Opopomoz (2003)
A mischievous Italian animated Christmas tale where a jealous boy and three bumbling devils attempt to rewrite the Nativity story.
Opopomoz - Movie Information
- Original Title: Opopomoz
- Release Year: 2003
- Directed by: Enzo D'Alò
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation, Family
- Runtime: 1h 15m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 5, 2003 (Italy), October 24, 2004 (United States), December 24, 2003 (France)
- Alternative Titles: 圣诞钟声 (CN)
- Production Companies: Albachiara, RAI Cinema, DeA Planeta, Cecchi Gori Group Fin.Ma.Vi
- Production Countries: Italy, Spain
Opopomoz - Plot
It's Christmas Eve in Naples. Little Rocco feels increasingly jealous due to the imminent birth of a baby brother. Three bungling devils sent by Satan promise him that if he'll stop Jesus from being born—entering the Nativity scene his father built by the magic word "opopomoz" and altering the past—his brother won't be born either.
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Opopomoz - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Enzo D'Alò
Main Cast
- Ciro Ricci
- Xsuela Douglas
- Silvio Orlando
- John Turturro
- Vincenzo Salemme
- Peppe Barra
- Fabio Volo
- Oreste Lionello
- Tonino Accolla
- Maricla Affatato
Writers
- Umberto Marino
- Enzo D'Alò
- Furio Scarpelli
- Giacomo Scarpelli
Producers
- Vittorio Cecchi Gori
- Luigi Musini
- Roberto Cicutto
Opopomoz - FAQs
What is Opopomoz about?
Opopomoz is set on Christmas Eve in Naples, where a little boy named Rocco grows jealous over his soon-to-be-born baby brother. Three clumsy devils strike a deal with him: use the magic word "opopomoz" to enter his father's Nativity scene and alter the past, preventing Jesus — and his brother — from ever being born.
Who directed Opopomoz?
Opopomoz was directed by Enzo D'Alò, one of Italy's most celebrated animation filmmakers. D'Alò is known for bringing warmth, humor, and visual inventiveness to family storytelling, and Opopomoz is a fine example of his distinctive style blending Italian folklore with heartfelt holiday spirit.
Who are the voice actors in Opopomoz?
The Italian voice cast is a real treat. John Turturro, Silvio Orlando, Vincenzo Salemme, Peppe Barra, and Fabio Volo all lend their voices to the film. Ciro Ricci voices young Rocco, while Xsuela Douglas plays Sara. It's a wonderfully eclectic ensemble that brings the Neapolitan world to life.
Is Opopomoz based on a true story or book?
Opopomoz is not based on a true story. The film draws on the rich Neapolitan tradition of the presepe — the elaborate Nativity scene — as a storytelling device, blending Italian Christmas folklore with an original fantasy adventure. The screenplay was written by Umberto Marino, Enzo D'Alò, Furio Scarpelli, and Giacomo Scarpelli.
When was Opopomoz released?
Opopomoz premiered in Italy on December 5, 2003, perfectly timed for the holiday season. It arrived in France on December 24, 2003, and later reached the United States on October 24, 2004. The film was produced in Italy and Spain and is a co-production between Albachiara, RAI Cinema, DeA Planeta, and Cecchi Gori Group Fin.Ma.Vi.
What makes the magic word "opopomoz" special in the film?
"Opopomoz" is the enchanted password that allows young Rocco to step inside his father's handcrafted Nativity scene and travel back to the first Christmas. It's the film's central magical conceit — a whimsical, nonsensical-sounding word that unlocks an entire world of mischief, wonder, and ultimately, a lesson about love and family.
What genre is Opopomoz and who is it for?
Opopomoz is an animated family film with a strong Christmas theme. It blends comedy, fantasy, and heartfelt emotion in a way that works for young children and nostalgic adults alike. Its Neapolitan setting and cultural flavor give it a distinctive charm that sets it apart from typical holiday animation fare.
What are some movies similar to Opopomoz?
If you enjoyed Opopomoz, you might also like Eleanor's Secret (2009), Nocturna (2007), Moonbound (2021), and Alien Xmas (2020) — all animated family films with a touch of fantasy and holiday magic. A Christmas Carol (1997) and LEGO Star Wars Terrifying Tales (2021) are also fun picks for family viewing.
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