The similarities between the films of Jonas Carpignano and this film by Alex Camilleri are valid and hard to ignore. Really, they shouldn’t be ignored, because they speak to a modern day Europe, whether Italy or Malta specifically, and to the political, culture-wide problems that trickle down to create new, specific problems for society’s most vulnerable people.
In spite of all that Luzzu is a gentle, moving film. You’d think it would take a harsher bent. It’s not like a pillow fight or anything; it has its edges. But I think Camilleri puts empathy first and commentary second, because the former enhances the latter.
You can read my full review over at Paste Magazine.
A Constant Visual Feast 