Review of Life Is Beautiful (1997) by Matthew D — 01 Sep 2018

Charming and heart pounding.

Roberto Benigni recreates World War II era Italy and all its charms and terrors. From the Chaplin-esque comedy slapstick to the scary Holocaust warfare straight out of Schindler's List or Son of Saul to the delightful drama akin to Bicycle Thieves, Life Is Beautiful is always entertaining. From the raucous laughter to the silent fear, Life Is Beautiful hits the right tone for every moment.

Quick paced comedy set ups and pay offs around every corner make Life Is Beautiful an endless source of laughter. Benigni's own stardom and leading presence is constantly funny and endearing. He makes the quaint beginning romantic and sincere, while the second half's traumatic take on The Holocaust survivors is made tolerable by Benigni's innovative maneuvering and gorgeous cinematography. The lovely score is omnipresent and comforting even in the darkest moments.

In all, through the jokes and the atrocities, Life Is Beautiful is a memorable revival of vaudeville like comedy routines with an emotional odyssey thrown into the mix. Benigni's desperate attempt to give his son a sense of joy to endure The Holocaust will move any viewer. This is true husbandry and fatherhood on screen.