Far less than I expected

Rating: 2/10 (11 February 2010)

In spite of its "message" about the human spirit I did not feel this movie worked. I'm sorry to rebuff those who thought it was great including my favorite movie critic but I don't think the "message" in a movie make it rise above its trappings. If it doesn't look real to me it fails as a movie no matter how lofty it's message.
I didn't like it and here is why: This movie tries to be a lot of things it is not. At first it felt like Fellini – crazy Italians! But it is not.
Then it tries to be Phillie de Broca in "King of Hearts." But it is not.
And don't forget "Captain Corelli's Mandolin." which is about Italians during the war but takes place in Greece and is apparently a true story.
High ratings for all of the above – but alas not "Life is Beautiful." It's a sad story but the whole thing feels like a stage set which it is. Especially the prison camp which is too small and clean to be what it represents.
If you want to see a dark comedy about Nazis watch "King of Hearts" again. At least it is funny.
Or, if you want to get the message watch "Captain Corelli's Mandolin." After all, this is not a stage play; it is cinema, in a world where "Avatar" will win Academy Awards this year.
This movie also has all the hallmarks of a soap opera.
Who dies and who lives and why "and guess who shows up at the end" is one for the classic soaps.