Life is Beautiful Reviews

• 292 Reviews should tell you something. It's terrific!

  
  By A277BQJQ252KI6 on 2000-04-27
  Put the children to bed, unplug the phone, get out the tissues and refuse to watch this movie with anybody who likes to talk during a movie. You will be blown away.

  Holocaust and comedy. Two words never spoken in the same breath before "Life is Beautiful." To smiply label this movie as such, would do it injustice. Every emotion comes into play during the viewing. You soon begin to empathize with Roberto Benigni as he portrays a father trying to keep the harsh realities of a German concentration camp from his young son. Benigni protects his son with two weapons that the German's could not seize: Humor and Imagination.

  I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and yes I cried. But I also laughed and smiled.

  I recommend the Sub-title version of the movie. After five minutes the reading becomes natural and the depth to which you become involved with the movie is well worth it.

  I so enjoyed the music in this movie, that I purchased "Tales of Hoffman" by Offenbach. The second playing of this piece in the movie will not allow you to maintain dry eyes.
  
  

• Both hilarious and deeply moving

  
  By A23GFTVIETX7DS on 2003-08-31
  When Roberto Benigni burst onto the Hollywood scene with this acclaimed film and his over-the-top enthusiasm, I couldn't bring myself to watch this film. Instead, I waited for the DVD. However, what I perceived as hype was truly deserved. "Life is Beautiful" is a wonderfully inventive tale that seems fresh even today, years after its first release. Part slapstick, part drama, part romantic comedy, part tragedy - this story of an Italian family during the Holocaust defies categorization.

  The films opens with Guido (Benigni) and his friend arriving in town on a car with no brakes and being mistaken for facist officials expected for a parade. This slapstick scene ends with Guido catching the future love of his life, Dora (Nicoletta Braschi), as she jumps from a barn window. The clownish Guido sets out to win her heart despite the odds against him. These early scenes set the stage for the rest of the movie: Guido will rely on invention, humor, and persistence to protect his loved ones despite the obstacles he faces. What begins as slapstick becomes heartbreaking later. Like all stories of the Holocaust, this film has its grim side, but Benigni relies heavily on exaggerated humor, running gags, and an early circus-like atmosphere to set up the emotional power of the time's reality. Most of the atrocities are implied, not witnessed, and the viewer's own knowledge of the time period creates an additional layer of tension.

  Roberto Benigni is superb as Guido; his antics are hilarious, but during more dire moments, emotions flash across his face, revealing both the depth of his character and the reality of his position. Nicoletta Braschi is also good, and little Giorgio Cantinini as Guido?s son Joshua is adorably spunky, especially as he questions his father's stories.

  I always advocate watching foreign films in the original language, with subtitles, but I understand that some viewers may not like "reading" a movie. In this case, however, the dubbed version was distracting, as Benigni provides the English track for his own character while American voices dub the rest of the cast. His Italian accent amid the American accents completely broke the illusion for me. Still, if a dubbed version is the only way you'll watch this movie, please do it.

  I highly recommend "Life is Beautiful." Its offbeat approach remains unparalleled in the canon of Holocaust movies. Because of the absence of explicit violence and sex, viewers as young as thirteen should admire this extraordinary film.
  
  

• By far, the best movie of all time

  
  By on 1999-11-20
  I first saw Life is Beautiful last winter, and went to see it three times after that initial viewing. I have never been so moved in my enire life. I would, however, like to comment briefly on the one star reviews posted here. First off, Roberto Benigni did not set out to make this movie a true-to-life documentation of German death camps. Instead, he wanted to show us the incredible power of parental and marital love. Second, this movie was anything but boring. The light, playful music combined with the witty script and Bengini's funny anitcs made it more than entertaining (far better than the contant sex, violence, and poor humor in some American films). And third, if you did not appeciate this movie then you went in seeing it with the wrong attitude. A Jewish friend of mine said it was the best film she ever had seen. My life has chnaged drastically since viewing this film. I hug my parents daily now (I'm 16) and thank them for all their sacrifices. I smile more. I appricate life, because life truly is beautful. I will never, ever forget the last scene, when the little boy falls into his mother's arms and shouts ecsatatically, "We won, we won!".
  
  

• DVD Details

  
  By A3MUHHLSPKUC66 on 1999-11-30
  First, my impression of the film-I don't think I laughed and cried so much in a long time. Buy it, own it and share it with others!

  Now my input on the DVD experience. The disc contains a dubbed version of the film in English. We tried watching this version first, but found the dialogue and story were actually harder to follow than the subtitles! When we started the film over again with the English subtitles "on" we discoved we were missing Roberto's energy and punctuation. Even if you don't understand a word of Italian you need to hear the impact in the actor's voices to appreciate what is being said. Still, if you can't deal with the subtitles you have a choice. Incidently, the sections of the film which feature German dialogue are not dubbed so we still have the same experience as our characters do.

