HAPPY AS LAZZARO (2018): Review by FF2 Media

Happy As Lazzaro is a metaphorical journey about a group of Italian peasants who are being exploited as sharecroppers by a tobacco producer. One young man, Lazzaro, is extremely kind, and lives a life of miracles and misfortune because of it. Director Alice Rohrwacher delivers a slightly absurd but meditative and aesthetically pleasing story about ethics. (GPG: 2/5)

Review by FF2 Contributor Giorgi Plys-Garzotto

Lazzaro is a sweet, kind boy who lives on a farm in Italy; unbeknownst to him or any of his family, they are all being illegally kept in debt through a system of sharecropping, which has been illegal in Italy for years. In fact, at the beginning of the movie, I was pretty sure the film was set far in the past, rather than roughly in the present. Lazzaro and his fellow sharecroppers are ruled over by a family of tobacco producers who live like aristocrats with these sharecropper serfs as their peasants.

Lazzaro’s main character trait is that he lets anyone do anything to him, and he’ll do anything for anyone. Relatedly, he is incredibly gullible and thinks the best of people all the time. Lazzaro is actually so gullible that he is convinced to shoot up a bank because his rich master told him it was the bank’s fault that the peasants were as poor as they were. There appears to be some kind of metaphor there for sainthood, because there is a moment when there are some icons of saints pointed out to Lazzaro in one of those significant ways that let you know it’s #thematic. Relatedly, there is a pretty major miracle in the middle of the movie, the significance of which was unclear??? I guess you get what you pay for with magical realism.

However, Lazzaro’s gullibility doesn’t get him very far. Without going into any spoilers, he meets a saintly end, which those who have read the Bible will know are usually violent and miserable. It’s kind of unclear what the message of the movie is, because the outcome is basically just that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, and that even when the law intervenes to help the poor, it doesn’t help enough. The way the tobacco producer and his family manipulate Lazzaro and the other peasants doesn’t seem to leave much room for hope, especially since their response tends to be fairly apathetic. Lazzaro just happily does anything the tobacco producer asks of him, even after he knows what’s going on with the estate! The other peasants just shrug and go back to whatever labor they can get, without trying to find a better life.

Ultimately, I was confused at why the peasants in Happy As Lazzaro were so okay with being downtrodden. Is the movie supposed to be about how the meek will inherit the earth? If so, we certainly don’t see them inheriting anything much over the course of the story. Is it meant to show how the poor are exploited by the rich? It definitely does that, in tragically real detail despite the magical realism of its story. Like the stories of most saints, Lazzaro’s is confusing and sad.

© Giorgi Plys-Garzotto FF2 Media (1/31/19)

Q: Does Happy As Lazzaro pass the Bechdel-Wallace test?

It does not. Lazzaro is the main focus, and when he isn’t the main focus other men usually are.

Top Photo: Lazzaro among the tobacco leaves.

Middle Photo: Lazzaro in the outside world, picking up trash.

Bottom Photo: Lazzaro and one of the owners of the plantation.

Photo Credit: Tempesta.

Giorgi Plys-Garzotto

By Giorgi Plys-Garzotto

Giorgi Plys-Garzotto is a journalist and copywriter living in Brooklyn. She especially loves writing about queer issues, period pieces, and the technical aspects of films. Some of her favorite FF2 pieces she's written are her review of The Game Changers, her feature on Black Christmas, and her interview with the founders of the Athena Film Festival! You can also find more of her work on her website!

152 comments

  1. Hey! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?
    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to no data backup.

    Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?

  2. Hello, Neat post. There is an issue together with your web site in web explorer, may test this?

    IE still is the marketplace chief and a big element of folks will omit your fantastic
    writing due to this problem.

  3. Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is important and all. Nevertheless just imagine if you added some great graphics or video clips
    to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with
    pics and clips, this site could undeniably be one of the very best in its niche.
    Excellent blog!

  4. Hi, I do believe this is an excellent blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will revisit once
    again since i have bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you
    be rich and continue to help others.

  5. An intriguing discussion is definitely worth comment. There’s
    no doubt that that you need to publish more on this issue, it may not
    be a taboo matter but usually people don’t discuss these
    issues. To the next! Kind regards!!

  6. Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that
    it is really informative. I’m going to watch out for
    brussels. I’ll appreciate if you continue this in future.
    Lots of people will be benefited from your writing.

    Cheers!

