"There are three cases in which you lose all your points. One: Those who cry. Two: Those who want to see their mamma. Three: Those who are hungry and want some snack. Forget about it!"
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL (PG-13) 
Reviewed February 15, 1999 - Check out the Life is Beautiful Website.
Okay, this is a very late review...at this point Life is Beautiful has been out for several months, and has garnered a boatload of awards and nominations (7 Oscar nominations just last week). Still, better late than never, right? So, here goes:
Life is Beautiful is a love story set in the midst of the Holocaust. Written, directed, and starring Italy's Roberto Benigni, its first half tells the story of Guido (Benigni) and his love for a beautiful young girl named Dora (Nicoletta Braschi). The first hour of this film is a romance and a comedy; it is light, fluffy, funny, and extremely entertaining. As the courtship between Guido and Dora progresses, we are treated to all of the warmth, energy, and humor of Benigni the clown...and it's a true pleasure to watch.
Then, about halfway through the film, the mood shifts. It is now 1945, and Guido and Dora are married and have a young son named Joshua (Giorgio Cantarini). The German army is very much a part of life, and anti-Semitic sentiment is open and visible. It is at this point that Guido, Joshua and Dora are herded into a train and interned in a German concentration camp. It is something that young Joshua does not understand, and so Guido creates an elaborate fantasy for his boy. "This," he explains, "is a game." You have to follow the rules, do what you're told, and for everything you get points...and the first one to get 1000 points wins the grand prize: a real army tank.
Of course, Guido's goal is simply to keep his son (and his wife) alive throughout this horrible ordeal, and he does so with imagination, love, creativity, and all the luck he can find. This is the "serious half" of Life is Beautiful, and the result is a film that is extremely funny and poignant and light and powerful and moving. "Wow," is really all I can say.
For those of you who haven't seen Benigni before, Life is Beautiful is definitely a film to see and experience. For seasoned Benigni fans, that sentiment goes double. Having caught this film at a time when it had already received accolade upon accolade, I had fairly high expectations for this little Italian film. Well, all of those expectations were met and at times exceeded; Life is Beautiful is simply a wonderful piece of storytelling with a very powerful message...enjoy it...
Responses from cyberspace--thanks for writing!
Fuzz Buster gives this movie stars: "I
agree with aliengv...he totaly wears red pants!" (6/4/01)
Sara gives this movie stars: "Beautiful!" (6/4/01)
tportelli@powerbond.com
gives this movie stars: "I
was inspired so much by this beautiful film that I wrote a poem that I
would like to send to Mr. Roberto Bengini. Can you tell me where to send
it? An e-mail address? Thank you T Portelli" (1/23/01)
caicosman@netzero.net
gives this movie stars: "This
is a truly amazing movie. I am not one to cry for movies but I had no control
for my emotions at the end of this movie. I love it and would like everyone
to watch it. Once again a great movie." (1/5/01)
salhajs@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "It's
a touching movie with all the ingredients" (11/8/00)
shashwat@journalist.com
gives this movie stars: "in
this savage world, Life is beautiful comes as a poignant hope that all
is not lost. Love and sacrifice are two sentiments that have been so beautifully
interlaced in the movie, that the movie seems like a fairytale except that
one is being constantly being reminded of the tragic environs in which
the whole story is located. This is my very first viewing, and Roberto
has so deeply created a impression on my mind that i would state that this
isnt a mere movie, it is alive with life. check the review on www.nazara.com
(mine)" (10/23/00)
carlosvito@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "This
film is too good to put into words. It reminds me of my beautiful Italian
girlfriend. Go see." (9/12/00)
saynomor@itis.com
gives this movie stars: "I
would definatly rate it higher if I could. This is the best movie I have
ever seen. The range of emotions it portrays is amazing. It is a beautiful
movie in every way possible." (4/12/00)
Adriane gives this movie stars: "It
was jumping" (4/11/00)
china@lightspeed.net
gives this movie stars: "The
movie gave the needed lesson of hope. That Love is worth saving at all
costs.So many people who survived those camps survived by their own strong
beliefs in themselves. This movie tells another story which says that evil
has no power to dissipate hope. That love reigns free of despair. How strong
this character's love of family, that he would give the full measure of
his life for it. Bravo ! A Life well spent! We should all live to Life's
full measure. Without fear and to the best of our ability to Love. Thank
You, Roberto Benigni." (3/7/00)
darth_davo@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "Absolutely
wonderful with lots of laughs and fantastic acting. It deserves all the
praise it has recieved for its surprising compassion and emotional story
of a family that is there for each other. Life really is beautiful when
you see this film." (1/20/00)
Betsy gives this movie stars: "The
title of this very movie explains what life IS. That and sooo much more.
