195. Luzzu; movie review

 

LUZZU

Cert 15

95 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong language

Simply providing for one's family is arguably the most stressful part of a parent's life.

And somehow it always seems easier for previous generations when, in reality, they had much less in terms of material wealth.

This is precisely the scenario faced by hardworking Maltese fisherman, Jesmark who is faced with heart-wrenching decisions about his future.

He can either repair the leaky boat which has been handed down for 100 years or decommission it for a European Union payout.

If he takes the latter he will add to his money by joining a black market operation which is casting a dark shadow over the traditional fishing industry.

Jesmark is played by Jesmark Scicluna whose convincing performance is all the more praiseworthy because he is not a professional actor.

Indeed, he is, in common with others in the cast, a fisherman in real life.

Anyway, he adeptly conveys the struggles of those who live by the sea but have had their potential wages drastically cut by increased regulation or criminals muscling in.

Thus, they are often left with a dilemma over whether they should join them because they can't beat them.

Luzzu reaches for the heartstrings because Jesmark and his partner (Michela Farrugia) have a newborn son who needs urgent medical treatment.

They are at their wits' end how to pay doctors and pharmacists and this leaves previously upstanding Jesmark with his horrible dilemma.

Alex Camilleri's movie, set to the beautiful backdrop of a Malteses harbour, is a deeply personal story but could be translated to the many young people who find themselves burdened by the current economic crisis.

The non-professional cast help give it a special, authentic feel.

Reasons to watch: Enlightening story

Reasons to avoid: Low key

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 8/10

Did you know? Malta's five tuna farms receive around a quarter of all Eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna caught in the world every year. This makes Malta one of the most important players in the tuna industry.

The final word. Alex Camilleri: "The beautiful and eclipsing world of Malta's traditional fishermen has long captured my imagination. When I began my research for the film, I quickly saw that questions of family, fate and sacrifice - things I wondered about in my own life - weighed on many fishermen."

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