Perfect

Rating: Null/10 (19 November 2004)

A feat as difficult as compiling an experience surrounding the holocaust that is both humorous & uplifting AND dark & terrifying is not one that many artists could accomplish with any degree of success. Benigni, however, perfects it. His comedic talents have long been recognized, but the ability to work them into such a dramatic scenario was doubted by many. Ah, the feeling of proving doubters wrong...
The sweet notion of parental love and protection from worldly horrors at an age where innocence is so precious is woven throughout this story of survival and lack thereof during a time when religious & racial brands marked so many for doom. How Benigni manages to bring us through this emotional roller coaster without our minds jumping track is beyond me. Alas, his talents are beyond dissection and should be, instead, celebrated. Watch this film.
La Vita e bella is, in fact, bellisima.
-Tony in Jimmy Stewart Land (Indiana, PA)