LA VITA E BELLA!!!!!" (12/5/99)
Elizabeth gives this movie stars: "All
that I can say is that Life is Beautiful was... BELLA! BELLA!" (12/5/99)
missy084@yahoo.com
gives this movie stars: "terrific
!!!" (11/17/99)
cmb3@dana.ucc.nau.edu
gives this movie stars: "Definitely
a masterpiece! I absolutely love this movie. It was simply the best movie
that I've ever seen. I love Roberto Benigni's energy in the movie. I can't
wai to get this one on video. It really makes one feel that life truly
IS beautiful!" (10/13/99)
humorcon@aol.com
gives this movie stars: "Wwwwwwoooooowwwwwww!!!!!!
Best movie ever< Roberto Benigni rocks!!!! I love this movie!!!!!!!!
(8/12/99)
judybishop@msn.com
gives this movie stars: "What
can I say that hasn't already been said. An excellent film. Why can't the
U.S. make this quality of film?" (6/20/99)
Meligil@aol.com gives
this movie stars: "This
movie made me laugh and made me cry. Its extreamly moving and its amazing
what this guy and what many parents would do to protect their children
from the horrible truths of what is going on in the world around them and
to save their live. benini was awsome!!!" (5/31/99)
orbegoso@aol.com
gives this movie stars: "A
must-see movie. I still cry just thinking about it. How Begnini was able
to mix humor with the holocaust without bring degrading is a miracle." (5/30/99)
AmErika81@aol.com
gives this movie stars: "This
was one of the most touching movies I have ever experienced. Whether this
story was completely believable or not, I feel I have come from it a better,
more optimistic person. It shows that life has it's problems, but there
is always a reason to be happy. Beautiful cinematography, brilliant writing
and wonderful actors make this a five-star film. Loved it!" (5/9/99)
acba@pacific.net.ph
gives this movie stars: "WOW
is a complete understatement for this film. It is absolutely beautiful
in all senses and make you realy say that life is indeed beautiful!" (5/7/99)
Becky gives this movie stars: "I
saw this flim twice and i have to say it was a great flick , the acting
, screen play , music and the heart touching store of love between a family
, if you have not seen this movie , go see it you won't be sorry , :-)
you can also pick up the screen play by Roberto Benigni , you 'll love
it." (4/28/99)
ecaporusso@rollins.edu
gives this movie stars: "Ithink
that till now there hasn't been a better film! It is a wonderful movie
and if I could I would given it thousands of stars!" (4/24/99)
ab30349n@pace.edu
gives this movie
stars: "Life Is Beautiful is simply the best movie experience of my
life!! I left the theater speechless, not to mention teary-eyed and completely
emotionally drained. It was HUMAN, brilliant, funny and heartbraking
at the same time. Whoever thinks that Benigni viciously used Holocaust
to make a funny movie obviously missed the whole point of it, namely courage
and sacrifice and passion for life of an ordinary person in the face of
horror." (4/22/99)
richard.hanley@nbpcd.com
gives this movie
stars: "An absolute masterpiece! Certainly one of the most poignant
and touching films I've ever seen. Benigni richly deserved the Oscar he
won for Best actor. There aren't many who could have played that role.
