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Luca it is an animated film from Disney and Pixar that was released in 2021. Directed by Enrico Casarosa in his debut as a feature film director, the film transports us to the charming Italian Riviera to tell a magical and deeply human story about friendship, acceptance and the passage from childhood to adolescence.
With a nostalgic and vibrant visual style, Luca combine fantasy with everyday reality in a picturesque setting full of warm colors and Mediterranean architecture. The film stands out for its tenderness, its narrative simplicity and for addressing complex themes such as identity, inclusion and overcoming fear of the unknown.
Synopsis
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The story revolves around Luca Paguro, a young sea creature that lives under the sea near the Italian coast. Luca leads a quiet and sheltered life with his parents, but is increasingly curious about the surface world, which he has been taught to fear.
One day, Luca meets Alberto Scorfano, another sea creature that has already explored the human world. Together they discover that, when they get out of the water, they can take human form. Fascinated by the wonders of the terrestrial world (Paste, gelatos and, above all, VespasGo, the two friends decide to venture to the coastal town of Portorosso, hiding his true identity.
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There they meet Giulia Marcovaldo, an energetic and passionate human girl, with whom they form a strong bond. The three enter a local competition that could help them achieve their dream of buying a Vespa and traveling the world.
However, they must face several challenges: the arrogant Ercole Visconti, who mocks and dominates the other competitors; the constant fear of being discovered as sea monsters; and the growing emotional tension between Luca, Alberto and their respective desires to belong.
The story culminates in a powerful reflection on friendship, courage and the importance of accepting oneself.
Cast (Original voices in English)
- Jacob Tremblay like Luca Paguro: A curious and intelligent young man, full of dreams to know the world beyond the ocean.
- Jack Dylan Grazer like Alberto Scorfano: Extroverted and adventurous friend of Luca, with a brave attitude and a lonely past.
- Emma Berman like Giulia Marcovaldo: A determined and enthusiastic human who seeks to find her place in the world.
- Maya Rudolph like Daniela Paguro: Luca's mother, very protective and fearful of the surface world.
- Jim Gaffigan like Lorenzo Paguro: Calm and somewhat distracted father of Luca.
- Saverio Raimondo like Ercole Visconti: The main antagonist, arrogant and conceited champion of the Portorosso race.
- Marco Barricelli like Massimo Marcovaldo: Giulia's father, a tough but big-hearted fisherman.
Criticisms
Luca he received generally positive reviews, especially highlighting his artistic style, emotional warmth, and refreshing approach.
Strengths pointed out by critics:
- Visual aesthetics: Many critics praised the art direction, inspired by watercolor and classic Italian cinema, comparing it to works by Studio Ghibli.
- Emotional narrative: The film was appreciated for its tenderness, sensitivity and focus on human emotions rather than epic conflicts.
- Relationship between Luca and Alberto: The friendship between the two main characters was described as authentic and moving, exploring themes of identity, belonging and personal growth.
Some less favorable reviews:
- Some viewers expected a more ambitious plot or one with deeper development, especially compared to other Pixar films such as Soul or Coco.
- It was also mentioned that the message of inclusion could have been more explicit, although many appreciated the subtlety with which it was presented.
Public reception
The general public welcomed Luca with enthusiasm, especially among families and the youngest. It was perceived as a comforting film, ideal to watch at home during the summer.
On platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, the film maintains a score of over 90% audience approval, while in IMDb it has a rating of approximately 7.4/10. On social media and film forums, many viewers shared personal experiences related to identity discovery, indicating that the film emotionally resonated with a diverse audience.
The premiere took place directly at Disney+, without going through theaters in several countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even so, it was one of the most viewed films on the platform during its opening week.
Technical and visual aspects
Visual and artistic style
The visual design of Luca it is one of its greatest strengths. Inspired by director Enrico Casarosa's childhood memories in Genoa, Italy, the film captures the essence of the Italian coastal towns of the 1950s and 1960s. The colorful houses, cobblestone streets, squares with fountains and sunny skies evoke a feeling of summer nostalgia.
The character movements are deliberately cartoonish, moving away a bit from the hyperrealism of other Pixar films. This choice gives the film a more artisanal and poetic feel.
Music
The soundtrack was composed by Dan Romer, who managed to create a happy and emotional atmosphere at the same time. In addition to the original music, traditional Italian and pop songs are included that reinforce the local flavor.
Animation
The animation of the water, both under the sea and on the surface, is another notable point. The Pixar team achieved a dynamic, colorful and technically impressive representation. The design of the sea creatures is unique and charming, with soft and expressive transformations when switching between human and marine form.
Conclusion
Luca it is not an epic film nor does it pretend to be. Its strength lies in its simplicity, its tenderness, and the beauty of everyday things: a friendship, a sunny afternoon, the first ice cream, an argument between friends, the excitement of an unforgettable summer.
More than a sea monster story, Luca it is a story about accepting oneself, facing fears and daring to dream. The metaphor of erser different arse is presented subtly, but with enough force to touch those who have ever felt that they do not fit.
It is a love letter to childhood, to the freedom to explore the world without prejudice and to those friendships that mark us forever. Although it may not reach the philosophical depth of other Pixar films, Luca it shines for its warmth, its visual beauty and its ability to excite without great artifice.
A summer gem that reminds us that sometimes the real journey is learning who we are and finding those who accept us just the way we are.