  The bonus materials area on the disc features several TV spots (commercials) for the film. No real bonanza here, but there is a brief documentary, "Making Life Beautiful". It features footage from various programs where the film has won awards, etc. It also contains a mini-filmography of other Benigni films and interviews with his various costars. The documentary tone is very promotion oriented spending most of its time patting Benigni and company on the back-deservedly so.

  Picture clarity is excellent (what you would expect from a new film) and sound very good as well.
  
  

• For those who thought it did injustice to the Holocaust...

  
  By on 2000-02-21
  I watched this movie with a Holocaust survivor. She said afterward it was the one movie she had seen that did entire justice to the Holocaust, because it showed that the only way to make it through and still be remotely sound in mind was to create a fantasy world for oneself, to convince oneself that what one was experiencing was not reality. This movie does not make light of the Holocaust, it shows what strength of spirit it took to get through it. To remain that light-hearted in the midst of probably the greatest tragedy of the 20th century is strength indeed.

  I wish that I could give this movie more than 5 stars. I laughed, I cried, and it haunted me for weeks. If you don't see it, you are missing out on the most beautiful movie, both cinematographically and in spirit, that has ever been made.
  
  

• Not for everyone, but damn close
  By A33YGCJ9GEN9S1 on 1999-11-13
  Okay, a few folks have said they did not like this film. Fair enough, I didn't like Good Will Hunting.

  But let's take a look here. If you know what this film is all about, then the first half of it will astound you. I mean, egg on faces? It comes startingly close to Benny Hill for 'want of a laugh track'.

  Ahh, but the warmth grows on you, and then...

  The second half.

  Few scenes are as emotional as when Guido has to reassure his son that the Jews 'aren't going to be made into soap.' The film takes a turn for the harshness and doesn't let up.

  Schindler's List was a phenomenal film, showing the utter horror of the holocaust, but it missed one thing: the notion of hope. No one in Spielberg's masterpiece continually believes that 'life is beautiful'. All we see is the horror, the downfall, the pain. And while that makes for a fantastic dramatic punch, it negates any humor or spirit the prisoners may have had to blanket themselves from the harshness, and this humor surely existed.

  Guido knows very soon that he is going to die. But, the love for his son outweighs the need to DISPLAY hopelessness. If nothing else, he must protect his son. So he convinces him it's all a game. Simple, buffoonish...

  and damn identifiable. Who here can honestly say they wouldn't do anything they could to protect their sons/daughters from knowing the biggest evil on Earth? Guido manages to keep his son involved in 'the game' while he himself knows it will most likely end according to an evil thought.

  The end scene, where Guido realizes he is going to be killed, and yet does a goofy march to make his son laugh, is one of the most powerful sights to ever be associated with the trauma the Nazi's inflicted on the world.

  If you didn't like this film, fine. But don't say it mocked the Holocaust. If anything, it's a tribute to the flame of life that wouldn't be blown out.

  Laughter seeps into any tradegy, if the love for life is there. Anne Frank said something to the effect that 'in spite of all this, I still feel people are good in heart'. She had hope.

  She knew life was beautiful.

  -CS
  
  

• A Wonderful and Uplifting Story
  By A9YTARTKZRXL on 2000-06-13
  "Life is Beautiful" is a pleasant return to movies that express emotion well. This story isn't quite your average WWII hideout plot, though.

  In this movie, Roberto Benigni, who plays a funny, romantic father and husband, must cope with the effects of World War II, which has changed his life forever. The movie, however, does not start out darkly- it begins with Benigni romantically persuing a beautiful and kind woman, whom he has fallen in love with. Benigni is very funny, and does wonders with this role. His character uses wit and humor to gain the affection of his object of affection, played by Nicoletta Braschi. Soon they start a family: the two of them, with their young, innocent son.

  This is where things take a turn for the worse. The War begins, and Benigni and his son are sent off to a Nazi prison camp, where Jews and other people are being enslaved and killed. Faced with having to explain this to his son, he turns the entire situation into a pretend game, so as not to frighten his son. From here things worsen- but throughout it all, Benigni tries to keep his son happy, refusing to give up on life.

  This movie, while very tragic, is also uplifting. It give us a better sense of the value of life when we watch it, and it amuses us at the same time. If you enjoy movies that are funny, romantic, and uplifting, this one is definitely for you.
  
  

• Wow. A masterpiece.
  By A2KEKKJ9CAC2KC on 2000-03-17
  This movie is absolutely all it's cracked up to be. Hysterically funny and simultaneously a tear jerker -- it's ultimately very uplifting. The cinematography is also fantastic -- amazing use of color.

