“Luca 2021” is a charming tale of two sea monsters who experience life on land. The movie is an ode to summer, friendship, and living life to the fullest. It’s like a refreshing lemonade on a hot day, with sweet moments, colorful visuals, and a heartwarming message about true friendship. The characters are endearing, the Italian Riviera setting is idyllic, and the animation is breathtaking. Luca and Alberto’s journey will make your heart skip a beat, leaving you with the feeling of pure joy and happiness. It’s a movie that will make you want to savor every moment of life!
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Review
Diving into the Deep Blue: Lessons from Pixar’s “Luca”
If Brené Brown, the bestselling author and TED speaker on vulnerability, courage, and empathy, were to watch “Luca,” the latest Pixar movie streaming on Disney+, she would likely find a lot to appreciate. Like many of her works, “Luca” offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of the human experience, as seen through the eyes of sea monsters who yearn to be free and accepted on land. With its lush visuals, lively soundtrack, and relatable themes of identity, friendship, family, and belonging, “Luca” has already gained a devoted following among kids and adults alike. What can we learn from this aquatic adventure about living bravely and authentically in a world that often tells us to hide our true selves? Let’s take a plunge.
The Storyline
“Luca” takes place in an Italian seaside town called Portorosso (which means red port), where a young sea monster named Luca (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) dreams of exploring the surface world beyond his underwater cave. His overprotective parents (Maya Rudolph and Jim Gaffigan) warn him of the dangers of humans who hunt sea monsters for their flesh or use them as cheap labor. However, when Luca meets another sea monster named Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer), who already had some land-living experience, he becomes fascinated with the idea of becoming human too by drying out under the sun. Together they embark on an adventure across fields and hills until they reach Portorosso disguised as humans.
There they meet Giulia (Emma Berman), an energetic girl who dreams of winning the local triathlon race and proving herself to her absent father (Marco Barricelli). She invites Luca and Alberto to stay at her family’s villa if they help her fix her old Vespa scooter. While learning about human customs and pleasures such as gelato, pasta, and star gazing, Luca and Alberto also face challenges that threaten their secret identity and their friendship. One is Ercole (Saverio Raimondo), the bully of the town who always wins the triathlon with his brute force and arrogance. The other is the looming threat of being discovered by Giulia or anyone else who might reveal their true nature to the world.
As Luca and Alberto learn more about themselves, each other, their human surroundings, and what it means to be brave, they also discover some surprising truths about sea monsters that challenge their assumptions and prejudices. They also meet a kind old man named Massimo (Marco Barricelli), Giulia’s father’s best friend, who welcomes them into his life despite his initial fear and ignorance of their species. With Massimo’s help, as well as some ingenious solutions inspired by a famous painter (who serves as a recurring motif throughout the film), Luca and Alberto prepare for the triathlon race that will determine their fate in Portorosso.
The Plot
While “Luca” may not have as complex or dramatic a plot as some of Pixar’s previous movies like “Toy Story,” “Inside Out,” or “Coco,” it still manages to convey important messages through its simple yet charming story arc. On one level, it’s a classic coming-of-age tale that shows how two misfits find each other and learn to navigate the awkwardness of adolescence together. Both Luca and Alberto share a yearning for something more than what their underwater life offers them, yet they also struggle with self-doubt and anxiety that make them hesitant to take risks or express themselves fully. By encouraging each other to be brave and curious, they help each other grow beyond their perceived limitations.
On another level, “Luca” deals with deeper themes of identity formation and belonging that resonate with many viewers, regardless of their age or species. Luca and Alberto both have to grapple with their fear of being rejected or harmed if they reveal who they really are, as well as with their curiosity about what it means to be human. They also have to confront the prejudices of others who see them only as monsters or freaks, rather than as individuals with unique personalities, talents, and stories.
