Extraordinary Film

Rating: Null/10 (27 February 1999)

Every now and then we're treated to a special, warm, challenging film which seems to take us into new territory. Seems to because surely the best art, the best movies, the best stories draw from universal human concerns, basic deep needs; from deeds that seem to be superhuman but are natural extensions of what normal people can achieve through love.
We respond strongly to these stories because they are innately understandable; extensions of what is there within all of us - if we are brave or clever enough.
Life Is Beautiful has already made its mark as a special movie. It's the first foreign language, subtitled film to be nominated for Best Film at the Academy awards. It has touched the heart of those who have seen it.
It has also antagonised some because they feel it makes fun of the holocaust and others because they feel it makes fun of the Nazis, and that's an indication of how close to the bone this film cuts.
Even though it's centered around the horror of the Jewish holocaust it's still very funny, especially in its first third and then, incredibly, it ends on a life affirming note, struggling triumphantly out of the depths of tragedy. This is done partly by the softening of a particularly terrible event, but life wouldn't be beautiful in this movie without this concession. If humour is the best medicine then this story is proof.
Roberto Benigni, who also directed and co-wrote this movie, gives a virtuoso performance as Guido, the Jewish Dad of a young boy called Joshua (Giorgio Cantarini) who's taken with him to a Nazi concentration camp.
All of this would be overwhelmingly depressing if it wasn't for the sheer vitality, humour and love of life Guido shows. Benigni is a natural clown. His character is the sort of person who would wake every morning, even in a concentration camp, with the affirmation that Life Is Beautiful.
The first third of Life Is Beautiful is riotously funny as Guido wins the heart of his chosen woman. We're introduced to a man who is irrepressibly sunny and pretty zany. He's a trickster and an annoying diversion for those who are more staid. There's barely a hint of the dark underbelly of the film to follow.
There have been some very notable films set in pre war Europe. Europa Europa and Cabaret spring to mind, films where blameless people try to live normal lives in the face of curdling stink of racism which begins to sway normality towards the savage.
We are presented with stark reminders in these sorts of movies of what can go wrong when society allows madness to be institutionalized.
Life Is Beautiful moves far beyond the horrors of the worst we can offer to our fellow citizens. The very best we can present to our children and each other is the chance to live and above all a love of life. Roberto Begnini gives us a character whose love of humour and sheer vivacity could colour the worst excesses of mankind with warmth. It's a wonderful example.
That Life Is Beautiful could manage to pump us out of misery and fright into the joy of survival is a terrific achievement.