La Vita È Bella (1997)
Life Is Beautiful
Raiting: 
8,7 /10
Genre: Comedy
Director: Roberto Benigni
Stars: Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi and Giustino Durano
Country: Italy
Release date: 20 December 1997
Length: 122 minutes
"La Vita È Bella" (Life is Beautiful) is an Italian tragicomedy-drama film directed by and starring Roberto Benigni, who plays Guido Orefice, a Jewish Italian bookshop owner. The film, which Benigni co-wrote with Vincenzo Cerami, is split into two distinct acts: the enchanting pre-war years and the harrowing period during World War II.
The first part of the film is set in the late 1930s in Arezzo, Tuscany, where the charismatic and imaginative Guido arrives, dreaming of setting up a bookshop. Through a series of playful and whimsical events, he falls in love with a school teacher named Dora (played by Nicoletta Braschi, Benigni's real-life wife). Despite Dora being engaged to a wealthy but arrogant government official, Guido's charm and wit win her over. In a fairy-tale-like sequence, Dora chooses Guido, and they marry and have a son, Giosuè.
The second act shifts tone dramatically as it moves into the 1940s, with the onset of World War II. Guido, Dora, and their young son Giosuè (Giorgio Cantarini) are caught in the tide of the Holocaust. When Guido and Giosuè are deported to a concentration camp, Dora, though not Jewish, insists on boarding the train to stay with her family. Upon arrival at the camp, Guido employs his imaginative storytelling to protect his son from the grim realities of their situation. He convinces Giosuè that they are participating in an elaborate game for which the grand prize is a tank. He tells his son that to win, they must earn points by hiding from the guards, performing tasks, and following Guido's instructions without question.
Guido's creative and loving approach to shielding his son from the horrors of the concentration camp becomes the heart of the film. His efforts to maintain the facade of the game become increasingly desperate and poignant as the true nature of their situation becomes impossible to hide. The film reaches its climax with the camp's liberation by Allied forces. Guido orchestrates one final act of deception to ensure his son's safety before a tragic yet heroic end.
"La Vita È Bella" concludes with an adult Giosuè reflecting on his father's sacrifice, affirming the power of love and imagination in the face of unimaginable adversity. The movie's title, "Life is Beautiful", encapsulates its central message: that even in the darkest of times, there can be beauty and hope if seen through the eyes of love. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Benigni, and remains a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Top cast - La Vita È Bella (1997)
Trailer - La Vita È Bella (1997)
"La Vita È Bella" (Life is Beautiful), directed by and starring Roberto Benigni, is a film that masterfully blends comedy with tragedy, creating a poignant and unforgettable cinematic experience. Set against the backdrop of WWII, the film is a testament to the power of love, imagination, and the human spirit. Through its unique storytelling, "La Vita È Bella" manages to find humor and hope in the most despairing circumstances, making it a standout piece in the realm of Holocaust narratives.
The film is divided into two distinct halves; the first part is a whimsical and romantic comedy that introduces us to the charming and effervescent Guido, who captures the heart of Dora, leading to a fairy-tale romance. Their blissful life, however, is overshadowed by the looming threat of war. Roberto Benigni's performance as Guido is nothing short of brilliant, infusing the character with a boundless optimism and a knack for finding joy in every situation. His chemistry with Nicoletta Braschi, who plays Dora, is palpable and provides a solid foundation for the story's emotional depth.
The second half of the film takes a dramatic turn as Guido and his family are sent to a concentration camp. It is here that Benigni's directorial prowess truly shines. The transition from the light-hearted tone of the first half to the grim reality of the Holocaust is handled with great sensitivity and care. Guido's use of humor and imagination to shield his son from the horrors of their situation is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. This narrative choice is daring, yet Benigni executes it with such grace and conviction that it resonates deeply with the audience.
Technically, the film is beautifully crafted. The cinematography captures the contrasting tones of the film, from the vibrant streets of Tuscany to the bleakness of the concentration camp, enhancing the emotional impact of the story. The score, composed by Nicola Piovani, further elevates the film, perfectly encapsulating its shifts from joy to sorrow, from hope to despair.
What sets "La Vita È Bella" apart is its ability to confront the atrocities of the Holocaust without losing sight of the individual's capacity for love and joy. The film does not shy away from the horrors of its historical context, but it also does not allow those horrors to define the human experience it portrays. This delicate balance is what makes the film a masterpiece of storytelling.
In conclusion, "La Vita È Bella" is a remarkable film that challenges and inspires. It serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of protecting innocence, and the transformative power of love. Roberto Benigni's visionary approach to such a sensitive subject matter has created a timeless classic that continues to move and inspire audiences around the world. "La Vita È Bella" is not just a film; it is an emotional journey that reaffirms the beauty of life, even in the darkest times.