The Fact
One of the interesting facts about “Luca” is that it was inspired by the childhood memories of its director Enrico Casarosa, who grew up in Genoa, Italy, and spent summers swimming in the sea and drawing comics. Casarosa also directed the Pixar short film “La Luna,” which features a similar theme of generational conflicts and coming-of-age rituals. He developed the idea for “Luca” in 2016 after pitching several concepts to Pixar’s chief creative officer John Lasseter (who has since left the company due to misconduct allegations).
Casarosa then assembled a team of artists and technicians who worked remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic to design and animate the film’s look and feel. The movie draws from various Italian sources for its cultural references, from classic movies like “La Dolce Vita” and “Bicycle Thieves” to folk legends such as Strega Nona and Passione. The characters’ designs incorporate elements that reflect their personalities and backgrounds, such as Giulia’s red hair (which means she comes from a family of fishermen) or Ercole’s grotesque features (which symbolize his brutish behavior).
The Casts
“Luca” features a talented voice cast that adds nuance and humor to each character. Jacob Tremblay (known for his acclaimed role in “Room”) provides a sensitive yet playful performance as Luca, capturing his wonder at discovering new things while also conveying his fears about being himself. Jack Dylan Grazer (from “It” and “Shazam”) brings a mischievous and upbeat energy to Alberto, hinting at his hidden vulnerabilities and sadness. Emma Berman, a newcomer, infuses Giulia with a spunky and optimistic spirit that contrasts with her loving but complex relationship with her dad.
The adult cast also shines in their roles, with Maya Rudolph and Jim Gaffigan adding warmth and humor as Luca’s parents, who balance their concern for their son’s safety with their desire for him to fulfill his potential. Sacha Baron Cohen (famous for his satirical personas such as Ali G and Borat) makes a brief but memorable appearance as Uncle Ugo, a paranoid sea creature who lives in an abandoned shipwreck full of gadgets. Saverio Raimondo gives Ercole a menacing presence that helps make him a convincing antagonist.
The Quotes
“Luca” contains several memorable quotes that capture the movie’s themes. Here are some examples:
– “Silenzio Bruno!” – Alberto uses this catchphrase whenever Luca or anyone else doubts or fears their plan to venture into the human world. It means “Silence, Bruno!”, referring to an imaginary voice that represents one’s inner critic or saboteur.
– “I’m not hiding anymore.” – Luca declares this truth after he reveals his sea monster form to Giulia and Massimo during a touching scene on the beach at night. It shows how he has gained more confidence and acceptance of himself.
– “I don’t wanna go home riddled with regret.” – Alberto expresses this fear when he faces the possibility of losing Luca’s friendship or being forced to leave Portorosso if they get exposed. It reflects how many people struggle with regret over not taking chances or speaking up when it matters.
The Acting and Characters
One of the strengths of “Luca” lies in its vivid characterizations that make us care about the sea monsters and humans alike. Each character has distinct traits that make them feel real and relatable, even when they are not entirely human. Luca, for example, embodies a blend of curiosity, sensitivity, and kindness that makes him endearing to both Alberto and the audience. He also has a mysterious connection with the sea that hints at his deeper nature.
Alberto, by contrast, exudes a playful and adventurous spirit that masks his pain of being abandoned by his human friend. He seeks validation and attention from Luca as much as he seeks freedom from his past. His rivalry with Ercole mirrors Luca’s rivalry with his own fears and doubts.
Giulia adds a refreshing spark of energy to the story with her confident yet vulnerable personality. She reminds us how girls can be just as brave and capable as boys in competing or fixing machines. Her relationship with her father adds another layer of emotional resonance to the plot, as it explores the theme of absent or distant parents who struggle to connect with their offspring.
Ercole serves as more than just a one-dimensional bully or antagonist. His behavior reflects his own insecurities about not living up to his dad’s expectations and being overshadowed by other kids who have more talents than he does. He also shows how people can change if they learn from their mistakes or see things from another perspective.
