Life is Beautiful
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Movie Reviews of Life is Beautiful
Movie Review: Hankies all around!
Summary: 5 Stars
Many films, in the movie theater and on television, have documented the horrors of The Holocaust. The best of these -- most notably, Speilberg's masterpiece, "Schindler's List" -- relate human anguish and evil incarnate in startling clarity. What's interesting is that as poignant and disturbing as these works have been, they often fail to drive home the unbridled emotion that one would expect from such detail. Perhaps this is due to a sort of "historical phenomena;" intellectually -- and correctly -- we feel that we should be moved, but it's like reading a text book, the most profound emotional connection is lost. With "Life is Beautiful," that elusive bond is crystallized. That is the genius -- yes, genius -- of this film; the relatively cold mental link is superceded by the ethereal in all of us.This marvelous film is, as our narrator informs us, a fable. The humor is onerously silly, at least by American standards, but it often works. What's unexpectedly wonderful about the lightheartedness of the first half of the movie is that it masterfully sets up the second half. Our idyllic little family, Guido, Dora, and Joshua, are beset upon by a damnable twist of fate -- AND WE ARE TAKEN WITH THEM! What comes next is nothing short of movie magic, that which makes a film a classic. Guido, through a series of thoroughly implausible actions, manages to pull our heartstrings like -- unbelievably -- no other film concerning The Holocaust ever has!
While the film has come under fire from some circles for not depicting an egregious event in history accurately or reverently, I believe that the detractors have focused their senses in the wrong direction. Put aside your pre-conceptions about what movies relating the horrors of WWII "should be like," this film conveys the sorrow and indomitable spirit of a people like no other before it! Watch this movie, better yet, buy it, and be moved to tears like I was!
Movie Review: Touching portrayal of a father's selfless devotion to son
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Movie Review: someone had to make this film
Summary: 5 Stars
There are movies that have to made. This is one.
The Holocaust has in these times become a part of everyday life. Read the news, look around you. These months Iran's psychotic president never fails to bring it up. Neither do Holocaust deniers, apologists, the Arab press, historians, the anti-defamation league, the ACLU, Ashkenazi Jews, Sephardic Jews, Israelis, Americans... I won't go on. And here we have this movie, which is a gem.
There are many aspects of this movie that make it a five star movie if not a "classic" yet. I want to touch on these so that those who have not seen the movie or own the movie consider keeping it in their DVD collection for those times...
First, the Italian bravado for life and love and the good things, similar to the great film Mediteraneo; Second, the humanity of those who believe that la vita e bella, even during a pandemic of human psychosis and hate (sound familiar); Third, the story, which allows us to see at the same time horror but laughter, and laughter is the best medicine; and finally, the unique flow of the movie. If Roberto Benigni, the directors, the camera crew, and the screen writers only made one film, this film, they would still have contributed a masterpiece and could retire. It is funny, horrific, but ultimately redeeming. It is a movie that one never tires of watching.
Those Italians, dio mio! You laugh and cry at the same time, an emotional experience that runs the gamut. How do they do it? So ife is beautiful even if the movie is not perfect. If you are feeling (strongly!) that it is not, watch this film. One never exhausts of it.
Gabriel Elias
Movie Review: Five Stars, Without A Doubt.
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been reading a few of these reviews, and quite frankly, I've been disappointed with those who despise this wonderful and wholesome film. I think the fact that this film is considered somewhat of a controversy is a misconception -- this is one of the most beautiful and fulfilling films I have ever experienced.I guess some people label this as comedy, but I don't see it as so. Yes, there are moments where you laugh, but this is hardly a piece that can be taken lightly. Perhaps Benigni shouldn't have used the Holocaust as a background for his story as that has seemed to offend many viewers, people who believe that it does not do the horrible historical event justice. Being that I am not (Jewish) I cannot know the extent of this offense...However, I don't believe Benigni's intention was to dishonor the event in any way. Furthermore, this movie is fiction, and is NOT, and has never claimed to be, a movie based on the events of the Holocaust.
This film is not about the Holocaust. It is about a beautiful and loving family in adverse times, and the sacrifices parents are willing to make to maintain the innocent mind of their beloved child. This film is an expression of humanity, and survival.
Some people I've spoken with expressed their disgust for the film's title, since the ending's tragedy does not seem to fit the meaning of the title. I disagree. The laughter and tears are an equal summation of the title - the beauty of the tragedy is the love that lives on, and that is passed down from one generation to the next. Life is full of ups and downs, and without the downs, we would never know the real extent of our happiness.
Movie Review: Watch and Remember.
Summary: 5 Stars
I can't allow myself to call this film a comedy.
Certainly Benigni brilliantly contrasts his warm Italian personality to the cold and ruthless Nazis. A humorous contrast, but I found it to be nothing to laugh at.
As a father, I almost couldn't bring myself to watch this film--I can't bear the thought of a child in such peril, but, I'm now glad I did.
I felt the constant tension that Benigni's character, Guido must have felt as he perpetuated his lighthearted rouse for his innocent young son. At any given time, his son could have been discovered. He cleverly extends himself through his own heartbreaking fear to shield his son and send comfort to his wife incarcerated in another part of the camp.
The contrast continues as his son relays stories of children disappearing and people being made into soap and burned in furnaces and Guido responds with a laughing dismissal. I felt relief as his son disobeyed his father when Guido told him to stop resisting and go take a shower with the other children. Only from our perspective of history can we know what would have been in store for the child.
Life is Beautiful is a magnificent story. Although, it does not delve deeply into the unspeakable horrors of the Holocaust, it doesn't need to. It brings home the fact that humans are capable of terrifying coldness without the graphic horrors. It serves well as a reminder of the Holocaust.
Benigni is as human and beautiful as the Nazis are animalistic and ugly.
Please, watch this film and remember what we must never forget.