This may well be the definitive movie about love and family. I hope everyone
goes to see this film. I can't wait to add this one to my video collection!"
(4/16/99)
marie.murphy@sympatico.ca
gives this movie
stars: "This is the best movie I have seen in 30 years. Roberto Benigni
conceived it, wrote it ,cast himself and his wife as the principal actors,
directed it and produced it. It creates in images a life that is based
on love for the family. Unconditional love inspires a husband and father
to sacrifice his life for his wife and son. All this is accomplished without
one moment of feeling sorry for him or pitying him. It is an elegy to the
power of love. It is a testimony to the belief system that no matter what
the outward reality, with humour and love to embrace it, Life is Beautiful."
(4/13/99)
Movie5337@aol.com
gives this movie
stars: "I thought this movie was wonderful! It did everything to the
human emotions. It made me laugh, and it made me cry. I really enjoyed
this movie. It was a great experience, it was my first time ever seeing
a foreign film. ( I am only 13). I am now a major fan of Mr. Benigni, and
his work! I am so glad that he won the Academy Award! Mary Kate" (4/5/99)
caryn gives this movie
stars: "If i could i would give it more stars. This was one of the
best movies, if not the best, that i have ever seen. I love this movie
so much i get really pissed every time someone says something negative
about it. I guess everyone is entitled to an opinion but i advise the critics
to really think of the essence of the movie before spitting out comments.
Everyone should see this movie and also "Johnny Stecchino," one
of the most hilarious movies ever." (4/2/99)
neiljm@banet.net
gives this movie
stars: "This is a wonderful movie but if you want to see a funny Roberto
Benigni movie,rent,"Down By Law" co-starring Tom Waits &
John Laurie." (4/2/99)
luvah_1@hotmail.com
gives this movie
stars: "This movie was so exceptionally beautiful! It has quickly
become one of my favorite movies ever! It makes you laugh and cry...it
is so moving that I cannot even begin to put it into words. What an angelic
love story!" (3/31/99)
dj_g_penny@yahoo.com
gives this movie
stars: "Most movies lately have been mainly about nudity and violence,
but this movie brings back the true meaning and happiness derived from
entertainment. Benigni is man of wonder. He is completely on the top of
his world, but he is still astonishingly humble. He makes you cry out for
more, he makes you want to watch him, hope he says more, hope that he succeeds,
but he does so without a sly thought creeping in his mind. This movie is
of such a high caliber, It will remain a classic to me always."
(3/31/99)
lesma15@yahoo.com
gives this movie
stars. (3/30/99)
flowerchild99@hotmail.com
gives this movie
stars: "I think this movie was a wonderful movie. It had some
drama, mixed with comedy. Roberto Benigni is a wonderful actor, and
he deserved every bit of the Oscars he won!" (3/26/99)
JVincennes@aol.com
gives this movie
stars: "This movie is beautiful and tragic and funny and delicate...
it's life. Roberto Benigni is an absloute joy to experience. I feel sorry
for those people that don't understand what his goal was. This isn't a
farce ofwar. It's about surviving and living. Go see it now!" (3/25/99)
kris_rob@juno.com
gives this movie
stars: "I want to jump into Roberto's ocean! This is the best
movie I've ever seen. I haven't had a day without a smile since!
I cannot believe how enamored I am of this magnificant artist and his work...for
I believe he is his work. As he said at the Oscars--I do not have
the words to describe how I feel. I do know, however, it has something
to do with love, love, love! thanks to Roberto Benigni!!!" (3/23/99)
enotsk@webtv.net
gives this movie
stars: "roberto is the sexiest man alive!" (3/23/99)
snowblack99@yahoo.com
gives this movie
stars: "Fui a ver la pelicula como requerimiento de mi clase de Español
y realmente pensaba q iba a ser aburrida pero me encanto es sentimental
y graciosa a la vez. Es tremenda pelicula." (3/23/99)
sullengirl123@yahoo.com
gives this movie
stars: "I was so thouroughly impressed with this movie. I haven't
seen a film of this caliber in a long time. I think showing a different
view of the Holocaust is a refreshing idea, and it worked out splendidy.
