Happy as Lazzaro

Happy as Lazzaro, directed by Alice Rohrwacher, is an Italian film released in 2018, featuring Adriano Tardiolo, Agnese Graziani, and Alba Rohrwacher. The film is a paradoxical fusion of realism and folklore, resulting in a tale that's bizarre yet magnetic.

The story unfolds in an isolated farming village known as Inviolata, where we find our protagonist Lazzaro (Adriano Tardiolo), a pure and kind-hearted young peasant who's beloved and taken advantage of by his fellow villagers. Lazzaro, though naïve and poor, is content with his difficult life, laboring for a cruel marquess. His perpetual smile and selfless demeanor towards an unrewarding, harsh reality make him emblematically 'happy.'

A turning point in Lazzaro's life arrives with the introduction of the marquess's cynical and rebellious son, Tancredi (Luca Chikovani). In an uncanny series of events, involving faked kidnappings and ransom demands, the unlikely friendship between these two individuals from opposite sides of the social spectrum forms the crux of the story's first half. Their bond built on shared loneliness and otherness instils an innocent charm to the movie, intensifying the sense of impending doom and unrecognized tragedy.

The radiant performances by Adriano Tardiolo and Luca Chikovani as Lazzaro and Tancredi respectively infuse life into these contrasting characters. Tardiolo, with his ever-smiling face and kind eyes, remarkably portrays the eponymous role of "happy" Lazzaro. His acceptance and kindness in the face of adversity present him as a saintly figure, an emissary of goodness in a world riddled with exploitation. Meanwhile, Chikovani effectively embodies the disillusioned Tancredi, his character a stark contrast against Lazzaro's radiant innocence.

In the second half, a shocking series of events unravel, taking the audience on an unexpected journey that merges reality with whimsical elements reminiscent of folk tales and parables. The film nuances time, setting, and the idea of reincarnation or rebirth while continuing to examine the enduring state of societal disparity and exploitation. The narrative becomes an allegorical commentary on wealth disparity, the relentless pace of progress, and the timeless nature of human greed and exploitation.

Rohrwacher’s direction is both vibrant and raw, weaving together contrasts and contradictions with grace and sensitivity. Her lyrical storytelling style converges social realism with the magical, the earthly with the mythic, and innocence with corruption. The cinematography by Hélène Louvart too is compelling, capturing the rustic charm of Inviolata's landscapes and the bustling urban scenes with equal finesse.

The supporting cast delivers a powerful performance, each characterization accurate, and instrumental in depicting a community stuck in manipulation and toil. Alba Rohrwacher as Antonia, an exploited peasant, brings forth the harsh reality of their lives with a stoic acceptance that makes her a memorable character.

Happy as Lazzaro confronts the audience with incredibly poignant themes of goodness and the inherent complexity of human nature. The film questions societal norms, subverting narratives to expose harsh truths beneath naivety and exploitation. It cleverly incorporates elements of satire and surrealism to critique societal disparities, ruthlessly portraying the grim side of human nature.

The movie is a warm composition of folk story and morality tale, embedded with an emotional depth that keeps us invested even as the narrative turns quizzical. The skilled performances, along with the artful direction and the poignant story make this film a moving cinematic experience. This magical tale of a young boy’s serenity in harsh adversity leaves behind a bittersweet aura, resonating with the viewers long after the credits roll.

In summary, Happy as Lazzaro is a film that transcends conventional storytelling, blending the realms of magic with harsh reality. It's a tale of innocence, exploitation, friendship, and time's insurmountable force against human life. The compelling narrative, the genuine performances, and Rohrwacher's skilled direction make the movie an engaging, thought-provoking and poignant experience.