Simply wonderful

Rating: 8/10 (7 March 1999)

After all I'd read about the film, I was intrigued, but a little apprehensive to see it. I anticipated a harrowing couple of hours, akin to watching 'Schindler's List' However, it was the most wonderful, entertaining film. I had a smile on my face throughout almost every minute, sometimes laughing out loud, often holding back tears. The sense of love is overwhelming, the comedy all the more remarkable given the subject matter, which has all the more power for the relatively few direct references to it. (I'm thinking especially of the scene where Guido emerges from fog, talking about how dreamlike it is, to be confronted with a sight which really brings home how nightmarish his condition really is) I really hope that on Oscar night, Benigni will be saying 'Abbiamo vinto!', because this film deserves it more than any of the other nominees that I've seen. Don't hesitate! Go and see it!