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Drama

Luzzu (2021): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Luzzu (2021) movie poster

Luzzu is a 2021 drama directed by Alex Camilleri, starring Jesmark Scicluna as Jesmark, Michela Farrugia and Frida Cauchi. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes and earned $51,557 worldwide. Critics gave it 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 78 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10.

IMDb rating
6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
98%
worldwide gross
$51.6K
Echo Score
85
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Luzzu (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 34m (94 min)
Director
Alex Camilleri
Genre
Drama
Original language
Maltese
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Luzzu About?

The premise of Luzzu without spoilers.

A Maltese fisherman named Jesmark faces a difficult choice that could impact his family and community. When his traditional fishing boat, a luzzu, is damaged, he's tempted by a risky offer to sell it for a substantial profit. This decision pulls him into the black market, jeopardizing the future of his livelihood and the fragile Mediterranean ecosystem. He must navigate the pressures of his circumstances and the weight of his heritage.

Luzzu Themes & Keywords

· 37 tags
  • fisherman
  • malta
  • luzzu
  • fishing boat
  • tradition
  • fishing community
  • family relationships
  • baby check up
  • family duty
  • overfishing
  • bycatch
  • european union
+25 more
  • common fisheries policy
  • illegal fishing
  • corruption
  • fish market
  • fishing
  • mediterranean
  • fish
  • money problems
  • work
  • job
  • illegal work
  • married couple
  • married with children
  • infant
  • baby
  • husband wife relationship
  • boat
  • feeding baby
  • one word title
  • written by director
  • bird in a cage
  • wife
  • son
  • man
  • title spoken by character
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Cast & crew

Luzzu Cast & Characters

Jesmark Scicluna leads the cast as Jesmark, with Michela Farrugia as Denise and Frida Cauchi. Directed by Alex Camilleri; 6 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Luzzu

· 2 more
Ratings

Luzzu Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Luzzu 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 78 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (72).

85 /100

Luzzu Echo Score Breakdown

Luzzu presents a compelling portrait of a disappearing Maltese fishing world, anchored by strong visual craftsmanship and authentic performances. Critics note its vivid cinematography and measured direction, while audiences respond to its thematic relevance and cultural specificity. Some reviewers point to a lack of narrative climax and occasional pacing slowness, yet the film’s atmospheric appeal and earnest storytelling sustain interest on repeat viewings. Overall, the work stands out as a noteworthy neorealist debut with lasting resonance.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of direction and visual design, Luzzu excels with understated yet striking cinematography that captures Malta’s coastline in vivid detail. Reviewers commend the film’s naturalistic production values and careful editing, which reinforce its neorealist tone. Minor critiques note occasional roughness in pacing, but the overall craftsmanship remains consistently high, delivering a solid artistic foundation for the narrative.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character depth, the film benefits from nuanced performances, especially from non‑professional actors portraying real fishermen. Critics highlight the lead’s complex portrayal and the emotional weight carried by the supporting cast. Some viewers find certain character arcs underdeveloped, yet the majority of feedback underscores a credible and affecting ensemble that anchors the story’s human core.

  • Story & Flow 72

    The story offers an earnest exploration of tradition versus progress within a tight‑knit community, engaging audiences with authentic stakes. While many appreciate its thematic richness, several critiques point to a lack of a decisive climax and moments of sluggish pacing. These narrative hesitations temper an otherwise solid structure, resulting in a mixed but generally effective storytelling experience.

  • Sensory Experience 90

    Luzzu’s sensory experience is marked by striking visual composition and an evocative soundscape that immerses viewers in maritime life. Critics repeatedly praise the film’s sun‑drenched palette and crisp sound design, which together create a palpable sense of place. The audio‑visual harmony amplifies thematic resonance, making the sensory elements a standout strength of the production.

  • Rewatch Factor 78

    Regarding rewatch value, Luzzu’s authentic setting and thoughtful themes invite repeated viewings for deeper appreciation. Audience comments suggest the film remains compelling beyond an initial watch, though its measured pacing may limit immediate replay enthusiasm for some. Overall, the combination of cultural insight and aesthetic richness sustains interest over time, granting it solid lasting appeal.

Box office

Luzzu Box Office

Luzzu grossed $51,557 worldwide. $39,948 came from the US and Canada and $11,609 (23%) from the rest of the world.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$51.6K

US & Canada
$39.9K
International
$11.6K
US & Canada 77% Rest of the world 23%
Videos

Luzzu Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 1 trailer and 2 clips.

Luzzu – Official Trailer
  • Clip LUZZU - What Does a Boat Become?
  • Clip LUZZU - Family Matters Most
Details

Luzzu Also Known As

8 alternative titles, including “Луззу” and “Luzzu - Fiskeren fra Valletta”.

Also known as
  • Луззу
  • Luzzu - Fiskeren fra Valletta
  • 루쯔
  • Луццу
  • Entre Águas
  • 沧海渔生
  • Το Σκαρί
  • סירת עץ, ლუზუ

Seen Luzzu?

FAQ

Luzzu FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Luzzu, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Luzzu?

Luzzu runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).

When was Luzzu released?

Luzzu was released on October 15, 2021.

Who directed Luzzu?

Luzzu was directed by Alex Camilleri.

Who is in the cast of Luzzu?

Luzzu stars Jesmark Scicluna as Jesmark, Michela Farrugia as Denise and Frida Cauchi, among 6 credited actors.

How much did Luzzu make at the box office?

Luzzu grossed $51,557 worldwide ($39,948 domestic, $11,609 international).

How is Luzzu rated?

Luzzu has 6.9/10 on IMDb, 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, 78 on Metacritic and 69% on TMDB.

Does Luzzu have a post-credit scene?

No. Luzzu has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Luzzu in?

The original language of Luzzu is Maltese.

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