A elephant of a film.

Rating: 8/10 (22 December 2000)

Much has been written about "Life Is Beautiful" and there can be no doubt it has touched many viewers is a very positive way. However, everything about this film from sets to acting to costuming, etc. is good but certainly not worthy of most of the tribute paid it. What is unique about this film is the story and the tender way it touches the heart. Not satire, not drama, not comedy, "La Vita e Bella" is farce. Grand and extraordinary farce which could well make the Bard himself take notice. Just as the blind men feeling the elephant each had a different interpretation of the beast, so will viewers each have a different interpretation of this film. However, one cannot escape the fact that this is a elephant of a film.