  The DVD has dubbed english as an option, but I strongly recommend going with the subtitles instead so you can hear Benigni's amazing acting and passion.

  Too bad the DVD doesn't include any deleted scenes. With Benigni, I think it would be particularly fun to see out-takes.

  Absolutely a great movie!
  
  

• Nothing short of exquisite
  By A1RJ16DZNDBJEP on 2000-01-03
  Roberto Benigni creates pure enchantment in this most touching of films. I loved it with deep intensity. Guido (Benigni's character) is so laden with humor, humanity and passion that you find yourself feeling that you, somehow, know him. He is everyman who's risen above his circumstances to face his destiny with dignity and humor. Benigni walks the finest line of, I believe, any character in modern cinema. Here we have a man facing one of the greatest horrors in history and he does so with a smile and an innate sense of fantasy in order to shield his beloved son from the tragedy that's unfolding around them. This is an enormously human film, touched by genius. I dare anyone to walk away unaffected by this charming and haunting tribute to the endurance of the human spirit. Flawless performances all around and Giorgio Cantarini is so adorable you want to make him your own. What a magical film this is. "Life Is Beautiful" does exactly that: Makes life beautiful. Rent it or buy it; either way, just watch it.
  
  
• Quite possibly the greatest movie of all time
  By A3T2U1F5CBU506 on 2005-11-13
  If there was an infinity symbol for number of stars I would have chosen it. This is quite possibly the greatest film of all time. No other movie can make you laugh and cry quite like "La Vita é Bella" can. . . and it's done in such an unlikely arena for what could actually be considered a comedy. When I say comedy I mean a real comedy, and a real movie, not Anchorman-style. When it comes down to it I guess Italian cinema is just that much better than that of the Americans. When you watch this movie, make sure to watch it in its original Italian. Use subtitles if you'd like, but something is lost when it's dubbed in English.
  
  
• PLEASE READ- This movie deserves an infinite amount of Stars
  By A2H9OOSTD8B9YZ on 2000-03-26
  As a Jewish teen, I was a bit reluctant to see Vita E Bella, but when I sat down, I found myself laughing. I was completely drawn to Benigni's playful antics. I thought of him as the kind of romantic I would like to be. I was particularly amused by how he made fun of the facists, just to amuse some school children. As this movie progressed, I found myself feeling the emotions of the characters. When he arrives in the camps with his son, where innocent people are being worked to death and starved to death, he keeps his son happy, and almost unaware of the suffering. At the end, I wept openly and bitterly. I could not contain the emotion at the end, they were mixes, the most extreme sadness of seeing the Holocaust and what it did to even this one family, and I found myself uplifed spiritually at the love that this man had for his wife and son. The most moving line in the entire film, that still brings tears to my eyes, is the first line spoken by the narrator, who is the young boy

  "This is my story, it is a simple story, but it is not an easy one to tell..."

  Bravo and Mazel Tov, Benigni! He blew Titanic right out of the Water. Three Oscars is not nearly enough. By the way, hearing it in Italian is one of the best parts, to hear it in English would take so much from this movie...
  
  

• You�ll laugh, you�ll cry: a truly moving movie.
  By A1CIW2OEVAJRM2 on 2003-01-15
  An Italian movie? Worth watching? If you are put off by the fact that this movie was produced in Italian, you'll miss the pleasure of seeing one of the most "moving" movies ever made. And fortunately for us English-speaking folks, a version has been produced with English voices fluently dubbed over the original Italian. You'll find that the power of this movie goes beyond languages and cultures.

  The setting is Italy, prior the Second World War; the protagonist Guido is a bumbling yet charming waiter. With his Charlie Chaplin style charm, Guido attempts to seduce the pretty schoolteacher Dora, only to find she is already engaged. In a comic sequences of events, he courts and wins his bride. But this first half of the movie about romance is mere background, setting the emotional stage for the rest of the movie and the horror that follows. After their marriage and an interlude of five years, it becomes evident that Guido is a Jew. Along with his wife and son Giosue (Joshua), he is deported to a concentration camp.

  The structure reminds me of "It's a Wonderful Life", which in a similar manner is composed of two halves, the first half developing sympathy for a character and his family, and the second half placing this character in the cauldron of fiery trials and tragedy. There are also similarities with the movie "Titanic" - a man falls in love with an engaged woman based on physical attraction, and after the conquest of their love they are together they are thrown into a horrific trial with a tragic conclusion. But "Life is Beautiful" has a story far more "titanic" in its power and passion, and unlike the Hollywood blockbuster, it is genuine love based on self sacrfice rather than immoral passions. Whatever suggestion there is of immorality (such as Guido's declaration that he desires to make love to her on the street) is presented absurdly and for humor, and is hardly intended to be taken seriously, unlike the steamy car scene in Titanic. The very vague suggestion that they sleep together before marriage quickly fades behind the image of marital faithfulness, the wife's selfless devotion to her husband and family, and the self-sacrificing love of a husband and father.

