Film Review

‘Life is Beautiful’ in the 'Concentration Camps'

Guido shields his son Giosuè convincing him that the actual Nazi Concentration camp (World War II) where cruelty surrounds them, is just a game which they must play and win a real tank.

The unforgettable viewing experience named as ‘Life is Beautiful’ (1970) starts in Italy in the 1930s. A charismatic, playful and lively Jewish young man named Guido Orefice (Roberto Benigni) arrives with dreams of the future in the city of Arezzo. With the first positive step of opening a bookstore, Guido’s continues his life full of laughter and with high spirits.

In the first half of the film Guido wins the heart of Dora (Nicoletta Braschi), a beautiful schoolteacher, through his humour and romance. Dora has been engaged to a rich and arrogant man, but Guido’s wins her over and the two get married, soon blessed with a son, Giosuè. The dark clouds of war cast their shades simultaneously, indicating the darkness that will soon replace the romance in the city.

World War II takes a darker turn across Italy. Guido, Giosuè and eventually Dora are taken to a Nazi concentration camp. Guido covers the facts from Giosuè in every frame, dramatically enacting daily tortures a game full of playful challenges, bearing the suffering himself. Dora, in a separate part of the concentration camp, is unaware of their condition but prays for their safety.

Towards the end of the war and at the climax, Guido’s trying to protect his son finds himself arrested by the soldiers. But his one final act of humor, pretending to march in a silly way to keep his son’s spirits high, is one of the most immemorable scenes ever on screen.

Roberto Benigni’s performance, showing a father’s deep love and his determination to keep his son happy and safe of the danger around them, is unforgettable. Nicoletta Braschi, who plays Dora, Guido's wife, compliments the emotions making the film strong. One who deserves special mention is their son Giosuè Orefice, played by Giorgio Cantarini. The boy just lives his role reacting to his father’s ‘make believe’ situations with mixed feelings of reliefs but doubts.

Directed by Roberto Benigni, ‘Life is Beautiful’ was criticized by some about the humour in a story which is related to the worst Holocaust ever. The film received Oscars (1999) in many categories along with a long list of other global awards. The film worth for repetitive viewing is a huge miss for those film-lovers who have yet not watched.

BY – VINAY KULKARNI

?

?