Luca: Rich in Italian Flair, Makes You Want to Travel Immediately After Watching

From the very first second to the last, the blue sea, the ancient Italian town, the local delicacies, and the melodious music in this film constantly make you want to fly off on a vacation. It is an absolutely perfect summer movie. This is a film about how friendship helps people grow and explores themes of inclusion and acceptance. The characters are imbued with Italian cultural characteristics, making them vivid and entertaining, and you will almost laugh from beginning to end, but the ending will surely hit you in the feels.

When the trailer for *Luca* was first released, audiences quickly drew comparisons to *Call Me by Your Name* in animated form. Both films are set in an Italian summer and revolve around two boys. One of the boys is shy and introverted, but after meeting another cheerful, adventurous peer, his life undergoes a dramatic change. Although *Luca* doesn’t delve into a gay romance story as it's an animated film, it does depict a triangle relationship between two boys and a girl: Luca, a young sea monster boy who has never left his parents' protection; Alberto, an older and rebellious sea monster boy; and Giulia, a brave and kind-hearted girl they meet in the human world. Luca, who was once just a shepherd in an underwater village without any ambitions, becomes curious but lacks the courage. After meeting his two new friends, his horizons are broadened, and he finds new goals and pursuits in life.

The film is based on the director's personal experiences. He was also a boy born in an Italian seaside town like the one depicted in the film, and it was after meeting a friend that he came to know himself better. The story isn’t just about how the people you meet can change you, but also about any life experiences that give you the courage to step out of your comfort zone and break through limitations. Leaving your hometown, studying abroad, and other experiences can continuously lead you in new directions and shape a new self.

This is why the film resonates more with those who have left home to study or work. We all once lived in our little bubbles. Whether you’re from a village, small town, or big city, your perspective is limited. But when you step into an unknown world and constantly meet new people and face new challenges, you will better understand the world. Not only will your vision expand, but your heart will also gradually open up.

Communication, understanding, and inclusion will help you better accept others and new things. In the film, humans and sea monsters initially fear and are hostile towards each other due to a lack of understanding. Rumors lead to conflicts until Luca befriends the human girl Giulia, proving that they can coexist peacefully. The story teaches young people not to feel ashamed of their traits or origins. Even if you are rejected by some, don't lose heart; you will always find those who accept you, and these people will make you better. It’s these individuals who open doors for you, leading you step by step on new journeys, rather than those who reject you.

The film's chubby cat and various underwater creatures are hilariously depicted, carrying a sense of European humor. They are like characters from the *Minions* series, silly yet a bit arrogant. They differ significantly from previous Pixar animal characters, such as those in *Finding Nemo*, likely due to the Italian director's influence, which imbues the characters with local cultural traits. Among the human characters, Luca's parents are the most interesting, representing many overprotective parents who would go to great lengths for their children. The film also features a stereotypical bully character.

A memorable line from the film is “Silencio Bruno!” which means saying ‘no’ to the hesitant and doubtful thoughts in your mind. Although life doesn’t always have to be adventurous, while you are young, you should explore, meet new people, and not confine yourself to your own little world.