Happy as Lazzaro

Lazzaro is a young farmer, simple and hard-working, always ready with a helping hand. His kindness makes him an easy target for those who wish to take advantage of him — be it the Marchioness Alfonsina de Luna, the “Queen of Cigarettes” who owns the land on which he lives with his family, or Tancredi, her son. When Tancredi, fed up with his mother, asks Lazzaro to help him fake his own kidnapping, a strange yet strong bond forms between the two. Nominated for the Palme D’Or at Cannes, the film, which addresses themes of class, poverty and ideology, won the award for Best Screenplay at the festival.