This movie is beautiful

Rating: 10/10 (21 March 1999)

Finally, a brilliant essay on the nature of evil. But not in its dark, mysterious side - rather this is a movie steeped in optimism. A sunny view of life emerges in the guise in one man's personality, in his happy outlook on life as he starts out on a journey of discovery. We know little of his background and upbringing - other than he has an uncle, likes life and people - and falls madly in love with a beautiful woman. He is also a master in understanding others. He can be outrageous but always is endearing. He gets through life by his wits and unrelenting energy. He rises to another level of being through apparently simple pleasures - food, solving riddles, making friends, making fun, making others happy. And he finds his ultimate happiness in love of his small son, his wife and of life itself ... this is a deeply layered movie. The plot meanders but is riveting - it has apparently unrelated parts - which are all connected in their brillance - a small episode with a key reveals the smartness of the intertwining story ... there are several genres operating in parallel - comedy, tragedy, action, drama - the story develops through forceful actions, opportunity, fate, unknown forces, luck ... and yes, it is in a foreign language - two in fact... Italian and German... and also human.
The story is simple on the surface - full of depth throughout. There are scenes so memorable that I will surely remain with the viewer for a lifetime. This is one fantastic movie. And it is truly beautiful - it is a story of true love, sacrifice and unselfish conduct. There are some scenes so funny and humorous that to know that this story is about the terrible events of the Holocaust makes not a wit of difference. Indeed it is a commentary and fresh viewpoint on surviving hatred.
And who is responsible for this great movie? It is the star, director and writer of this movie - Robert Begnini. For him, human nature is elastic - and good does truimph over evil - not by happenstance - but because of love and ruthless reactionary counterforces... to survive life is to be smart, lucky, well-intentioned, witty and with goals. This is not a movie of good and evil. This is a movie about true love - of family, friends and life itself. Begnini has produced and delivered a masterpiece.