  While the first half is very comic, the second half is very serious. Guido is desperate to protect young Joshua from the horror inflicted by the Germans, and so he pretends that the concentration camp is part of an elaborate game, with the first prize being a real tank. He tries to keep up his son's spirits by ingeniously inventing this game, saying "Isn't this fun?" "I've never had so much fun!" "It sure is fun!" These repeated statements ring hollow in the middle of a concentration camp, and the illusion is hard to maintain when the boy says "I just don't get this game" and wants it to be over. His father's reply "This game is serious" has more significance than he realizes.

  The first part of the movie features many memorable scenes of comedy: the belly-button classroom speech; the couple in deep conversation on the steps, he holding a steering wheel and she holding a pillow over her behind; a passionate kiss that occurs underneath the table; the green horse Prince Charming uses to rescue his princess; Guido's "interpreting" of the German guard's instruction. But as comedy turns into tragedy, there are also memorable scenes of tragedy: the old Jew offering to help up the German who trips in the gas chambers; the irony of the German doctor who can help Guido but is obsessed with his riddles: "You have to help me!"; and the boy's final vision of his father goose-stepping between the guards.

  The concluding hope ("We won! We won!") is touched by tragedy. By not being afraid to include sorrow, this tragic note makes the movie all the more emotional and successful. I can think of few movies that have affected me as emotionally as this one. Injecting a movie about the holocaust with comedy was taking a major risk, but ultimately made the movie all the more successful. The height of comedy in the first half makes the depth of tragedy in the second half all the deeper.

  The PG-13 rating is primarily because of one instance of blasphemy, and a few war scenes. Any adult themes that are present, however are not seen, but implied off-screen, including the actual horrors of the concentration camp. Rather than dwell on the physical horrors of war through sensationalism, this movie focuses instead on the emotional impact. It is especially the actor Roberto Benigni that makes this succeed. As well as being the main actor, Roberto Benigni was also the writer and director of the movie. In the half-hour featurette that is on the DVD, he acknowledges that the biggest influence on his acting was Charlie Chaplin. Not does his slap-stick humour provide wonderful comic relief, but also emotion. It's a brilliant performance that deservedly won him the Academy Award for Best Actor.

  But this film also took out the Academy Awards for best soundtrack - the classical music is a wonderful emotional counterpart to the storyline - and for the best foreign language film. Over time, it has won a record of over 70 international awards. After you watch it, you'll understand why. It's a captivating picture of comedy and of survival and hope in the midst of horrific tragedy. I can't think of a single movie that has "moved" me as this one has. It may be Italian, but this is a movie not to be missed by people from anywhere around the world.
  
  

• "Life is Beautiful" - It's just beautiful
  By AXNATVRSRFRMF on 2004-07-29
  The first time I watched this film was in the last week or so of Spanish class. When he'd first mentioned it, I'd shrugged it off and thought, "Oh boy, not another one of those preachy movies.."
  
  The first 30 minutes we spent watching the movie, I didn't pay much attention because I'd thought it wouldn't be worth it. Boy, was I wrong.
  
  This movie blows you away. It's a comedy, it's a tragedy, but it's also a hopeful movie.
  
  The movie begins with no real hint of what's to come - it starts with Guido trying to win the attention of his "Principessa" using his endless imagination and terrific sense of humor. He loses neither when the Holocaust begins - in fact, he makes good use of both in order to make sure that his son would be shielded from the horrible reality.
  
  This movie had me laughing and crying, sometimes at the same time. When it ended, I wanted to watch it all over again, from the beginning. It's definitely a film worth watching - and remembering - and even re-watching.
  
  Watch, be blown away.. and be sure to have some tissues nearby, just in case :)
  
  
• FAR better than any Hollywood version of the holocaust!
  By A302LKDJ2BZV7 on 2001-07-09
  So there I was, looking for a video to rent and this one had a lame title but promised a powerful ending. I rented it. The beginning was almost like a comedy; this realistic-looking (i.e. not a Hollywoodized version of a Jewish person) Jewish fellow was very lighthearted as he creatively courts a very beautiful woman, the kind you're thinking, "This guy? THAT woman? Yeah right, as if THAT could ever happen..." The movie continues; the family winds up in a Nazi Prison Camp but again, the Jewish fellow uses his creativity and wits to keep his young son from knowing the truth by creating an elaborate story about how they're actually in this place willingly, because it's a GAME and they have to play it correctly so they can win first place.

