An overpowering experience.

Rating: 9/10 (1 December 1998)

"Life is Beautiful" has its share of flaws. But that doesn't matter, because it is easily the most powerful film of any released in America during 1998. Grippingly, it tells the story of Guido, an Italian Jew, played by Roberto Benigni and how he does everything in his power to spare the life of his son during the Holocaust. I've heard that one of the main criticisms of the film is that it strains credibility from time to time. While this may be true, it behoves us to think back to a similar Holocaust drama, "Europa, Europa," which is an even more incredible and seemingly implausible story - and based on a real-life account. Thus, it was easy enough for me personally to suspend my disbelief while watching this wonderful film. It's been several years since I was this moved at the movies.