Luzzu

Like a Mediterranean Dardenne Brothers film, this is a neorealist gem. Cinematography is by Léo Lefèvre ('I, Daniel Blake' for Loach) so it is a beautiful watch, even as the jeopardy for the central character - and the society as a whole - increases. And, at 94 minutes, it doesn't overstay its welcome.

FISHY BUSINESS "Luzzu" starts innocently enough with a solitary fisherman plying his trade, and though it touches on a wide variety of big topics - fatherhood, tradition, working-class struggles, Brexit - as well as a thoughtful character study, it never loses the charm of the opening minutes. A story about a third generation Maltese fisherman, played by an actual Maltese fisherman, not only feels true, but has a warm vibe only good fiction can bring. You can almost smell the sea breeze. Stamped with his baby footprint, "Luzzu" is the colourful family boat passed down for generations, that serious family man Jesmark Scicluna puts to sea on a daily basis. Trouble is the fishing industry is morphing into an unsustainable one, for the little guys anyway. A new born with special medical needs, and thus costs, puts a strain on the family, and Jesmark is asked to consider a career change. Squeezed by big fish, various restrictions, and cutthroat, often illegal competition, this really is a lone man vs. the sea tale. While Jesmark's decision is a life altering one, and deftly describes the current political situation of many smaller European strugglers, it plays second fiddle to the personal trials of the defiant fisherman. A man of few words, he carries the weight of his world on broad shoulders, seeking to hold on to his heritage right to the breaking point. Though forced to play the new game in town, a seemingly beaten Jesmark closes the movie with a moving parable to his infant son. A story about a boat, which over the years has been patched up so many times that very little of it remains, but yet, it still remains that boat. "Luzza" is a clever and affectionate tale about conflict, struggle, family, and the determination to retain one's humanity. A winner all around. - hipCRANK

Better than just passing time. A story of the confluence of environmental issues, government regulations, and the laws of the marketplace on a charming, but antiquated, culture.

Luzzu is a Maltese drama film directed and written by Alex Camilleri which portrays the dying fisherman industry in Malta. When boiled down, there are a lot of parallels to what goes on in America. The acting is great, the cinematography adds to the film's authenticity. The girlfriend arc is shoehorned and the scenes didn't contribute to the film's emotion. There's a scene late in the film that is just heartbreaking. A very fine film! Final Score: 8/10

Absolutely beyond perfect. Incredible character development of a changing industry.

While the narrative of this engaging Maltese offering may seem somewhat familiar (at least superficially), there are plot developments that defy formula and take the film in unexpected directions. Add to that the picture's fresh locale and little-known subject matter, and you've got a truly intriguing release. But what's perhaps most impressive about this debut feature from director Alex Camilleri, a nominee for the Independent Spirit Awards' Someone to Watch Award, is the strength of the performances he's managed to evoke from a cast consisting of many nonprofessional actors, including protagonist Jesmark Scicluna, winner of the 2021 Sundance Film Festival Special Jury Award for Acting in the Dramatic World Cinema competition. In dealing with powerful universal themes like tradition vs. progress, weighing the expediency of need fulfillment against the preservation of moral values, and knowing when to hold on or let go, all as seen through the lens of the Maltese fishing industry and the struggles of a young married couple trying to manage the challenges of being new parents, the film paints a captivating picture on a variety of fronts, one that never becomes muddled and succeeds at wrapping up all of its story threads by movie's end. "Luzzu," the Maltese term for a traditional, brightly colored, wooden fishing boat, has thus far largely flown below the radar, playing primarily at film festivals and in limited theatrical release. However, as one of the better films in an otherwise-disappointing year at the movies, this is definitely worth your time now that it's available for streaming. Indeed, this is one fish story you won't want to miss.

Có lẽ đây không phải là mô tuýp phim tôi yêu thích nhưng nó đặc sắc bởi cách kể truyện và tâm lý nhân vật chính được đào sâu vào trọng tâm

This movie had a story to tell and message about the environment to get across but overall it was pretty slow. I think if the main characters weren't so sullen throughout the film it would have been more realistic and entertaining.

A very hard to tell story that touches you emotionally and morally. The movie is authentic, very well acted, shot and produced. I highly recommend it.