Life is Beautiful: A Modern Tragedy.

Rating: Null/10 (25 September 2002)

Life is Beautiful is an inspired tale about the strength of love and the human spirit. It has been called a modern masterpiece. It is also one of the most powerful tragedies of modern time. Its death toll exceeds Macbeth, its beautiful blend of pathos and comedy mirrors King Lear, the death of the protagonist echoes Romeo and Juliet and the final feeling of catharsis is equal to that of Hamlet. Guido (Roberto Benigni) - a charismatic yet gauche waiter who's gifted with a vivid imagination and a seductive sense of humour - has won the heart of the woman he loves and created a beautiful life for his young family. However, that life is subsequently threatened by the German Nazism of World War II and Guido must depend on those very same strengths to save his beloved wife and son from an inconceivable fate. In 1999 Life is Beautiful won three academy awards: Best Actor - Roberto Benigni, Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Dramatic Score. Honoured with this staggering level of critical acclaim, Roberto Benigni's Life is Beautiful is a completely unique motion picture that will elevate your spirits and captivate your heart.