Synopsis
Set in postwar remains of World War II, LUNA EL’ALTRAemits the warm generosity embedded in the folksongs of Napoli, A circus troupe shows up in the village and strange things start to happen to elementary schoolteacher Luna Di Capua The lamp which Luna confiscates from her students turns out to be a magic lamp stolen from the circus, Suddenly Luna’s shadow comes alive and wanders freely through the village, spreading joy and hope. Luna’s shadow falls in love with the school guard who has been in love with Luna for the longest time. Luna herself becomes weaker after losing her shadow but the moment comes when the two unite…
The famous Italian comedian, actor, author and director Maurizio Nichetti economically mixes comedy, animation and special effects of create this world of magic. On the other hand his historical insight is not to be underestimated.
The uptight Luna and her lively shadow, the schoolteachers who cannot escape from their ties with Fascism, and the village people who are still trapped in their Socialist mentality represent both side of the coin whereby rules and control, freedom and desire are in conflict. But as the film seems to suggest, this conflict is resolved through comic humanism.