Life Is Beautiful (La Vita E Bella) Reviews

• Absolutely Charming and Memorable

  
  By A3QTPU6XIG3RXG on 2001-12-26
  Before I listened to this, I held Edward Scissorhands in high esteem as the most beautiful score of all time. Life is Beautiful proved otherwise. Nicola Piovani made a charming score with heartfelt themes while still retaining the Italian nature of the film and its controversial subject. There are two innocent-sounding main themes that make up the film, one which is a deep somber theme for the theme of the film, and the other which is a light-hearted charming theme for Benigni's character. Both are used equally in the film and with great effect. Besides listening to the wonderful themes, I enjoyed listening to the Italian-influenced music, such as "Grand Hotel Valse" or "Grand Hotel Fox", which create the time and place of the movie without being intrusive. The music throughout the film is happy but tracks such as "La Notte Di Fuga", "Il Treno Nel Buio", and "Il Gioco Di Giosue" still remind the listener of the Holocaust-influence in the film. After the dark music, the CD ends with an absolutely moving rendition of the main theme, the best rendition of it in the whole film. Anyone who holds foreign films and their music in disregard should see Life is Beautiful. It's the perfect marriage between music and visuals, and it is not the same without Piovani's wonderful score.
  
  

• Life does not getmore beautfil than this!!!

  
  By on 1999-09-14
  The musical score form the movie, 'Life is Beautiful', is something to be treasured. I bought this CD only 3 days after I saw the film. The music has a way of envoking such powerful emotions, and it truly does make you(well me atleast)feel that life is beautiful.
  
  

• Married to it!

  
  By on 1999-09-30
  I was so moved by the film & the music that I chose to walk down the aisle to Bon Giorno Principessa. Its a beautiful piece of music
  
  

• Bellissima..!

  
  By A1U1RUAI5TJHFP on 2000-06-19
  Sometimes a soundtrack album emerges that is worth buying for one theme alone (like Jean de Florette / Manon des Sources), but this album has TWO of these tracks: "Buongiorno principessa" and "La vita e' bella" Both superb! A complaint some have about this album is that the themes seem to linger on during the entire album... They do, and it's BRILLIANT! Note: in Europe a new version of this album has come out, with a vocal song (in English) added to it. Interesting?
  
  

• A Beautiful Soundtrack to a Great Film

  
  By A26B4VZXNM5FAU on 2000-01-20
  After seeing the film, I knew that I had to get the soundtrack, and I wasn't disappointed at all. I like the entire CD, although Buon Giorno Principessa, the first track, is especially moving. All in all, brilliant orchestration by Nicola Piovani. I would not, however, buy the soundtrack without seeing the film.
  
  
• La Musica E Bella
  By A2ZECKGL1UZAUL on 2005-07-01
  Piovanni made a masterpiece with this soundtrack. This music won the Oscar of Best Dramatic Music in 1998. All the tracks of the CD have a special feeling. Through the seventeen tracks the CD shows a great range of feelings. It serves to create a perfect atmosphere for an Italy of the SWW. Next the highlights of the soundtrack:
  
  *BUON GIORNO PRINCIPESSA shows a lethargic, romantic and beautiful theme for the movie, the solo of guitar are really nice. This is one of my favorites.
  *LA VITTA E BELLA, well this track is a masterpiece, the main theme of the movie. It shows a colorful atmosphere, it demonstrates a pretty sense of the italic provinces of that time. It is wonderful, and it is one of my favorites.
  *VIVA GIOSUE is a really nice variation of the main theme, with a little bit of innocence feeling. This variation appears also in IL GIOCO DI GIOSUE and GUIDO E FERRUCCIO, this second with a piano addition really nice.
  *GRAND HOTEL VALSE, this is the first dancing track of the CD. This waltz uses an orchestra, so the music is more colorful, also it has a bit of magnificence. The track has a very good rhythm, and it is one of my favorites.
  *GRAND HOTEL FOX, the second dancing track, a really good fox trot. This melody initiates the dance in the Grand Hotel. Is a really nice piece, it has all the elements to be an excellent track. This is another of my favorites.
  *ARRIVA IL CARRO ARMATO is a piece that gives a winner feeling. It is a march variation of the main theme. Also it serves as a tribute to the American soldiers that ended the cruelty of the fascism. The innocence feeling appears again, one of my favorites.
  *VALSE LARMOYANTE is another masterpiece of the CD. It is a more lethargic and romantic variation of GRAND HOTEL VALSE, with more string instruments. The opening with the violins is really beautiful and romantic. It is marvelous and beautiful, one of my favorites.
  *L'UOVO DI STRUZZO (DANZA ETIOPE) this track makes a really oriental atmosphere. It is so colorful and beautiful, and the magnificence appears again. It is one of my favorites.
  *KRAUTENTANG, this track shows a German march. It makes a really Germanic atmosphere. It is a really good track, and one of my favorites.
  *BARCAROLLE, the Offenbach's piece has a good arrangement.
  *ABBIAMO VINTO, the final track in the CD and in the film. It is a variation of the main theme with a peaceful and hope sense. The first part is really moving, and the second part is the main theme. It is a masterpiece and one of my favorites.
  
