Review of Life Is Beautiful (1997) by Auburnn — 16 Jan 2018

While this film tells a touching story, its comedic effects, oversimplifying nature and dramatic processing undermine historical accuracy severely. Its portrayal of interwar Italy is mostly idyllic, showcasing stately architectures and carefree people.

Paying little heed to profound political, social and economic problems in interwar Italy, Life Is Beautiful indicates antisemitism as the sole reason for the rise of fascism. In reality, fascism came to Italy 4 years after the end of Great War.

In light of unstable constitutional monarchy and fragmented political parties, the chief agenda of National Fascist Party of Italy included expansion of Italian territories. The most serious problem of Life Is Beautiful, however, is its misleading representation of concentration camps.

Virtually no one sheds blood in the film, the greatest horror being a blurred version of piled bodies. The film leaves the audience with such an impression that the imprisoned merely suffered from doing heavy physical labors.

In reality, however, in an environment where lack of food and water was common and any negligence could cause public punishment, the imprisoned were deprived of human dignity (Levi, 1986, p. 47, p. 117).

Holocaust memories apparently contradict with the movie plots that Guido and Joshua are in good spirit and that Guido often disrespects the officers. Overall, Life Is Beautiful compromises historical accuracy for a simple story and a clear moral message.

Just as the opening line states, “like a fable, there is sorrow; like a fable, it is full of wonder and happiness,” this movie reduces history to a lighthearted fable. It may be educational or inspirational, but the misrepresentation of interwar Italy and concentration camps reveals historical ignorance and cultural insensitivity.