Roberto Bengini is such a fun actor, it is a joy watching him perform.
I can't wait to see more of his work soon." (3/22/99)
eahanna@indiana.edu
gives this movie
stars: "This movie is a touching story of a father who uses humor
to protect his son from the horrors of the Holocaust. It is a touching
film which is completely entertaining. I was moved by the experience of
it all but came out feeling joy and warmth without the heavy feelings of
depression." (3/22/99)
aliengv@aol.com gives
this movie
stars: "I LOVE THIS FUNNY Man I HAVE RED PANTS I LOVE GOATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE LIFE" (3/22/99)
Erin gives this movie
stars: "This movie was simply beautiful. With so many documentaries
and gory films depicting the horror of World War II, Benigni shows us in
the most simple, tender way that family and love are really all that matter.
The first half had me laughing, the second half had me sobbing. Absolutely
the best film I've seen - magnificent." (3/22/99)
Lolita gives this movie
stars: "This movie was a moving tribute to the human spirit and love
from a father to his wife and small son. It gently lead you into
the life of a joyful lovable man who will have to overcome the impossible.
Protecting the innocence and life of his son in the middle of a concentration
camp. I sat in the darkened movie theater laughing as tears were
streaming down my face. I would recommend this movie for every person because
its truth and beauty will quietly teach you a lesson on the strength and
stoic nature of the human spirit." (3/22/99)
emilio26@hotmail.com
gives this movie
stars: "Roberto Benigni has made a materpiece. The characters he created
transcend all cultural boundaries. He has created an inspirational movie
that has the ability to impact and cause one to question their lives, in
other words he has done what all directors and actors try to achieve. If
you ever read this Mr. Benigni thank you for making such a film."
(3/21/99)
corguinho@zipmail.com.br
gives this movie
stars: "hi! i love "life is beautiful"... i think that is
a special film...i an doing a university work in my coutry about "Central
do Brasil" and "life is beautiful"...
could you please send me articles and synopse about "life
is beautiful
ïn portuguese? thank you. " (3/21/99)
marks@enol.com gives
this movie 
stars: "I've read the heartfelt objections to this movie by Jews.
They have a point, but they miss the point. I wonder how they feel
about Victor Frankel's book of his life in a death camp. Frankel
saw men all around him give up and die at the horror. He concluded
the Nazis, or anything else in life, can destroy everything around you,
but the one thing that they cannot dictate is your attitude. Roberto Begnini
has a simple movie premise as well, "you determine your attitude,
and as you do, you affect the ones you love." To say the movie
has flaws is silly. Everything has flaws. Yes, the first half
might seem absurd at times, and several moments in the camp are implausible.
But parting of the Red Sea is fantastic and unbelievable, and hitting a
rock and getting water is incredible. Moses still left us with something
memorable. For those who are not too fixated on perfectionist
accuracy, Begnini's film adds up to an unforgettable morality tale, inspiring
parents to do more for their children, to develop positive attitudes and
take control of our lives. While Schindler's List portrays the awful horror
of one (of many) holocausts, Begnini makes it personal. It is obvious
all the lightness in the first half is leading us to horror. It makes
it all the more wrenching. In the camp we see the darkest side of
man where only a little light shines. And to think he did all that without
sex, vulgarity, nudity, and violence." (3/21/99)
ddcravens@msn.com
gives this movie
stars: "We went and saw it again last night with my parents...this
movie was delightful, and heartwarming to see the story of the love that
the character had for his son, and his wife...and his infinate wit and
imagination, and creativity demonstrated all for the sake of his young
son...and reminds us always what a tragedy and travesty to humanity, and
families, that the Holocaust was!!!" (3/21/99)
cwburch@slip.net
gives this movie
stars: "This is an audacious film, but ultimately unsucessful. I love
the premise of a father trying to keep the horrors of the world away from
his son's eyes, but trying to do so in a concentration camp was just too
much. I could not sustain the "willful suspension of disbelief".