  The ending - oh god the ending will just blow you away. The review on the back of the video box sure wasn't kidding about THAT part.

  This movie did far more than "Schindler's List" ever did for me to understand and be moved by what happened to all those families in NAZI Germany -- I felt like I KNEW the psyche of this Jewish fellow, far more than anyone ever gotten inside Schindler's head, anyhow. In fact, I realize I'm still carrying this skinny little Jewish fellow around in my head; that's probably what prompted me to actually write this review...it's been almost two months since I rented the video, and now I'm here to buy it. I wouldn't probably watch it again, but rather I'd keep it sealed in a keepsake box like a cherished item of my lifetime; this movie really MEANS something.
  
  

• Truly Special!!!
  By A2XAU5QG6VN29V on 2005-01-16
  This movie is truly special. It is sweet, touching, inspiring, and sad. You will smile, you will cry. The inner beauty of the main charachters shines throughout the movie and even in the midst of a major tradgedy you cannot help but feel warmth in your heart for power of true love. Beautiful film! BRAVO!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!
  
  
• Bella, Roberto Benigni!
  By A5FD5PMG5R3ZZ on 2000-04-26
  This film has been surrounded by such controversy, which is a shame, as it celebrates (in fiction form, remember this is a MOVIE not a documentary) the triumph of love, imagination and spirit during one of the darkest moments in recent human memory.

  Benigni does a wonderful job portraying a man in love with life and drawing those he loves into that fascination of how ludicrious, how wonderful life really is...the best scene in the movie is when he explains to Joshua, that well, some stores don't like certain people, as a matter a fact, his Chinese friend with a kangroo was not allowed into a store...the father and son then decide, fine, they won't allow spiders or Visigoths into their store.

  This movie is so deserving of the recognition from the Academy Awards last year. I recommend the subtitles over the dubbing, even if you have to rewind and watch it again.

  Si, Roberto, la vita e bella (and so is your story)!
  
  

• Wonderful Movie, Exceptional Story.
  By A2BX9UPWBK2I8V on 2000-04-11
  Get this straight, folks. This is not another Schindler's List, and it does not attempt to be. Schindler's List is an excellent film, but this is not another documentary picture on the Holocaust. While it is a fable based on events during the Second World War and the end is set in a concentration camp, it is obviously only a movie and not based on real life. And who says that every movie made on a particular subject must be the same? Begnini has made a film that does not make light of the Holocaust, but rather tells the tale of a man and his valiant attempts to shield his son from the attrocities of this horrible war. He knows what his ultimate fate will likely be, but he can not bring himself to reveal this to his little boy.

  The first half of this movie is simply hilarious, with Begnini showing an incredible gift for physical comedy. It also serves as a great contrast to the second half of the picture, which is serious and quite sad to watch. The subject of the concentration camp is not dealt with in complete accuracy, obviously, but there are a few scenes which are easily as visually and emotionally powerful as those in any documentary picture.

  One must remember that this is only a movie. People go to the movies to see stories, and while some movies do attempt to represent 100% accurate accounts of historical events, most take a more liberal approach and simply use the historical informatoin upon which to base a story of some degree of fiction. In this respect, as a form of entertainment, La Vita e Bella is a complete success. It is a story of a man who deals with terrible tragedy the way he has dealt with so many other events in his life, by using humour. Those who say it trivializes the Holocaust are missing the point, and must realise that this is only a fable, and not a documentary. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it WILL make you think. As a piece of fictional entertainment, it is a clear winner.
  
  

• Simply amazing! An emotional roller-coaster!
  By A289HK3RNCHFF4 on 2000-01-01
  I am very picky when watching movies. My wife went to see Life is Beautiful at the theater, I did not want to go. So when it came out I rented the DVD because my wife like it so much. Now that I have seen it myself, I can very well understand what the fuss is all about. It is a splendid movie!

  I laughed, I cried, I laughed, I cried, I laughed and cried at the same time... Wow! This is a movie (specially if you are a husband and a father) that completely changes your perspective on life. If I could have given the movie 10 stars I would have. it made my top-ten list of all time great movies.

  I recommend it to anyone. Those who criticize obviously missed the point (Speilberg included).
  
  

• Buy this DVD here--retail price is going to be $40
  By A33E7V7X2W1BXO on 1999-11-02
  Comparing "Life is Beautiful" to "Hogan's Heroes", as some have done in these reviews, requires a big stretch of the imagination. Personally, I find these one-star reviews to be indicative of contempt, a desire to NOT like this movie, maybe even before it's watched. Some of the comments in the 5-star reviews also seem a tad over-enthusiastic to me. Obviously, movie hype causes some people to backlash against it even as others embrace it completely.

