Review of Life Is Beautiful (1997) by Rebecca H — 30 Nov 2013

This movie is simply outstanding. At first it creates a warm, sentimental feeling when throughout the first half with Guido and Dora. But things quickly turn very serious. The laughs die as soon as we're brought into the horrors of the holocaust, and although Guido is successfully managing to make his and Giosué's situation easier on themselves by making it into a game, this does nothing to take away from the horrors of the holocaust.

In fact, I'd say the fact that Guido's attempts to make his and his son's situation lighter only makes us realize just how horrific the Holocaust is. We already know the horrors of the Holocaust and Guido's attempts only create a hopless feeling within us.

Benigni's writing and approach to this movie is incredibly affective.