Young Mr. Cantarini is precious as the child Giosue for whom the war is one big playground. Mr. Benigni was somehow miraculously able to find that fine balance between comedy and tragedy, never letting the film sway too far to either side. Neither lampooning nor sinking into melodrama, the film holds true to its vision of a loving father doing anything that was required of him for those under his care. It is exactly what God calls husbands and fathers to do. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
Life is beautiful.
The world may be ugly at times, but the love that we hold in our hearts can overcome the world. Thank you Mr. Benigni, for giving us a warm and tender example of such a vitally important spiritual truth.