  In any case, it is NOT "Hogan's Heroes"; there aren't any snappy sitcom one-liners, the Nazi's aren't played as laughable buffoons, and Holocaust victims aren't portrayed as happy, peppy people who feel just fine in their current situation and surroundings. Certainly, they're not made fun of, and the horrors of the Holocaust always loom under the surface of the story, contrary to other claims that they're downplayed. You don't need gore a la' Private Ryan in order to show that war (and consequences thereof) are hell.

  What we do have in "Life is Beautiful" (if taken at face value and not overreacted to) is a very unique, funny, and touching film. The humor is solely based on the character of Guido, and on the elaborate lies he cooks up to protect his young son from the truth of their situation. However, there is ALWAYS an underlying sense of fear and risk--Guido isn't at all unconcerned about their true situation. The only criticism I have is that the concentration camp set was too small and unconvincing. It looked more like (and probably was) an abandoned factory complex. I understand that it was all the filmmakers needed to fit the scope of the movie, but still, to me, this was somewhat distracting.

  I highly recommend this movie--you won't see anything like it come out of Hollywood, at least for a while.
  
  

• In reply to MRD...
  By A2P7YAC739273T on 2004-02-26
  After reading MRD's review I had to give my two cents on the subject!
  If you think that the idea of the movie was to ridicule what life was like in a concentration camp during WWII, think again, and watch the movie one more time 'cause you mustn't have paid attention the first time.
  I see the characters portraied in this movies as heroes. The perception I got out of it was one of the highest respect (on the part of Benigni) for all those who went to great lenghts trying to survive the horrors they were put through on a daily basis, sometimes offering themselves for the ultimate sacrifice to protect each other and/or their loved ones.
  The bitter smiles during the "funny" parts of the movie did nothing but reinforce the feeling of outrage and sadness we all feel (or should feel) when thinking of that.
  It's a marvelous movie!
  A celebration of life!
  Bravo Roberto!!!
  
  
• Fantastic! Oh, and here's a little tip for the buyer....
  By A10NCNSS7PN93P on 2001-04-20
  This movie is Excellent (That's right... with a capital "E"). However, before I start praising this movie, may I send the shoppers my strong recommendation.... If you're going to buy this movie, buy the Italian version with English SUBTITLES. This way, you'll be able to enjoy the true talents of Roberto Benigni and the rest of the All-Star Italian cast. THE ENGLISH DUBBED VOICES ARE NOWHERE NEAR AS GOOD. It may be hard for some to get used to the subtitles and reading and listening to Italian while at the same time trying to follow the movie visually, but that's only for the first 15 minutes of the movie. After that, you'll be so used to them, sometimes the chracters will seem to be speaking English (Well figuratively speaking anyway).

  With that out of the way, ... The movie itself comes highly recommended for a good laugh and/or cry. Why this film wasn't the winner of "Best Picture" is beyond my comprehension. The story, the script and the humorous and outstanding acting make this movie a must-see to anyone. But you don't have to take my word for it. Buy this movie (Remember... the subtitled version) with full speed.
  
  

• The greatest film I have ever seen; needs six stars
  By A18CA0GRHDVP8X on 2000-08-10
  Never in my life have I seen a movie that has so deeply effected me. It took me several hours to even speak- literally even speak- after seeing it with friends of mine who bawled uncontrollably throught 90% of this epic. It was days before I could even tell people that I saw it.

  I have seen CITIZEN KANE; I have seen CASABLANCA; I have seen E.T.; ALL ABOUT EVE; THE GODFATHER; APOCAPSYE NOW; Olivier's OTHELLO; IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE; and so on, and so on... this is the greatest movie I have ever seen; bar none. I never knew the love a father has for his wife and son could be portrayed so incredibly, in the context of prevailing against the ultimate evil and madness. It's European way of refusing to tell you how to feel, but allowing you to witness the uncontrollable flood of your own emotions as you bare witness to that which is most frightening and most beautiful in being human just has to be seen to be understood- there are no superlatives I can think of that could do it justice.

  This movie has changed me, and changed the way I see the entire art form of cinema- its value to society, and the possibility of its capacity to reveal truth.

  I have not seen the dubbed version, and I would suggest to any who have not seen this in the theatres to find the version with English subtitles. Dubbbed films, in sacrificing so much in the translation, tend to muffle the soul of the actors' perfomance; to big a price to pay, I believe, for the convenience of not having to look down and read while looking up and experiencing this in its purest, most complete sense.

  As far as I am concerned, this is the greatest movie ever made.
  
