Happy as Lazzaro

Selected by Richard T. Walker

Purehearted teen Lazzaro is content living as a sharecropper in rural Italy, but an unlikely friendship with the marquise’s son will change his world.

In Alice Rohrwacher’s disarming feature, a tone of magical realism is assisted by soundscapes that create otherworldly moods. Distant animals, ethereal wind, and music that seems to follow characters on their journeys all contribute to a sublime fairy tale quality.

“Lovely… a sensitive touch that makes every face, tree and ray of light come alive.” – Manohla Dargis, The New York Times

Part of the Fraenkel Film Festival