Today’s quick review: Life Is Beautiful. In Italy in 1939, Guido (Roberto Benigni), a cheerful Jewish man, falls in love with Dora (Nicoletta Braschi), a schoolteacher whom he charms with his sense of humor. The couple soon get married and have a son, Giosue (Giorgio Cantarini). But as Italy descends further into fascism, life grows difficult for Guido and his family, and he must use all of his cunning to protect them from the horrors of the Holocaust.
Life Is Beautiful is a comedic Italian drama set during World War II that chronicles the transformation of Italy from a relatively free, pleasant country into an oppressive, genocidal police state. The movie contrasts Guido’s kindly spirit and unflagging optimism with the increasingly inhumane society he lives in. Delightful comedy, gut-wrenching drama, superb acting, and a unique mixture of hope and despair make Life Is Beautiful a powerful watch.
Life Is Beautiful has a knack for comedy rivaled by few movies. Guido makes for a near-perfect comedic protagonist: an upbeat trickster whose wit and charm carry him through the peculiar situations that make up his daily life. His courtship of Dora is a storybook romance that’s innocent, carefree, and laced with serendipity. The opening of the film is an idyllic love story that’s buoyed by clever comedy and eminently likable characters.
The romance and light comedy of the early film make its later shift to drama all the more potent. Life Is Beautiful has as firm a grip on its drama as it does on its comedy. It knows how to feed hope to its audience then take it away. The jokes and serendipity of the early film are turned on their head as the story takes a darker turn. In spite of its sugary coating, Life Is Beautiful is a frank and compelling look at the Holocaust and its victims.
Yet for all its bleakness, the movie never loses the twinkle in its eye. No matter how dark the world around them gets, Guido, Dora, and Giosue remain beacons of light, unfailing in their goodness and their devotion to one another. No matter how tragic the story gets, there is still a lifeline of hope and humor for the audience to cling to. The result is a finely crafted, deeply moving film that spans the breadth of the emotional spectrum.
Life Is Beautiful is an excellent choice for fans of stirring drama, innocent comedy, and fine cinema in general. Its heavy story makes it a taxing watch, in spite of its breezy beginning. But those willing to see the story through to its conclusion will be rewarded with an experience that’s alternately delightful, haunting, and beautiful. Steer clear if you’re looking for a straight drama or unadulterated comedy.
For a more overtly horrific portrait of the Holocaust, try Schindler’s List. For a tragic tale of family and survival, try Grave of the Fireflies. For another moving and well-crafted Italian drama, try Cinema Paradiso.
8.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it an 8.5 to 9.0 for skilled acting, endearing comedy, and a touching dramatic story.