The History
While “Luca” may not delve into historical events or figures like some Pixar movies such as “Brave” or “Coco,” it still captures some aspects of Italian culture and folklore that enrich its world-building. The movie references various landmarks and traditions that evoke Italy’s picturesque charm and diversity, such as the Palio di Siena horse race, the Ligurian coast cliffs, or the Renaissance painter Andrea Mantegna.
It also alludes to some darker aspects of Italian history, such as Mussolini’s fascist regime (which banned jazz music) or the legacy of the Mafia. One of the movie’s subplots involves a recurring character named Ciccio (voiced by veteran actor Sandy Martin), who runs a local fish market and has connections to both Giulia’s father and Ercole’s family. Ciccio serves as a symbol of both corruption and redemption, as he shows how people can choose to do good or evil based on their values and circumstances.
The Score and Popularity
Another notable aspect of “Luca” is its score, composed by Dan Romer, who also scored “Beasts of the Southern Wild” and “Maniac.” The music blends Italian folk melodies with contemporary pop songs such as “Citta Vuota” by Mina or “Il Mare Calmo della Sera” by Andrea Bocelli. The soundtrack captures the exuberance and nostalgia of childhood summers spent outdoors, as well as the emotional ups and downs of friendship.
The movie has been well received by critics and audiences alike, scoring an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 158 reviews. Many reviewers have praised its engaging characters, stunning visuals, and heartfelt themes. A few have criticized its lack of ambition or originality compared to other Pixar movies, but even they acknowledge its entertainment value.
The Filming
Of course, since “Luca” is an animated feature film, it doesn’t involve traditional filming in the sense that live-action movies do. Instead, it relies on software programs like Maya for 3D modeling and animation, RenderMan for lighting and rendering, and various tools for simulation (such as for water effects) or compositing (to combine different elements into the final image). Pixar has been at the forefront of computer animation technology since it produced its first short film in 1984 (“The Adventures of André & Wally B.”), using custom-built programs that evolved into commercially available ones like RenderMan.
Despite the technical challenges of producing a movie during a pandemic, the crew of “Luca” managed to collaborate remotely and communicate effectively via online tools like Zoom or Slack. According to Casarosa, the production took about four years from inception to release, with artists and animators working on different shots or sequences as they became available. They also had to adjust some aspects of the movie due to COVID-19 restrictions, such as limiting some scenes that required crowds or reducing some details in the background designs.
The Evaluation
As a fan of Pixar movies and Brené Brown’s work, I found “Luca” to be a delightful and engaging film that delivers both entertainment and inspiration. While it may not have the epic scope or emotional depth of some other Pixar classics, it still manages to create a world that feels rich in detail and heart. The characters are likable and relatable without being superficial or clichéd. The story flows nicely without feeling rushed or predictable.
More importantly, “Luca” offers some important messages about embracing our differences as strengths rather than weaknesses, about facing our fears with humor and curiosity rather than avoidance or aggression, and about seeking connection with others who share our dreams and values rather than settling for isolation or conformity. As Brené Brown would say, “true belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.” By embodying this principle through its charming sea monsters and human heroes, “Luca” reminds us that we can all learn something from those who seem different from us if we have the courage to dive beneath the surface.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 95
- Release : 2021-06-17
- Genre : Animation, Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure, Family
- Cast : Jacob Tremblay as Luca Paguro (voice), Jack Dylan Grazer as Alberto Scorfano (voice), Emma Berman as Giulia Marcovaldo (voice), Saverio Raimondo as Ercole Visconti (voice), Maya Rudolph as Daniela Paguro (voice)
- Crew : Ennio Morricone as In Memory Of, Andrea Warren as Producer, Scott Clark as Animation, Michael Venturini as Animation Supervisor, Kim White as Director of Photography
- Popularity 115.068
- Budget : $200,000,000
- Revenue : $49,750,471
- Company : Pixar, Walt Disney Pictures
- Summary : Luca and his best friend Alberto experience an unforgettable summer on the Italian Riviera. But all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface.
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