Rated: PG-13
Starring: Real-life husband and wife Roberto Benigni and Nicoletta Braschi; cute bambino Giorgio Canterini (why aren’t there any cute American child-actors?)
Plot: The movie takes place in Italy during WWII – the first half focussing on Guido (played by Benigni) and how he lives a life full of boundless optimism and whimsy – where the good guy may not be rich or even all that handsome – but it doesn’t stop him from being happy. The second half of the film takes a slightly darker turn when Guido and his young son are rounded up from their idyllic Italian village and sent to a concentration camp. Guido struggles to protect his son from their horrific surroundings by making it all seem like an intricate yet exciting game.
Tanya’s Verdict: The last time I watched this movie was in the theatre – and while it is still good – it’s hard to say where nostalgia blurs the lines. It is undeniably dated – and most definitely not as ground-breaking as I remember but perhaps this is because times have changed, movies have changed, and alas – even I have changed. Upon my last viewing, I was younger with much less movie-viewing experience under my belt. That said, the movie is ideal for younger viewers – while it opens up an entire time in history that kids today may not be aware of, it manages to remain child-friendly without being too saccharine (think The Boy in the Striped Pajamas). Keep in mind that Life is Beautiful is in Italian so children need to be proficient (and willing) to read subtitles.