  

• Feel this Fable
  By A1CHM200OEN65X on 2000-05-02
  A comedy set during the holocaust? I couldn't believe the audacity of the concept. I dragged my wife down to the local artsy theater to watch the subtitled version--and we both loved it! The romantic, almost slapstick comedy that opened the film made us fall in love with these characters even before we began to fear for their lives. The poignancy of the father's ability to protect his son from the horrors of the prison camp was powerful. His scene of interpreting the German guard's speech almost had me laughing on the floor, and the myopic insensitivity of the riddle-loving doctor had me seething. But only in a second viewing was I able to release the full gamut of emotions this movie called for. Each time I see the movie it's like looking deeper into a lake, detecting richer hues and waves of feeling. As stated during the opening scenes, this film is like a fable. If you can appreciate the childlike "simplicity" on the surface, you'll be washed away by the currents of truth that course through every scene.
  
  
• Words to previous reviewers!
  By on 2000-06-12
  I own and have watched this movie many times. I came on here to look at some peoples views and comments about Life Is Beautiful. I was troubled a with couple reviews. The movie is terrific, about an hour into it (after seeing it already and knowing what comes next) my heart always seems troubled. The movie is going along so happily, and the joy on Roberto and Nicoletta's (what a beautiful name) faces excite you. And then the plot thickens to the end. Even during the troubling (I guess you can say sad parts) of the movie you still feel good for some reason. There are no words to encourage someone to see this movie, you just simply should. There is a pretty good reason this movie won so many international awards (I want to say 60+, but it could be 30). Watch this movie in peace and pay attention (to the color, screenplay...well everything). Just pay attention. I found the movie very creative. It is unlike other movies dealing with this topic in that it is very non-violent, and more about a man trying to protect and live life with his family as it was and much more. Now for the comments I have about other peoples comments... First, I would recommend (if you are going to buy it) buying a DVD player, and purchasing this on DVD. Second, WATCH THIS MOVIE IN ITALIAN with subtitles. Do NOT watch this dubbed! You will never get the true feeling Roberto and the others (well especially Roberto) throw at you. I guess you can compare it to Listening to your 12 year old son/daughter play Beethoven, instead of Beethoven playing Beethoven! Get my point? After that if you must, watch it again in the "boring" dubbed version. But it will truly not be the same. Your eyes get used to reading and watching the movie at the same time. I have seen the movie plenty of times, and I really think I am learning Italian because of the joy of the real voices in the movie. If you watch the subtitled version, it just feels real...and you can almost know what they are saying without reading...I think that is just your EYES ADJUSTING! So please, for your sake, watch the movie in Italian with subtitles and not dubbed. I hope you enjoy a wonderful movie. Roberto is truly a great and kind man, society could learn a lot from people like him. BONJOURNO PRESHA-PRISHA! ...(I know I cant spell it, but you get the drift) :)
  
  
• A combustible combination of tragedy & comedy
  By A202IBIG7TYKRD on 2002-04-05
  To think that Roberto Benigni's "Life is Beautiful" (La Vita E Bella) "trivializes the holocaust" misses the entire point and premise of this film.

  It's not, as some seem to feel, a two part film. It's a seamless account of a man blessed with the ability to laugh at everything and not take himself nor, for that matter, anyone or anything else, very seriously. It's that trait which endears Guido (Roberto Benigni) even to Benigni's critics at the start of the film. In fact it's this gift of humor that allows him to foil a fascist school administrator, confound an imperious public official, befriend a German doctor and win the girl, played by Benigni's real life wife, Nicoletta Braschi.

  As so often happens in life, just when things are looking up, the world closes in on Guido and his family. They wind up in a Nazi concentration camp, where Guido spends all of his energy trying to shield his young son from the realities of their existence. He tells him, it's all a game and that the winner gets a life sized tank to take home. The rest is a tale of a father's love that translates into self sacrifice for his son.

  As he (the son/survivor) narrates at the start, "This is a very simple story, but a difficult one to tell." Apparently some folks miss the point.

  Make sure you see the film in its original Italian (with subtitles). It loses much of its emotional energy and charm in the translation.
  
  

• Benigni Continues to Top Himself
  By A1IOLWHE68P26V on 2002-01-10
  With Life as Beautiful Roberto Benigni vaults himself from the ranks of good funny man to great all around actor. His wonderful use of physical and situational humor are astonishing. Life is Beautiful is a delightful film about a Jewish man who chases his love through a series of happenstances. The story then takes a dramatic turn as the Nazi's enter his city and he and his family are sent to a concentration camp. This is where the film really makes itself memorable. Benigni is unforgettable as he uses everything in his heart and his head to keep his son happy and alive, promising that all of the horror is just a game and if he can play it well enough he will win a tank. The DVD isn't much of an extra benefit, but it does allow you to watch it in English or Italian. Please, please watch it in Italian. Hearing the emotions of the actors makes it worth the effort.
  
