Social commentary, satire

Rating: Null/10 (31 October 2000)

*** SPOILER WARNING ***

The social commentary and satire of "Life is Beautiful" was portrayed wonderfully through the acting talent of Benigni and his physical comedy. Guido's imagination and ingenuity show the triumph of the human spirit despite the ugliness of the days of Hitler. Rather than rub the tragedy of that era in the viewer's face, writer, director and actor Benigni does the opposite, minimizing brutality and violence seen, in effect using reverse psychology to show how sad that time really was. Guido as he's taken away to be killed is smiling at his child and exaggerating his march so the boy won't be scared. He isn't even allowing himself grief, perhaps being more deprived than those who allow themselves the sadness. The costume design was also excellent, using period pieces without being overdone. The way the costumes looked in the beginning with the happier portion of the film worked well, with bright colors, moving to drab colors when Guido and his son had to go to the concentration camp. The costumes helped serve as a backdrop (along with the set) for the time and tragedy of the period.