  7. Hey are using WordPress for your blog platform?
    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get
    started and set up my own. Do you need any html
    coding knowledge to make your own blog? Any help
    would be greatly appreciated!

  8. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your blog.
    You have some really great posts and I believe I would be a good asset.
    If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some content for your blog in exchange
    for a link back to mine. Please send me an e-mail if interested.
    Regards!

  9. Greetings I am so glad I found your weblog, I really found you by
    accident, while I was looking on Digg for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just
    like to say kudos for a fantastic post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also included your
    RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more,
    Please do keep up the awesome job.

  10. Hey I am so thrilled I found your weblog, I really found you by mistake,
    while I was searching on Askjeeve for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would
    just like to say kudos for a remarkable post and
    a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I
    don’t have time to go through it all at the moment but I have saved
    it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back
    to read a lot more, Please do keep up the superb work.

  11. Hello there, I found your site via Google even as looking
    for a comparable subject, your web site got here up, it looks
    great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hello there, just became alert to your blog thru Google, and
    found that it is really informative. I am going to be careful for
    brussels. I will be grateful in the event you continue this in future.

    A lot of other folks can be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

  12. Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon everyday.
    It’s always exciting to read articles from other authors and practice a little something from other web sites.

  13. You are so awesome! I do not believe I have read through something like
    this before. So wonderful to find somebody with
    genuine thoughts on this issue. Really.. many thanks for starting this up.
    This website is something that’s needed on the internet, someone with
    a bit of originality!

  14. Howdy! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance
    from an established blog. Is it tough to set
    up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast.
    I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not
    sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions?

    Thanks

  15. I am extremely inspired together with your writing talents as well as with the
    structure in your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it your self?
    Either way stay up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to look a
    nice weblog like this one these days..

  16. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as
    I provide credit and sources back to your weblog? My blog site is in the exact
    same niche as yours and my visitors would truly benefit from some of the information you provide here.
    Please let me know if this okay with you. Appreciate it!

  17. My partner and I stumbled over here by a different page and thought I may as well check things out.
    I like what I see so now i am following you.
    Look forward to exploring your web page for a second time.

  18. Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just
    your articles? I mean, what you say is important and all.

    But think about if you added some great pictures or video
    clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with
    images and clips, this blog could definitely
    be one of the very best in its niche. Very good blog!

  19. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked
    submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say wonderful blog!

  20. Greetings from Florida! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to browse your site on my iphone during lunch
    break. I enjoy the knowledge you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, awesome blog!

  21. I am not certain the place you are getting your information, however good topic.
    I must spend some time studying much more or understanding
    more. Thank you for magnificent info I was on the lookout for this info for my mission.

  22. I’ve read a few just right stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking
    for revisiting. I surprise how so much effort you put to make this kind of excellent informative
    web site.

  23. Hey very nice site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds also?
    I’m happy to search out so many useful information here within the post, we need develop more strategies
    on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . .
    .

  24. Hey just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly.

    I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different
    browsers and both show the same results.

  25. You could certainly see your enthusiasm within the work you write.
    The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe.

    All the time follow your heart.

  26. Have you ever considered about including a little bit
    more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and
    everything. But just imagine if you added some great images or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!
    Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this website could definitely be one of the
    very best in its field. Wonderful blog!

  27. We’re a bunch of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.

    Your web site provided us with helpful info to work on. You’ve
    performed an impressive process and our
    whole group will be grateful to you.

  28. Hi there would you mind stating which blog platform you’re
    working with? I’m going to start my own blog soon but I’m having a difficult time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
    The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique.
    P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!

  29. Thank you for any other excellent article.
    Where else may just anybody get that kind of info
    in such an ideal manner of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and
    I’m on the search for such info.

  30. Thanks for another great post. Where else
    may just anyone get that type of information in such a perfect way of writing?
    I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the search for such info.

  31. Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger,
    and I was wondering your situation; we have created some
    nice procedures and we are looking to exchange techniques with others, please shoot me an email if interested.

  32. Hey very nice blog!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb ..
    I will bookmark your site and take the feeds also? I’m satisfied to find so many useful information right here within the post,
    we need work out more strategies on this regard, thank you for sharing.

    . . . . .

  33. Hello! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site?
    I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had
    problems with hackers and I’m looking at options
    for another platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  34. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
    The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness
    over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this
    increase.

