Review of Life Is Beautiful (1997) by Balbutik — 09 May 2022

Many people find the humorous attitude of this movie disturbing and I get it. And I would be angered as well if Benigni was trying to make a drama or even a documentary. But this movie isn't ultimately about the Holocaust, it is about hope and persistence.

The narrative isn't dishonest in any way by trying to sentimentalize the horrible events of the camp. On the contrary, the protagonist has to endure all of it while staying optimistic for his child. The story could have never happened, but at the same time, the depiction of the prisoners' hope and strength is spot on (when compared to other Holocaust movies, where the Jews are portrayed "truly", but simply as a lifeless grey mass without any thought).

Humour is and always will be a lifting life force, especially when tragedies occur (seen also in CHarlie Chaplin's Kid). This movie ingeniously puts the father's optimism beside the horrors of the camp, so the contrast between these two speaks even bigger volumes implicitly (rather than showing explicit and brutal treatment of the prisoners).

In conclusion, the humour here is not used to make us laugh at the horrific events of the Holocaust, on the other hand, it represents the upper hand in such a tragic situation. I'm giving 8 because of the sweet and optimistic finale, which could depict the aftermath of the liberation bit more troublesome.

Still, the hope and spirit of the father did survive eventually, so therefore I can understand the sentiment. Brilliant movie.