A film to be treasured

Rating: 10/10 (9 January 1999)

Spare no effort to see Roberto Benigni's LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL, a film so powerful its weakest aspect could derail a stationary freight train. At its conclusion audiences have probably rushed out of theaters to sign up for Italian courses in an effort to absorb more of this masterpiece during subsequent viewings. In Los Angeles and New York Martin Scorsese is presenting a Beningni film retrospective titled, "Beyond 'Beautiful'"; lovers of first-rate films unable to show their appreciation of Benigni by attending the festivals should be tithed to help keep this Olympian film maker going.