Not Bad

Rating: 7/10 (30 April 2013)

Life is Beautiful is a drama/comedy that follows the life of Guido (Roberto Benigni), Dora (Nicoletta Braschi) and the life that they live before and during the holocaust. It was filmed in 1997 and it is spoken completely in Italian. I watched it later with English subtitles. The first part of the film is dominated by Guido trying to make a relationship with Dora work out as she is a wealthy woman in upper class Italy. Guido, on the other hand, is just a waiter. Guido goes through countless stunts in order to try and make Dora fall in love with him, and then finally does get her attention. Eventually they do get married and have a son, Joshua (Giorgio Cantarini). Later on, they are moved off to a concentration camp where the family is split up by gender. Guido does a good job of convincing Joshua that it is actually a contest to win a tank. The movie then follows the events that follow them throughout the holocaust. Overall, the movie was entertaining throughout. From start to finish the movie keeps the watcher smiling because of Guido's quick sense of humor and ability to think on his feet. It was an unexpected change to the norm with a happier movie about the Holocaust and how it impacts an individual family. Life is Beautiful is definitely a movie worth watching for either the casual moviegoer or a serious movie buff. And if you don't take my word for it, listen to