Unique story which heavenly plays on the emotions

Rating: 7/10 (2 September 2019)

At first glance one could disregard this as just another second world war movie, but it would be
The first 45 minutes could almost be seen as a completely different movie. This first part introduces a lot of characters, many who are already forgotten and ignored after the first 45 minutes. It also sets the stage for the rest of the movie as growing antisemitism in Italy is introduced. The lighthearted, romantic and humorus side of the beginning is in stark contrast with the grim tone present in the rest of the movie.
The luckiness and certain actions of Guido are a bit unbelievable and feel merely present for the comedic effect, in the second part of the film these are less common and obvious and therefore have a better effect. The irony of the Nazi ideology is perfectly captured. Although the acting sometimes feels a little stiff, it does it job well enough to make the story plausible. The camera useage, intentional or not, really makes you feel like the 40's or 50's.
What really saves the movie from being just pretty good is the ending. How everything falls together will surely make you cry and is in my top 3 best endings of all time