The film, taking place during Mussolini’s ascent to power, connects Collodi's narrative with the events surrounding his rise in Italy. The stop-motion animation is strikingly beautiful, showcasing "Geppetto" living a content life with his son "Carlo" until conflict disrupts their existence and he loses something essential. Overcome by grief, he creates a puppet that comes to life thanks to a woodland spirit – "Pinocchio." This boy, full of curiosity, mischief, and defiance, promises to be quite the challenge for his father and the cricket who befriends them. Pinocchio's talent for dancing attracts the attention of “Volpe,” leading him and his “papa” into a complex situation that brings considerable distress. The film weaves together elements of fantasy with political realities and harshness in an intelligent way. While the core theme of humanity remains central, it also explores its flaws and difficulties through depictions of both admirable and deplorable behavior. It functions as a love story, and stands out among the best adaptations, especially considering the director’s skill at balancing darkness and light—both thematically and visually—resulting in an absorbing and stimulating take on this more complex fairy tale. This is definitely worth seeing in theaters if possible; the artistry involved is elaborate, and the Desplat score enhances it perfectly.

Source on TMDB