Review of Life Is Beautiful (1997) by Bryce I — 11 Feb 2012

Whether it is a cult favorite or a modern day classic, I could never get much out of this film. I did enjoy the film, and I can understand it's hype. But mentioning the obvious brings up some good points. Mostly, it's humor was not well used in it's setting. It worked well in the first half but the holocaust did not work well with Benigni's humor. It was more controversial than exquisite. I understood what he was trying to achieve, but his message came off a much different way than one would hope. In the end I was not sure what his message was. But I never focused on that point. Though the film is mostly bashed for it's portrayal of the Holocaust, I could never overreact to such an original idea. It is up for debate, and only time will tell if it should be considered controversial or not. But for an overly flawed film, you'd be amazed at what it achieves sometimes.

The film is split into two parts, that are not that well transitioned. The first part is about a poor, Jewish man who uses his charm to get the love of his life. This section of the film is worth while but it's humor is way over the top and it sometimes just comes off as plain stupidity. The slap-stick humor just did not work in the way the director had hoped for. The setting is all wrong, and the scenes are not well placed. The character-work that Benigni has established is beautiful though, but starring as well as directing does not seem to be his forte.

The second half of the film is much more intriguing, but the way that it is transitioned is almost embarrassing. All the humor that was put into the first half is still there, but it's applause from the audience has shifted, and beings to come from sympathy rather than laughter. Which does seem to work to Benigni's advantage. Most of the praise from this film is because of it's second half and it's ability to make people cry. But most everything leading up to it's almost tedious ending was historically incorrect, and implausible. The setting of the Nazi camp was not all too believable to me, and though I knew there was one, I never saw much of a threat when they were in the camp. I know that I will probably get a lot of hate for saying it, but I could not feel any sympathy for the main character after a certain point. His tricks felt too coincidental, as if he had pulled them out of thin air. Which does seem believable for his character after the first half, but it didn't feel real to me. And in a setting like WWII, plausible moments are always the most suiting.

Though I have bashed this film so far in my entire review, I do want to look at the good points of the film. Though his direction is not a great achievement, I am very moved by his performance. It isn't Oscar worthy, but it is a fine example of what a director can do while starring in his own featured role. His script as well, takes the cake. It is very hard to find films that are this well scripted, and so well presented nowadays. I will always agree with it's hype, and I cannot say that it is overrated or a waste of foreign film-making. Because it is one of the most enjoyable films I have seen in a long time. And even though it's flaws are noticeable, there is enough to enjoy, and plenty of emotion to go around. I understand completely why people love this film. I myself am very fond of it, but mostly for it's entertainment and originality. It is also understandable why Benigni has never made a film anywhere close to this. His direction is not the most exciting or clever use of film-making. And his stories are never quite up to date as this one. But take my word for it. Unless you are like me, and you pay attention to every last detail that the film provides... most likely you will adore this film. And you have a good reason to.