Life Is Beautiful (A review)

The movie "Life is beautiful" focuses on the quick-mouthed and witty character, Guido Orefice as he goes about the streets of the late Italy, keeping in mind his dream to start a bookshop. As he begins his journey he falls in love with an Italian woman, named Dora, as she falls from a chicken coop into the arms of Guido. Guido with his tall-tales and humorous presence seduces Dora, who decides that it is best if they marry. They do so and soon have a son of their own named Joshua. The family is soon torn apart as the second world war begins and the Jewish Guido, along with his son, is sent into a concentration camp. The pair are accompanied by Dora, as she willingly joins them in the journey to what seems to be inevitable death. Once within the quarters, Joshua tells his father that he would like to go home, and Guido explains how he shouldn't as they are in a fierce competition, and everyone in the camp has their eyes on the first prize, which is a real tank that they can drive home. Innocent Joshua believes what his father says, and with his help, manages to survive through the worst of times. The war soon comes to a close, and as the Germans push forward, as a last effort, Guido realises that is time that they leave this hell. He goes about in search of his wife, but to his disappointment, finds her nowhere. He is caught red-handed by the Germans themselves and faces his untimely demise. His son however manages to survive, as he carefully followed the instructions of his father. Another day dawns, and the people who were once oppressed and enslaved are now free, and as they leave, Joshua decides its time he left too. As he takes the first few strides forward he hears the rumble of a machine, and turns around to see a tank (of the allies) coming his way. He gasps in excitement and proudly exclaims "We won! we won!", as he is picked up by an american soldier and driven to safety. The movie is an excellent one that keeps you on your toes with the constant twists in the plot and the witty commentary of Guido, portrayed by the brilliant Italian actor, Roberto Benigni, who brings light to even the darkest of situations.