  
• LA VITA È BELLA - should be seen in Italian with subtitles!
  By A1DFPBCEY8MS8N on 2001-07-26
  I saw the film without any knowledge of what the critics had said about the film. I own it, and have watched it over many times. I have not even read the other amazon.com reviews before doing this one.

  If you dislike Holocaust movies per se, still see this movie. This is a story about living life and loving. Guido is the epitome of a true man. He is a little goofy, but endearing. At first I put up with his antics, but as the movie progressed, Benigni (Guido) had me wishing I was his princepessa. He loved Dora with a passion that I've rarely seen in life. He consistently refused to live life at a low level, no matter what the circumstance. He refused to bow to any circumstance or public opinion that made him feel less than a prince. Principe Guido!

  He seemed to glide through life with his wit and optimism. He refused to be offended by racism, and protected his loved ones by making light of racist attacks. His humor and creativity shielded his son through the concentration camp experience, all the way to the end. He was a winner...an overcomer. He gave this great gift of winning to his son, whose innocence was intact to the end.

  You start out the movie thinking Guido's a goofball, and end up realizing that he is a man among men. That is the charm of the movie, that you become attached to them as though you know them.

  This movie is about a horrible event, but will make your spirit soar. Every line and every scene of the movie is important, so pay attention. Listen to the Italian spoken as you read the subtitles. It is part of the beauty of the movie. Life is beautiful, and no one can steal our outlook or optimism unless we allow them.
  
  

• Wonderful movie on love for son, thru wit & humor!
  By A3CCP22T9V8F69 on 1999-12-02
  The first 1/2 hour sets up the personality of the Father. Showing how he tries to make life beautiful no matter what situation he is in, but to me the REAL story begins when he & his son are taken to the concentration camp; and he gets the boy to believe it is a 'game' to win 'THE BEST PRIZE." Very touching movie I'd love to watch again. Will buy it as soon as the price goes down. Even my teen-age grandaughter watched it and enjoyed it very much.
  
  
• Not a trivialization...
  By AULWVTZ183UQ0 on 1999-11-27
  This movie has been called an insulting trivialization of the Holocaust by some because of its humor. Were it the case that no humor existed in the death camps, perhaps this would be a valid claim. And yet, this is not true. For anyone who has read *Man's Search for Meaning* by deathcamp survivor and psychologist Viktor Frankl, you'll know what I'm talking about. Mr. Frankl writes about how he and a friend made a pact to tell each other something humorous each day, just to keep the flame of lightheartedness alive. Guido out of touch with the horror of his situation? No. On the contrary, he saw with absolute poignancy what his predicament was, but he used his humor and unique outlook to draw his son through the death and the fear.

  Humor does not necessarily do a disservice to serious topics such as this. On the contrary, humor and solemnity are often inextricably linked, as is shown by this thought-provoking movie. To see only funny moments of this movie or to be entirely focused on the serious subject matter is to miss the point. The point is that these two things can and do exist together and, perhaps more importantly, that humor and a whistful attitude is not the weaker of the two.
  
  

• Touching portrayal of a father's selfless devotion to son
  By on 1999-11-19
  I first happened across this film last year while it remained an obscure, thumbnail advertisement for showings at less than a handful of cinemas. I saw it with no idea of it's content and believe that is the best way to view it. I have seen it only once and a year or so later remain deeply moved by the experience.

  Entranced for the duration, the houselights came up to reveal a steady stream of my tears. Let it be known that I am not prone to such displays and rarely get farther than a lump in the throat. But the magnificence of the performances, coupled with the sheer highs and lows of the storyline, combined to have me literally speechless for the next half an hour.

  Even now, the memory has tears welling in my eyes. I am almost loathe to watch this movie again for fear that it will become easier a second time round - a case of familiarity being easier to bear.

  For anyone doubting its relevance to depictions of the Holocaust I have read Primo Levi, as another posting suggested, and found Life is Beautiful reminiscent of the wit that Levi managed to inject in his restrained condemnation of his experiences in Auschwitz. Although the other reviewer and I are at odds as regards Life is Beautiful, I would agree that Levi's reminiscences are equally valuable.

  Don't worry that such a complex subject is handled in such a comedic fashion. I guarantee that the juxtaposition of comedy and tragedy is so perfectly aligned and abrupt that their effects are greatly amplified in combination rather than as separate entities. Without the one, the other would be so much the less.

  If your taste in movies does not preclude a harsh examination of your own priorities, then give Life is Beautiful a try.
  
  

• Life Is Beautiful (La Vita E Bella)

• Il Postino
• The Tiger and the Snow
• The Pianist
• Schindler's List (Widescreen Edition)
• The Boy in the Striped Pajamas