  35. hey there and thank you for your information – I’ve certainly picked up something new from right here.
    I did however expertise a few technical issues using this
    site, as I experienced to reload the site a lot of times previous
    to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering
    if your web hosting is OK? Not that I am complaining,
    but slow loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and
    can damage your high quality score if ads and marketing with
    Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look
    out for much more of your respective exciting content. Ensure
    that you update this again very soon.

  36. Hi, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and
    i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam remarks?
    If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can advise?

    I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any support is very much appreciated.

  37. Hello, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar
    one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam feedback?
    If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything
    you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any assistance is very much
    appreciated.

  38. Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d
    ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa?
    My site addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each
    other. If you might be interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
    I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!

  39. You are so cool! I do not think I’ve truly read something like that before.

    So wonderful to find someone with unique thoughts on this topic.
    Really.. thank you for starting this up. This web site is one thing that’s needed on the
    web, someone with some originality!

  40. Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is valuable and all. However think of if you added some great graphics or videos to give your
    posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and
    videos, this website could undeniably be one
    of the very best in its field. Terrific blog!

  41. Hey there, I think your site might be having browser
    compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Opera, it looks fine
    but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
    Other then that, terrific blog!

  42. Howdy, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering
    if you get a lot of spam comments? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can advise?
    I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any assistance
    is very much appreciated.

    my site … assistent speelautomaten – Wilda

  43. I’ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this kind of house .
    Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website.

    Reading this info So i am happy to convey that I have an incredibly
    excellent uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed.

    I such a lot indubitably will make certain to don?t disregard this website
    and provides it a look regularly.

  44. It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly
    donate to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your
    RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share
    this blog with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

  45. I like what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever work and coverage!
    Keep up the good works guys I’ve added you guys to my personal
    blogroll.

  46. Attractive portion of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert
    that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
    Anyway I’ll be subscribing for your augment and even I success you get entry to consistently fast.

  47. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something
    which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me.
    I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!

  48. I was more than happy to discover this site. I wanted to thank you for your time just for this fantastic read!!
    I definitely liked every little bit of it and i also have you saved
    as a favorite to look at new information in your blog.

  49. Howdy! I know this is sort of off-topic but I needed to ask.
    Does managing a well-established blog such as yours take a
    lot of work? I’m completely new to blogging however I do write in my diary daily.
    I’d like to start a blog so I can share my
    experience and thoughts online. Please let me know if you have
    any kind of ideas or tips for new aspiring blog owners.
    Thankyou!

  50. new united statesn no deposit bonus casino royale english google docs [Booker]
    2021, mobile casinos united states and top online pokies
    and casinos canadian league, or united kingdom poker slot machine online

  51. I would recommend starting the milk thistle about 2 weeks before the cycle, continuing it throughout the cycle, and finally ending it 2 weeks after the cycle to effectively kill any toxins or anything that could cause any damage to the liver, and finally help with the regeneration process of the liver buy cialis generic online cheap

  52. Разрешение на строительство — это публичный акт, предоставляемый уполномоченными ведомствами государственного аппарата или местного руководства, который дает возможность начать строительную деятельность или осуществление строительных работ.
    Порядок получения разрешения на строительство задает правовые положения и условия к стройке, включая дозволенные типы работ, дозволенные материалы и подходы, а также включает строительные нормы и наборы охраны. Получение разрешения на строительные работы является необходимым документов для строительной сферы.

  53. Быстромонтируемые здания – это прогрессивные сооружения, которые различаются громадной скоростью возведения и гибкостью. Они представляют собой строения, состоящие из эскизно созданных составляющих или блоков, которые имеют возможность быть быстрыми темпами смонтированы в участке строительства.
    Каркасное здание из металлоконструкций и сэндвич панелей располагают гибкостью также адаптируемостью, что позволяет легко преобразовывать а также модифицировать их в соответствии с запросами заказчика. Это экономически продуктивное и экологически надежное решение, которое в последние годы приобрело широкое распространение.

  54. Быстровозводимые здания – это прогрессивные здания, которые отличаются повышенной быстротой установки и гибкостью. Они представляют собой здания, образующиеся из заранее сделанных составляющих либо узлов, которые имеют возможность быть быстрыми темпами собраны на пункте застройки.
    Строительство быстровозводимых зданий из металлоконструкций обладают податливостью также адаптируемостью, что позволяет просто менять а также модифицировать их в соответствии с запросами клиента. Это экономически эффективное а также экологически долговечное решение, которое в последние годы заполучило маштабное распространение.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *