations of youth. Their paths reflect the struggle to find one's identity amid personal ambitions and external expectations, making the narrative relatable to anyone who has faced similar challenges.

🎬 Hollywood Dreams

The film delves into the allure and chaos of Hollywood, portraying both the glamorous aspirations and the harsh realities of breaking into the industry. As Alana gets involved in auditions and Gary ventures into business, their journey reflects the pursuit of dreams against a backdrop of fame and competition.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:51

Unlock the Full Story of Licorice Pizza

Don't stop at just watching — explore Licorice Pizza 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 Licorice Pizza is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Licorice Pizza Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Licorice Pizza, 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.

Licorice Pizza Summary

Licorice Pizza Timeline

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

Licorice Pizza Timeline

Licorice Pizza Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Licorice Pizza? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Licorice Pizza Ending Explained

More About Licorice Pizza

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Licorice Pizza: 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 Licorice Pizza

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