  
  
• Continúa la magia de la película
  By on 2001-03-18
  La banda sonora de "La vida es bella" es lo que es, una banda sonora, hecha "ex profeso" para la película, a la cual acompaña perfectamente. Perfecta mezcla de música popular italiana, música sinfónica (llamada clásica); una pista operística y otra pop muy bien interpretada, en inglés, por la cantante israelí Noa.
  
  
• Piovanni owes a debt to the master
  By on 1999-07-30
  I thoroughly enjoy this soudtrack, but let's give credit where credit is due. Like several other Italian composers, Piovanni learned his trade and took his style from the master -- Ennio Morricone. If lovers of this album want to discover even greater examples of this style, they should make a point of purchasing some Morrione film scores. Suggested: Cinema Paradiso, The Untouchables, The Mission, or any of the various collictions, including With Love, Main Titles, etc.
  
  
• Wonderful!
  By on 2000-11-14
  The music on the CD, Life is Beautiful, brings you back to all the wonderful scenes in the movie. Its beautiful and haunting theme is represented well in the many variations. The music is very soothing and relaxing. A must have for any fan!
  
  
• LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL- EXTREMELY POWERFUL AND MOVING
  By A3DMCUPWCOYZ0 on 2000-04-22
  Like the movie, the sountrack to Life Is Beautiful was extremely powerful and moving. Listening to it, it is amazing that the entire sountrack is based around two themes which are varied in such a way that it sends chills up your spine. If you loved the movie, you will love the soundtrack, and the movie moments you remember from it.
  
  
• Lo mejor de las BSO
  By A34ZB5076LUCON on 2001-10-09
  La mejor banda sonora, para la mejor película. No hay calificativos para esta preciosidad. Roberto Benigni es nada más que un simple genio del 7º arte.

  Muy recomendado
  
  

• Not what I expected...
  By AN8MJ7UG5IQDH on 2008-12-06
  I watched the movie and loved the opera songs in it so I ordered the sound track thinking the songs would be part of it. I was dissappointed to find that none of the Opera songs were on it. The theme song was repeated several times in different versions. I like a variety of songs from a movie soundtrack and unfortunately this did not have it. Listening to the theme song over and over got a little boring after awhile.
  
  
• A beautiful compilation for a beautiful movie
  By on 2000-02-29
  Strong melodic signature throughout the score... some would accuse it of being a bit repetitive, it's not. It is like a wave in the ocean that softly rolls but forces an emotional response. Remenicent of another Italian great, Ennio Morricone. "Bravo" as they say in Italy!
  
  
• Beautiful and Moving
  By A2WZ86S753NQDC on 2000-01-14
  The music on this soundtrack is just beautiful. The movie was wonderful and touching, the music evokes the same emotions. I find myself picturing the scenes in the movie to the music. I listen to it at work and at home when I want to relax. I highly recommend it!
  
  
• Simple yet Beautiful.
  By on 1999-07-16
  The music for "Life is Beautiful" is very touching and soothing. It is a peaceful soundtrack and does not change frequently from loud to soft-fast to slow so you can put the cd on and close your eyes and dream.
  
  
• Life, indeed is beautiful!
  By on 1999-04-23
  With its baggage of three Oscars at the recent Academy Awards, including for Best Score, there is no doubt that Nicola Piovani justly deserves the golden statuette for this meticulously mastered work. The piognancy felt for Guido(played by Roberto Benigni), attempting to shun from his son the harsh plight they are in are all but lifted by the melodious tunes that play to both father and son caught up in their surrealistic game. And then, there is the concealed melancholy of Guido, separated from the love of his life while confined in the camp as he goes out of his way to convey his love and assurance to her. Nicola Piovani again justifies why he deservedly emerged with honours with the final track 'Abbiamo Vinto'which relates perfectly with the theme of the movie of why love prevails even in adversity. Life here...indeed is beautiful.
  
  
• This is Beautiful!
  By APCB9D1J7CN9O on 2000-03-29
  I enjoy this soundtrack very much. As always the CD is great because the movie is great. When watching the movie I could never just listen to the music or the dialogue because both are excellent. The CD is a little short (about 42 minutes), but I really don't think that takes anything away from the great music that Nicola Piovani composed. I am very pleased with my purchase of this wonderful CD.
  
  
• BRAVO!
  By A2001173WFWAQJ on 2000-10-16
  Clarity...crystal clear notes! Wonderful meditation sounds....Relax anywhere, anytime! This should be playing everywhere to help make this world a better place to live!
  
