Review of Life Is Beautiful (1997) by Jason M — 19 Jul 2016

Roberto Benigni's perfect film, which earned him respect with American audiences. The film is unique and has aspects of comedy, drama, tragedy, love and other plot elements that weave in and out of each other to create a fine overall fabric.

The "game" the father plays with the "son" helps to shield an poor child from the horror of WW2 occupied Italy and Jewish persecution. This would be difficult to come out of Hollywood, with the notable exceptions of Shindler's List and Saving Private Ryan, which had a much more serious tone throughout.

Not that this doesn't, it is much more personal and light-hearted micro introspective of a jovial father providing for his family despite being treated like an animal by the Nazis.