It would have been more realistic and poignant to have the father and son
acknowledge what was really happening at some time." (3/19/99)
scottsigman@sprintmail.com
gives this movie
stars: "Best film I have seen in a long time. I think it is a more
emotional and realistic depiction of the Holocaust than Schindler's List."
(3/16/99)
cferguso gives this movie
stars: "Although I usually don't like subtitled movies, I found that
this one easily overcame the disadvantages of being a foreign film. It
was amazing to encounter a light spirit in the midst of something so horrible.
It brought tears to my eyes to see a man struggling to keep his spirits
up for his family as he simultaneously slowly came to realize the full
hopelessness of his situatiuon. This was truly an uplifting and heartwarming
movie, a comedy and tragedy combined, and one that I do not expect to see
equaled. Though I was also a big fan of Shakespeare in Love (Anything by
Tom Stoppard!), and Saving Private Ryan had me crying for days, I felt
that this movie had a certain something which merits a best movie Oscar.
You are missing out if you don't go see this movie." (3/16/99)
s976424@mailserv.cuhk.edu.hk
gives this movie
stars: "The movie stands out among many war movies -- if you allow
me to group it this way. It subtly conveys the fear, with both impact and
childish laughter. You don't laugh because it is a comedy, you laugh because
of the stong tension between the father's fear and wit, and his son's ignorance,
displayed through laughable moments like translating for the Nazi officer
and the excitement brought about by the 'game' -- later became a 'game
of silence'. 'Life is Beautiful' is best represented by the ignorance Joshua
still has throughout his camp life -- he overcome it without knowing the
perils surrounding him every second. I haven't seem much Italian films,
but this is the best I've seen since "No Skin", another impactful
film about the strong earn for love." (3/15/99)
me gives this movie
stars: "exelent movie, the dude was just so funny, i had to see this
novie for school, so i thought it was going to be boring but it turned
out to be realy cool!!" (3/14/99)
Justine gives this movie
stars: "This is one of the most touching films this year. How do you
survive life as a Jew in Nazi times? With strength of mind, a heart filled
with beauty, and a soul that believes that life is beautiful. If you normally
shy away from subtitled films, take a chance on this one. The message transcends
the Italian and the subtitles." (3/12/99)
Luna gives this movie
stars: "Siskel and Ebert stated that this was one of the most beautiful
movies of all time, and I 2nd the motion. In this moveie we descover how
Life truely is Beatuiful. And even in the middle of a Natzi consentration
camp we find the lighter side of life." (3/7/99)
lcecc7@hotmail.com
gives this movie
stars: "We thought this movie was a fabulous piece of film making,
with an amazing cast. I laughed, and cried throughout the entire film.
Nomatter what the "film critiques" say, this should without question
win both best foreign film, best film, and best actor. Above all, this
film was powerfully moving." (3/6/99)
C011827@aol.com gives
this movie
stars: "This movie was absolutely fantastic! There aren't even words
to describe how I feel about it. Comedy, love story, family ties, all in
one! It deserves all it can get!" (3/6/99)
mashka30@hotmail.com
gives this movie
stars: "This was a funny and touching movei with a very good lead
actor. However, i think it was a bit unbelievable and the tragedy belittled.
We see how the father is desperately trying to convince his son, that the
whole ordeal is just a game, but he doesn't truly show his own comprehension
of the curcumstances, he seemed way too cheerful. There was too much humor
in "sad" part of the movie and that was it's own disadvantage."
(3/6/99)
