Film meant a lot to me

Rating: 9/10 (3 June 2007)

Obviously by reading over the comments there is a wide range of views regarding this film. I am by no means a film critic, however I am very sensitive to making light of serious topics. I am sad to see that some found this film so offensive. The majority of people that I know who have seen this film feel that they grew as a person from seeing the film once, however found the holocaust backdrop to upsetting to see again.
Although the beginning of the movie is a lot of slapstick type humour (which is not usually my style) I think that it was meant to develop the character of Guido and his way of living in every moment minute by minute and not taking life to seriously.
In the second half of the movie the humour was definitely turned way down. Although it was not a realistic depiction of a Nazi work camp (which is what I belief it was supposed to be as opposed to a death camp) I feel it still demonstrated the horrors of the holocaust without being graphic...it had definite references to those who could no longer work being led to their deaths, children being led to death showers, betrayal, and the horrors and complete dehumanization that that occurred in Nazi Germany. I did not feel that the film made light of the horrors that occurred.
The acts of Guido to attempt to protect his child to me were thought provoking. The ability to totally loose yourself in the protection of others is an important concept in my mind be it your child or a stranger. In no way did it appear to me that Guido took the situation lightly...instead he was doing the only thing he knew to do and the only thing that gave him reason to live...protecting his son.
The title "life is beautiful" in no way pretends that there is anything remotely beautiful that can be taken from the situation of the holocaust. Instead, what is beautiful is the strength of the human spirit to overcome including forgetting oneself for the well-being others.
To me it also speaks to life in the innocence of a child being beautiful and the importance of protecting that as well as being grateful for every moment of peace we live in and recognizing how each day of peace we live in is a blessing. The holocaust was a horrific unspeakable event that was in no way beautiful and I don't think that the movie was in any way trying to say otherwise. I definitely think the movie is worth seeing once as it deeply touched me and made me think of ways in which I could be more selfless and realize how good I have it and the importance for me to try to enjoy every little moment of peace and safety I am blessed with.