Geppetto, a lonely woodcarver, brings to life ? literally ? a wooden puppet he names Pinocchio. This mischievous boy skips classes and instead undertakes a variety of exciting adventures. Whenever he faces a challenge, a blue-haired fairy appears to help him. But not all adventures are wonderful. On the Island of Toys Pinocchio is transformed into a donkey and narrowly escapes death. But soon after, he finds himself in the stomach of sea monster. This animated film depicts the classic story of Pinocchio as its creator, the Italian novelist Carlo Collodi, intended. Guided by accomplished animation director Enzo D′Alo, with worldrenowned illustrator Lorenzo Mattotti and a production staff of over 300, this is a film with a distinctly Italian feel. Four years in the making and starring Gabriele Caprio as the voice of Pinocchio and Mino Caprio as the long-suffering father, it is a sumptuous, charming feast where gorgeous visuals meet the masterful soundtrack composed by the late great Lucio Dalla. This year′s best animated film by Italy′s lead animator flies to Busan directly from the Venice Film Festival screens. (RHEE, Soue-won)