  
• Life is Indeed Beautiful!
  By on 1999-07-19
  The music to "Life is Beautiful" is wonderful! The pieces that repeat themselves throughout the soundtrack serve to remind the listener of the constant melody that runs throughout all of our lives. This collection in its beauty and simplicity is sure to restore a feeling of hope and joy to all!
  
  
• Best movie soundtrack in years--consistently good listening
  By on 1999-07-16
  Not since Out of Africa has there been a romantic soundtrack that can be listened to over and over without boredom setting in. Treat yourself to some wonderful music, all the more meaningful after seeing the film. Enjoy!!
  
  
• repeated sweetness
  By on 1999-05-16
  It's true that few themes are varously repeated along the whole album but... why not? It's a sweet feeling that permeates the whole soundtrack just like it did for the movie you enjoyed.
  
  
• It warms my heart
  By on 1999-04-14
  The soundtrack is beautifully composed. Everytime I hear it, my heart is lifted. People who love movie scores should definitely get it!
  
  
• Beautiful score for a fantastic film
  By on 1999-03-25
  I'd first like to say that this is the best film I've ever seen in my life, about a million times more touching than Titanic (and I'm 11 so people expect us all to be obsessed with Titanic and in love with Leo). The score is excellent, and very deserving of the Oscar (why couldn't it win best picture, too?). It definitely brings back memories of the film, there were so many great scenes. This is a must have!
  
  
• A Fantastic and Fresh Film Score
  By APNH6O813LOM7 on 1999-03-06
  To quickly comment, Life is Beautiful, was the best film of 1998. Private Ryan was immense and magnificently crafted, Thin Red Line was an artful and poetic film, but Life is Beautiful was far above all others this year. Now onto the soundtrack -- this soundtrack is absolutely fabulous! The beautiful main theme is quite different from the jovial other main theme. Mixed into all of this are several fantastic little Italian marches that remind me of some of Bernard Herrmann's lighter work (one theme in particular from Citizen Kane comes to mind). This soundtrack is wonderful. Either this one or The Thin Red Line soundtrack should receive the Oscar.
  
  
• wonderful for those who have seen the movie
  By on 1999-03-19
  For those who saw the movie "Life is Beautiful" and loved it (and who could not love it?), you can feel confident that you will also love this CD. The music will take you back to the film, but it is also so sweet, haunting, and multi-layered that it can withstand multiple listenings. My favorite track is #8, and my husband blasts "Barcarolle" (#15) almost every day. I'm not sure whether someone who hasn't seen the film would enjoy this CD as much - many of the tracks are variations of a single score. But then, if you haven't seen the film, you should!
  
  
• This is a great cd for a great movie!
  By A21TOXQYI2F8JO on 2002-02-07
  My Grade 9 English class just watched this movie in class, and the music caught my attention. I'm an ice skater and i thought hey, maybe I'll skate to this. I think this is a wonderful cd, the music conveys the emotion of the movie excellently, and the movie was very good too. I recommend seeing the movie, and buying the cd!
  
  
• How did this make the top-20?
  By on 1999-04-15
  There are only 2 or 3 basic melodies on this album and they just keep repeating in tracks that are just marginally different from one-another. I can only conclude that millions of people(including myself), were victims of mass propaganda. I was very disapointed in this album. If Enya's Shepard Moons is a 10 then this album is a 0.8. There are far better movie soundtracks out there, don't waste your money on this one!
  
  
• Haunting Melody
  By A1C7RRGVQH87NE on 2009-04-27
  I lost my soundtrack from Life is Beautiful and had to buy a replacement. It is such a great CD. I can picture some of the scenes as I listen to it.
  
  
• "Music" is Beautiful!
  By on 2000-10-16
  This is the most beautiful soundtrack....One cannot help but get tears in one's eyes listening to these crystal clear notes! Once you see the film you can visualize what is happening ,hearing these sounds! A must have album!
  
  
• Good, but not the best of the year (PLUS TRIVIA)
  By on 1999-07-23
  I like this score a lot, but still think that it was not the best of the five nominated scores at Oscar 1998. My choice would have been "The Thin Red Line." I have yet to come across a bad Hans Zimmer score.

  The score for "Life is Beautiful" reminded me a lot about the score for "Il Postino," though not as repetitive as "Il Postino." I really like the inclusion of the aria - beautiful. I would recommend this score because it had the youthful sounds that makes Ennio Morricone's "Cinema Paradiso" score so great.

  I have a question for all movie score fans out there - WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE SCORE USED IN THE TRAILER FOR "TALK OF ANGELS?" "Talk of Angels" is a Miramax film that came out a couple of years ago. Your help would be greatly appreciated. You can email the answer to me. Thanks.
  
  

• Life is Beautiful
• Schindler's List: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
• Il Postino [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]
• The Postman (Il Postino): Music From The Miramax Motion Picture Soundtrack (1994 Film)
• The Pianist: Music from the Motion Picture