Life Is Beautiful
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VHS Movie Reviews of Life Is Beautiful
Movie Review: A masterpiece!
Summary: 5 Stars
No movie i have ever seen takes you on such an emotional ride as this film. From hilarity, to a romance comedy, to the horrors of a concentration camp and tragedy and finally a glorious sweet ending.
This movie is about 3 people and their love for each other in facist Italy. A man, wife and child. Unfortunately the father and son are abducted and taken to a concentration camp because they are jewish. Their mother who is not jewish insists that they take her on that train also. That's love, that's courage. From the beginning guido tries to convince his son that it is really a game. As someone who has a son close to that age i can imaging the gut wrenching pain of knowing your son is hungry, scared and miserable. Guido's lies help soften the suffering some. Nothing in this movie makes light of what went on there. His son escapes death only because he hates taking baths and is able to sneak back to their quarters. You see the hard labor, you see their numbers declining as more "don't make it". You see the cold heart of a nazi doctor who was a friend of guido years back but makes no effort to help him.
Any reviewer who claims this makes light of the holocaust didn't see the movie.
A beautiful film. One of the best in the decade of the 90s.
Movie Review: Life is Beautiful
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a beautiful story about what a man will do to protect his family in the time of crisis.Movie Review: MASTER PIECE
Summary: 5 Stars
So much taste in the story telling, only an italian could do it!Movie Review: AMAZING
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a movie that makes you devestated, but it makes you have a deep appreciation of life.Movie Review: La Vita ? Bella
Summary: 5 Stars
From the beginning of the film Italian director Robert Benigni's `Life is Beautiful' is easily identified as a masterpiece. A tale of fantasy and humor in the heart of Nazi occupied Italy, this film is centered around the fanciful story of Guido, the films central character. Guido, (Roberto Benigni) is a young Jewish librarian who lives in a world of his own fantasy. He is witty, imaginative, hilarious, a little crazy, and in a state of constant bliss. From his riddles to his endearments to his stories, Guido displays a childlike innocence that captures the heart of any person- and in the movie, captures the heart of Dora (Nicoletta Braschi) his "principessa" (princess) and wife.
The movie changes from a romantic comedy to a sarcastic tragedy as Guido and his son Giosu? are taken to a concentration camp by the Nazi officials that occupy Italy at the time. However, despite this depressing turn of events, it is there in the horror of the camps that the magic of Benigni's story takes flight. In order to save his son's sanity, Guido invents a game for Giosu? to believe/play while they are in the camp. From a complex point system, to mean candy-hogging guards, to a grand prize of a real tank, Guido lets his imagination soar as he fills Giosu?'s mind with stories and promises. This absurd paradigm shift is not only hilarious, but also provides a window into the depths of the human heart, which can endure all things when the light of hope is present. This part of the movie was also the most engaging, viewers will find themselves at the edge of their seats feeling as if they were also part of the game, and when Guido fumbles in his explanations you might unexpectedly hear a random helpful suggestion coming from your movie-buddy's lips.
Benigni's amazing ability to involve the audience in the plot of the movie was one of main reasons why La Vita ? Bella won four academy awards in 1998. Moreover, Benigni also ties one more element into the story and the characters of Guido and Giosu?- the music. Throughout their entire time in the concentration camp, the music of the movie remains happy and uplifting. Despite the hardships and cruel reality of life, the optimistic music represents the story Giosu? believes. This is another great example of Benigni's gift to blend all aspects of cinematography- the characters, plot, scenery, music, and the reactions of the audience- in order to make the movie a complete and unique experience for the audience.
Because of its light representation, `Life is Beautiful' is a movie that can be seen by all audiences and I strongly recommend watching this film in its native Italian language with English subtitles. The experience, emotions, and representations do not carry the same meaning in American versions, and yes much does get lost in the translation. I also recommend watching this movie with a friend, it's a very moving film and it helps to have somebody's shoulder near you to cry on. I hope you enjoy this masterpiece just as much as I did and are able to pick out the many double-meanings in the dialogue to get the most out of your experience.
Laugh, cry, love, watch, enjoy, and help Guido help you find the beauty of life...