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It tells a very compelling story about the holocaust; just how much a father will do to spare his son from the reality of what was actually happening. Roberto Benigni very much deserved his Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 1999.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I never watch a dubbed version of a movie when the original version is available with English subtitles. You miss out on a great deal of the flavour and affect and in this respect you lose a lot in the translation with a dubbed approach. This movie is called "La Vita e bella/Life is beautiful" in the combined Italian/English version and that is how I recommend you purchase it. This is a movie with a lot of potential to teach. It teaches the value of honesty as a way of life in that this can be fully retained when a man is simply acting in a humorous spirit to make life seem more bearable and to spare children an ugly reality that surrounds them. Yet there is a spirit that continues in Benigni's character as a man who'd like to stay sane honestly enough that he will conjure up a version of events to keep his audience with him and in good humour. Such characters are always trying for as much real honesty as the situation will allow however they have learned a defensive coping mechanism to telling it like it is. And in this respect perhaps his son at the end has a better view of the world than is justified however fact is that he is being lied to by a man who thinks he is being a better father this way. Its a great story that touches on the travesty and the tragedy of the holocaust, as Italian jews were not spared this fate although many were harbored by good Italians who could not go along with Hitler's madness in this respect.Read full review
Despite its horrific subject matter (an Italian-Jewish family sent to a concentration camp during the Holocaust), Life Is Beautiful is hilarious and even uplifting at times. In order to protect his young son, Guido has hidden him inside his barracks at Auschwitz. He tells him that the family is part of a "game" in which whoever wins the most points wins a tank. Throughout the movie, each new challenge the two face together is part of the "game". Those who are hungry but don't complain get points. Those who hide from guards get points and so on. Guido's son "buys" the story and plays the game throughout the movie. The ending, though terribly bittersweet, is extremely touching. The movie continues until the end of the war, and we see the final result of both the war and the "game". It is a refreshingly unique movie about the Holocaust. I realize that there are many, many stories to be told from that experience. And not to downplay any aspect of that horrific time in history, I still feel that the movie hit on some very real emotions and historical events. DO NOT MISS it! Also, be sure to see THIS version--with subtitles. The dubbed version is horrible, as most of them are. Just give in and READ the movie, already! You'll be glad you took the time.Read full review
A little slow at times, but this movie has had a lasting impression on me. The sacrifices we make for the love of our children are portrayed wonderfully in this film. The subtitles are non- problematic. I highly recommend this fabulous movie!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I was under the impression that this film was English dubbed but it was sub-titled . Very good movie. I had watched it before on TV. Wish I could find a dubbed version.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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