Review of Life Is Beautiful (1997) by Mirko B — 07 Apr 2015

So touching that it's painful, so moving that it's delightful. Roberto Benigni earned every single accolade for this wonderful film(and there were many, including the best foreign picture Oscar and the first best actor Oscar for an Italian actor). This was truly his coup de force.

"La Vita e Bella" is a story about the pointlessness of war and destruction, with Guido(Roberto Benigni) trying to help his son Giosue survive the life in a WWII concentration camp and reunite with his wife Dora (Nicoletta Braschi). It begins with Guidos arrival in Aruzzo and follows him through the romance with Dora, all the way until his tragic demise in war. Seen from the perspective of Giousue, war seems like a game the main price of which is survival. Coming from a country that has recently been through a devastating conflict, I have to agree with Giousue. It's like a game of chess where pawns lose their heads. "La Vita E Bella" teaches us not to be a pawn in that game and not to allow others to brainwash us into joining it. Also, Nicola Piovani's score succeeds in making me cry every time I watch the film: "Buongiorno Principessa" is one of the most emotional, touching movie themes I have ever heard.

Benigni can also be accounted for arguably the most touching moment in recent Oscar history, when his presenter, the great Sofia Loren, broke down in tears during his unforgettable acceptance speech in which he said: "and also I want to thank those who are no longer with us. They gave their lives so that we could now say life is beautiful". Bravo, Benigni. Bravo!