Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful (and harrowing)
Review: Some of the criticism levelled at this film (here) is a little unfair. Yes it is unrealistic in a cartoonish way, and yes it does tackle the holocaust from an unusual perspective. But this deserves praise for it's creativity. The central theme is the triumph of human spirit through adversity - and this spirit is personified through the irrepressable character of Guido. OK in reality he wouldn't have lasted 5 minutes if he had carried on like this in a real nazi death camp - but clearly the film's aim was not to depict an accurate re-creation of this setting. It is about strength of character, the survival of love, and laughing in the face of evil. The mixture of emotions I felt were confusing - it's cliche but I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. This however, is one of the movies strenghs- it challenges the viewer rather than making it too easy. To those who say the holocaust should not be tackled in this way, watch this film again. Under the veneer of light-hearted comedy, this film depicts the true horror, and almost unbelievable pain and cruelty of the holocaust.
Rating:
Summary: Tears and laughter
Review: This is a wonderful film about a man's love for his family, and his determination to keep them alive. This is one of those rare films that make you cry and laugh at the same time.
No wonder this film won three Academy Awards!
Rating: 
Summary: A beautiful romantic tragedy
Review: I agree with what many of the other reviewers have written. This movie remains one of my favorites because of the romance and comedy, as well as the brutal realism. The first time I watched it it was hard to get into, partially because I watched the dubbed version. I think hearing the actors' real voices adds so much emotion and inflection that isn't captured in the dubbing. It is a sweet look into the Italian culture, romance, as well as a glimpse of the tragedy of the Holocaust from the perspective of those who were most affected by it. I personally don't think it ever would have worked, to fool a child like that, children are more perceptive than any of us would think. But that's when you turn around and say "it's just a movie." It was a very well-done movie that touched my heart.
Rating:
Summary: The Beauty of Life
Review: In "Life is Beautiful" Roberto Benigni has made a warm and romantic film filled with the joy of living. There are happy and magical moments scattered throughout this Italian masterpiece, but it is Benigni's handling of the holocaust that gives this film substance.You often hear this foreign film described as powerful and moving but upon viewing it for the first time you may wonder what all the fuss is about until you reach the end and finally feel the impact of what Benigni has been trying to say. The film opens in Arezzo, Italy in 1939, Benigni and his pal just a couple of fun loving Italian guys looking to make a place for themselves. Benigni wants to open a book store but will end up waiting tables instead while he charms his 'Princess' in spite of her imminent engagement. Benigni's lovely wife Nicoletta Braschi plays the girl of his dreams and falls for him because he makes her laugh. Their romance is sweet, tender, and funny. A few years down the road, now with a book store and a young son, their lives begin to be intruded upon as anti-Semitism reaches a zenith. When his 'Princess' arrives home one day to find them taken by soldiers she hunts them down and forces a soldier to allow her to share in their fate, whatever that may be, and boards the train as well. Benigni makes the concious decision to shield his son from the evil around him and save his innocence, convincing him it is all a game, the grand prize a real tank, something his son can not resist. Separated from his wife in the camp he finds clever ways to let her know he loves her, resulting in some truly touching scenes. The question is can Benigni keep up this high wire balancing act long enough to save his son's life and his innocence? The fact that Benigni keeps off screen the horror of the Holocaust makes the ending more powerful, as we have seen everything through the eyes of his son, yet we know the truth his son does not. The final shot is joyous yet poignant, leaving us suddenly angry, moved by what we have seen in unexpected ways. The power of this film is derived from the joy of living Benigni instills in it. This is a magnificent film probably not appreciated as much as it should be but a film that stands as a moving testament to all those who did not get to continue the joy of living. No film library is complete without this foreign film masterpiece.
Rating:
Summary: Better than Schindler's List
Review: If one movie had to be picked as best for describing the horror of the holocaust, this is it. Schindler's List was mainly from the perspective of Schindler and, by all means, it was a very good story too. However, "Life is Beautiful" is from the perspective of a Jewish man. A man who is portrayed to be ordinary in many respects and even a natural clown to some degree, but you eventually realize that this man is no 'clown' when it comes to what is most important to him. Benigni uses a device at the very end of the movie that leaves you with no doubt of what that is for him and should be for all of us; love. ...
Rating:
Summary: among the best
Review: This movie is fabulous. It is touching, serious and funny. You walk away with a real sense of how life was for this family. You also walk away with tears in your eyes. It is one of my favorites.
Rating:
Summary: A stunning piece of work!
Review: When I first began watching this movie, I thought it was just too silly. Fairly quickly though, it had me captivated, and it was indeed an awesome ending. I had not been familiar at all with its content, as my daughter brought it for me to watch. I think it demonstrates beautifully to what depths a loving parent will go for their child. There isn't anything we wouldn't do, and that's why this movie is so humbling. I thought it was an amazing movie, and I highly recommend it. Thankfully, my daughter got me a copy for my personal collection.
Rating:
Summary: Funny, touching, emotional...yet not forgetting the tragedy
Review: I own this video and watched it for the second time last night. The movie brings together the sad and funny moments that make Life Beautiful. As a mother of a young boy, I was especially touched by the role of the little boy and his precious innocence. The movie uses humor to show how insane the Holocaust was, and how all people are created equal in the eyes of the Father. I have been inspired to give this movie as a gift to others. It is a gentle reminder that the Jewish people were tormented and millions killed without cause, much like the Messiah.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: I originally watched this movie because of a Holocaust project and, after seeing the movie only once, I immediately purchased the DVD. The movie was wonderful. Rather than focusing entirely on the horror of the Holocaust, as most movies would do, this movie allows you to form emotional attachments with the characters. I recommend this movie for anyone who wants to see one of the most well-written movies in a very long time.
Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful Life
Review: I love this movie, because the story is funny and educational. It's one of my favorite movies. It made me think about educating the children who are growing up and that future is very important. The director is Roberto Benign. He played a father name is Guido in this movie. A woman played his wife. In fact, the woman is his real wife.
The story happened in Italy during the war. I thought Guido was very brave. He did many things for his son. He gave his son a good childhood. They all lived in a small city in Italy. One time, Guido was arrested by soldiers. The government didn't like Italians. So many Italians were killed. Guido didn't want his son to be in the shadow of war. He told his son "It is a game." His son thought it really was a game, so he didn't feel fear when many children were arrested. Many people lived with the shadow of war. The father let his son have a good childhood without the shadow of war. Many parents just care about material life for their children. Some of them don't care about their minds.
This movie made me think and let me learn about love without pressure. Even though Guido had trouble, he would solve it with a smile and humor. It's really important to have a healthy childhood for children. I think every family should watch this movie, especially parents should watch it.
| 
