Luzzu

 

Luzzu (Amazon Prime)

A Luzzu is a traditional Maltese multicolored wooden fishing boat with a pair of eyes painted on the bow to guide the fishermen back to shore. It is a metaphor for the price of change. Jesmark Scicula is the hard scrabble fisherman trying to eke out a living from fishing made harder by overfishing in the Mediterranean Sea. He has a sick baby boy and is desperate for money. His wife Denise is  the classic Maltese beauty played by Michela Farrugia, anguished by her son’s condition. Malta has socialized medicine but specialized baby formula still costs forty euros and if you want the best medical care you must pay.

Luzzu tells many tales. As Jesmark searches for more opportunities to supplement his income he spirals into the local black fishing market. The Luzzu fishermen catch a modest number of fish which for generations sustained them but with overfishing their catch is depleted. Jesmark’s growing desperate financial condition pushes him into criminal activities.

The Luzzu is leaking and needs repair. This boat belonged to his grandfather’s grandfather and is a symbol of a bygone lifestyle. To raise money he goes to the office of the European Union who encourage fisherman to give up fishing for a bounty on their boats and be reeducated  for another profession. He gets 7,000 euros for the boat and takes it to the junk yard to be trashed. He uses the money to buy a used refrigerated truck so he can transport illegal fish. His descent is complete.

The financial situation and Jesmark’s increasing involvement in the black market strains his marriage. Denise’s family is more affluent and Jesmark  resents their assistance. His mother-in-law is not generous with her help and disdains Jesmark. Her sour face needs no words.

The movie presents other signs of change. The film is shot in one of Malta’s bays. Opposite the bay is a ship container port with hulking cranes silhouetting the horizon. The scene could be easily mistaken for Elizabeth New Jersey. There is a shot of a three lane highway choked with traffic. In 1969 there were only three traffic lights in Malta. In the past immigration was the norm now guest workers emigrate to the island for work. It is debatable if all change is good but undeniably it is inevitable.

Jesmark Scicula is an actual fisherman. For a novice actor he gives a compelling performance. He received the award for best actor at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. The film was selected as the Maltese entry for the best international feature film at the 94^th Academy Awards.