Not everyday but true hero on screen

Rating: 10/10 (12 March 2017)

Guido is a hero on a whole another level compared to usual heroes. He does not have any superpowers, he is not handsome, he is not rich or famous. What he can offer is sacrificing himself without ever showing he is barring anything. Humor and smile are his weapons. He doesn't want to defeat anybody or inflict someone with harm. He is father and husband first and foremost.
Dora didn't have to go to the camp. She is a hero on a whole another level compared to usual heroes. She wants to share terror and grief with her husband. Separated by walls and guards - it doesn't matter. What matters is going through suffering with her family. Even going to death.
La vita e bella is one of those rare movies which put ordinary but virtuous people on spotlight they deserve. It reminded me of To Kill a Mockingbird which shows father taking care of his children as well. The difference is that Guido does it in dreadful conditions while Atticus does it in everyday life. One is no hero over the other. Both of them decided to protect their children so they can have a nice childhood. What can be more heroic than that?
Benigni was really able to deliver Mediterranean charm in authentic way not only through architecture or masses of people but through series of goofs and conversations. This is something Hollywood can only dream of achieving. They may be way ahead of Europeans when it comes to implementing technology and effects but are way behind with portraying usual human life as it is without any make-up.
A friend of mine called this movie "the saddest of all comedies". It is a comedy put amidst terrible war. There is no gore or persuasive violence here - only innocent family barring together what never should have happened it the first place. Seeing them together can make you think about all unsung heroes who gave their lives so other can live without demanding any recognition let alone award. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. See it on screen.