Life Is Beautiful -- Hogalum Discussion

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Subject: Life Is Beautiful

Author:
John

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Date Posted: 23:33:14 09/11/02 Wed
In reply to: John 's message, "Re: Movie for John" on 23:16:41 09/11/02 Wed

A follow up on Life Is Beautiful. I can see how this film got a lot of attention and a warm reception. It's a challenging subject for wacky Italian funnyman Roberto Benigni, but pulled off with wit and grace.

The story sets up with the meeting and courtship of Benigni's character with a local beauty after he moves to his uncle's village. The setting is Italy during Mussolini's reign. After they marry and have a young son the Nazis begin the roundup of Italian Jews. When he and his uncle and son are taken away, his wife insists on going with them. They end up in a Nazi prison labor camp. In a grim moment in history, Benigni is able to craft a funny and moving portrait of a gifted comic doing his best to keep his wife's spirit alive and shield his son from their brutal reality.

A very good film, but certainly not a work of art. Much of it is quite unbelieveable, but because it doesn't attempt to preach nor take itself too seriously it works. Not one to make my list of favorite films and I certainly don't feel the need to ever watch this again, but I would recommend it for those curious as to how a tale in this setting can go against conventional storytelling.

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[> [> [> Subject: Re: Life Is Beautiful

Author:
Jeff
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Date Posted: 10:20:01 09/12/02 Thu

John, What I got out of Shipping News were several 'messages'. A man living life numb. A man who remembers as a little boy the pain and the betrayal he received from his father and how HE IS STILL THAT WOUNDED BOY INSIDE. My goodness, the way he told that scank whore who seduced him that he loved her. He sounded like a frail little boy when he said it. A man who is unable to stand for himself and continue to always react to life especially the crises. Seeing a man trying to survive with the only ray of hope is his love for his child.

The movie really spoke to me. I guess it was the character striving to find an answer or trying to find his place in life that I thought of myself and you John. The ending had a definite impact on me.
How a man sees the pattern of his own family and at first believing his path would be the same, but realizing that he can make a choice and he does....towards healing his soul.

Its ok that you didn't get the same impact. I guess I was just on a different 'plane' while watching. It 'spoke' to me...a movie I will definitely purchase and place as a personal favorite. Oh, John...thanks for not revealing your critique out of respect. If anyone else has a chance to view this film I'd like to hear if they liked it or not. I might not be ready to hear WHY one wouldn't but a quick yes or no would be nice.