Then there's a drastic but effective shift of tone. Guido and Dora are married and have a little boy. Anti-Semitism is everywhere, but Guido has learned to use humor to shield the boy from its horror. Because non-working children and the elderly are the first condemned to death, Guido hides his boy in the camp. In a world of unimaginable horror, Guido uses his wits to save those he loves.
Life Is Beautiful is a daring, highly original work.
As an innovative director and a richly talented actor, Benigni successfully juggles slapstick comedy, poetic romance, riveting drama, wrenching tragedy and life-affirming humor. It's been argued that the ability to laugh is what distinguishes humans from other animals. But only humans could have created the horrors of the concentration camp. This wise and deeply affecting film champions humor over hatred. The victory has already been celebrated with awards at festivals in Cannes, Montreal, Toronto and Jerusalem.