Respond to these rapid questions in our Luzzu quiz and we will tell you which Luzzu character you are. Play it now.
“Luzzu” is a film about the gradual annihilation of ancient rituals and traditions, as well as the imposition of bureaucracy on something that has existed for hundreds of years. It is named after the traditional fishing boats used by Maltese fishermen. “Luzzu” occupies the uneasy space between tradition and modernity, a space in which the “old ways” are not only de-valued but also criminalized, wiping out the past and leaving people facing an uncertain future. It is not so much a question as it is a presentation of the problem, and it does so in a quasi-documentary style, erasing the distinction between the subject matter and the audience. “Luzzu” is not a homework assignment or a classroom lecture. “Luzzu” is set in a world that is rapidly disappearing, and director Alex Camilleri approaches the project with sensitivity, understanding that authenticity is critical to the film’s overall effectiveness. Luciano Camilleri’s work is clearly informed by Italian neo-realism and contemporaries of that tradition such as the Dardennes and Ramin Bahrani, among others (one of the producers of “Luzzu”). “Luzzu” is a moving portrait of a world in transition, and of one man’s struggle to adapt to the changes imposed on him by an incomprehensible outside universe.
Jesmark (Jesmark Scicluna) rides his brightly colored luzzu to and from work every day. He inherited the luzzu from his father, who in turn inherited it from his father, who in turn inherited it from his father. Jesmark fishes throughout the day and into the night in order to bring home a large catch that can be sold at the local fish auction. EU regulations have imposed restrictions on this centuries-old tradition. The illegal capture of certain fish during “closed season” is punishable by law, and boats are checked at random by officiating authorities, which is an outrage to these men who have been fishing since the dawn of time. Jesmark and his wife Denise (Michela Farrugia) have recently given birth to a child who requires special attention. They are unable to do so due to a lack of funds. A pall of worry hangs over the marriage, causing the couple to drift further apart. Jesmark is drawn into the criminal underworld of the corrupt fish industry as a result of his desperate situation. His luzzu has developed a leak and will require a complete overhaul, which will be costly. He divides his time between working on the luzzu and pursuing his speculative new side business.
In and out of the harbor, the luzzus float, their prows bulging with bulging wooden eyes peering out at a world that no longer makes sense. They are painted in bright colors and with personal touches, painted yellow, green, and blue, with bulging wooden eyes attached to the prows, eyes peering out at a world that no longer makes sense. The modern world is forcing the fish out of the harbor, as evidenced by the presence of a massive container port across the harbor. In his reflection, Jesmark notices that the only life he’s ever known is slipping away from him. On the inside of the boat is a yellow-painted baby’s footprint, which he has painted himself. What will he be able to pass on to his own son? The government offers buyouts to fishermen who wish to leave the industry. What, on the other hand, would Jesmark do? He is completely devoted to fishing.
But you shouldn’t waste any more time and start this Luzzu quiz.
First-time director Camilleri immerses himself in the world of this film. Using a close collaboration with cinematographer Léo Lefèvre, “Luzzu” captures the rituals and everyday tasks that go into this line of work: catching fish, packing them in ice for the ride back, cleaning fish, mending nets, and hauling a forbidden swordfish onto the boat before tossing it back. There isn’t a single explanation. By simply watching, you can gain an understanding of what is going on. It is possible to feel the sun, the sound of the waves, and the traffic on the roads in the background as if you were actually there. Camilleri was born in the United States, but his family came to the United States from Malta when he was a child. He grew up in snowy Minnesota, a long way from the sea breeze that he now enjoys. He sees Malta through the eyes of an exile, and exiles’ perceptions of their home countries are frequently sharp and pointed in nature. Most importantly, Camilleri approached Malta with a sense of wonder. The lack of an independent Maltese film culture, as well as the fact that Malta is often used to represent other locations in larger films, prompted Camilleri to travel to Malta and investigate what story he might want to tell there. Eventually, he became intrigued by the fishermen.
Luzzu Quiz
Non-actors make up the majority of the cast. He cast real fishermen in the roles of the fishermen, including Jesmark Scicluna, who played one of them. Everyone in the film is a real-life resident of this world. David Scicluna portrays Jesmark’s friend, who is attempting to follow the rules while also attempting to assist Jesmark. This is a fictionalized version of a real-life family reunion between two cousins. In his work with them, Camilleri encouraged both of them to improvise scenes, allowing them to do whatever they felt was appropriate in the given situation at the time. They are both engrossing to watch. When they fight, there is genuine pain in their hearts. In this world, there is no substitute for the chaotic fish auction, which takes place every day. When Chloé Zhao wrote the songs “Songs My Brothers Taught Me,” she took a similar approach as she did in “The Rider,” and to a lesser extent in “Nomadland.” When Brady Jandreau, the central character of “The Rider,” appeared in front of the camera, he was so unselfconsciously himself that it put some professional actors to shame. Likewise, Scicluna is a handsome man who is burdened, his shoulders tense with worry, and who is filled with tender love for his son (observe how he looks at the baby), but who is also terrified of him, and therefore terrified of himself. Because of his obvious affection for the luzzu, his family, and the harbor, Jesmark’s descent into criminality is made all the more painful.
Also, you will find out which character are you in this Luzzu quiz.
Authenticity is impossible to fake. Even if this appears to be an oversimplified or overly obvious statement, a film like “Luzzu” demonstrates the truth of the statement.
About the quiz
Select theaters are now showing the film.Also, you must try to play this Luzzu quiz.
For more personality quizzes check this: Julia Quiz.