Lucky and Zorba

Lucky and Zorba

Year: 1998

Runtime: 75 mins

Language: Italian

Director: Enzo D’Alò

FamilyAnimation

Together they discover the true meaning of friendship. A seagull is caught in the black tide of a sinking oil tanker, struggles to break free, and finally flies inland, collapsing in a garden watched by a solitary cat. Moribund, she implores the cat to faithfully honor three vows: never eat her egg, shelter it until it hatches, and later teach the newborn how to take to the sky.

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Timeline & Setting – Lucky and Zorba (1998)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Lucky and Zorba (1998). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Coasts of Hamburg, Germany

Set along the Hamburg harbor and its surrounding streets, the film follows a seafront world where canals wind through the city. The urban seascape features a port, a museum, and abandoned buildings that house the animal cast. A major petrol spill disrupts sea life and the town, forcing unlikely alliances between cats, rats, and birds.

🏙️ Coastal city ⚓ Seaport 🐾 Animal-filled streets

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:17

Main Characters – Lucky and Zorba (1998)

Meet the key characters of Lucky and Zorba (1998), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Zorba (Carlo Verdone)

A brave black cat who leads the group of feline helpers. He is initially hesitant to involve himself in human affairs, but his sense of responsibility and loyalty pushes him to protect Lucky at all costs. He forms a quiet bond with Bubulina and becomes a steadfast guardian for the hatchling.

🐱 Cat hero 🤝 Loyal friend 🌊 Sea ally

Bubulina

A cat who captures Zorba's affection and becomes a key ally in the quest to save Lucky. She is brave and supportive, standing by Zorba during dangerous moments. Her presence adds warmth to the group and helps motivate the rescue effort.

🐈 Cat love interest 🤝 Loyal partner 🌊 Ocean mentor

Kengah

A seagull on her way back from her first migration, who ends up entangled in the petrol spill. She entrusts Zorba with three promises that shape the rest of the story: care for her egg, don't eat it, and teach her chick to fly. Her brief life sets the rescue mission in motion.

🐦 Seagull 🌊 Ocean traveler 🕊️ Hope

Nina

A little girl who becomes a bridge between the human and animal worlds. She agrees to help the hatchling by taking Zorba and Lucky to a tall tower for the flight lesson, communicating with them in dreams.

👧 Human ally 🏰 Tower helper 🎈 Innocent guide

Pallino

A red kitten who is jealous of Lucky’s attention and status. He exposes the truth to Lucky about her nature, triggering her growth and eventual reconciliation with her feline family.

🐈 Jealous kitten 🧭 Catalyst 🧡 Loyal companion

Great Big Rat

The town's rat leader who plots to enslave the cats and seize control. His arrogance and ruthlessness create the primary conflict and are ultimately undone by the cats' cleverness and courage.

🐀 Rat villain ⚔️ City tyrant 🛡️ Arch-enemy

Lucky

The hatchling born from Kengah’s egg, who grows up believing she is a cat. She learns to fly with Zorba’s tutelage and the support of her extended feline family, ultimately finding her place in the sky.

🪺 Hatchling 🐦 Bird-child 🕊️ New beginnings

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:17

Major Themes – Lucky and Zorba (1998)

Explore the central themes of Lucky and Zorba (1998), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Chosen Family

Zorba forms a makeshift family with the other animals around Lucky, showing loyalty that transcends species. The group learns to trust one another through shared danger and responsibility. The story emphasizes that family can be built from care, promises kept, and mutual protection.

🛢️ Environmental Crisis

An oil spill threatens the sea and coastal life, creating an urgent need for cooperation. Kengah's egg survival hinges on human-animal teamwork and clever problem-solving. The disaster becomes a catalyst for courage and resourcefulness among the diverse cast.

💖 Love and Sacrifice

Love motivates brave actions; Zorba’s devotion to Bubulina and his promise to Lucky shapes the journey. Lucky's growth mirrors a crossing of boundaries between species and roles. The ending shows sacrifice and affection can unite a city and redefine family.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:17

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Lucky and Zorba Summary

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Lucky and Zorba Summary

Lucky and Zorba Timeline

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Lucky and Zorba Timeline

Lucky and Zorba Spoiler-Free Summary

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Lucky and Zorba Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Lucky and Zorba

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