Life is Beautiful/La Vita E Bella : A Screenplay

Rating:
Summary: Undefiably Best story of all kind.
Review: After just seeing the movie, I rushed out to purchase this screenplay. This emotional journey explores every aspect of why life as a human is so precious and valuable. I do believe that this movie/text WILL become the most important piece of media that has ever been developed. It would not be surprising if some sort of movement or philosophy came about from this beautiful work of art... It is bound to change lives.

Rating:
Summary: Guido as Shakespeare's Fool
Review: An affirmation of life, even in the face of the century's greatest evil, is what makes Life is Beautiful thematically beautiful. Guido, the protagonist, is brilliant as the father who uses imagination and cheer to shield his son Joshua from the reality and horrors of the Holocaust. In this, his characterization is reminiscent of Shakespeare's Fool. I was reminded of the scene in King Lear, of the King and his Fool on the heath. In Life is Beautiful, Guido plays the Fool, Joshua is King Lear ( Lear is after all nothing but a child) and the Holocaust is the metaphorical storm. Both Guido and the Fool use wit and humour to conceal and reveal respectively. While Guido plays the Fool with intention to conceal truths, the Fool's wit serves to reveal to the 'child' king, the errors caused by his folly. Also, both Lear and Joshua play a game of life an d death by which they stand to lose all. While Lear stakes his kingdom and loses -he dies, Joshua plays and "wins" -he lives. Finally, why do we like Guido? Because he retains his spirit and remains the incurable romantic even as his family faces extinction.

Rating:
Summary: A Real Tearjerker
Review: Begnini's account of a father who makes the ultimate sacrifice for his son is beautiful, touching, and, at times, comedic. Family Pick.

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Summary: pathos and humor = LIFE
Review: Guido, the central character in Life is Beautiful, is one of the most poignant characters in literature. He chooses to create an illusionary world for his son so that Giosue will survive the horrific conditions in a concentration camp. It becomes clear to the reader that Guido makes a decision as soon as he and Giouse are taken to the camp that he will, if necessary, go so far as to sacrifice his own life for his son's strength and survival. The theme of unconditional love transcending pain, horror, and incomprehensible ignorance is the ultimate message of the book. And, if anything, the reader empathizes even more with victims of the Holocaust because of Guido's presentation of his experiences. There is no "making fun" of the Holocaust in this book; there is only a celebration of love and the beauty of life. Everyone should read it and watch the movie!

Rating:
Summary: The transcendent power of love in the midst of hate
Review: I have tried to talk many people into seeing this movie -- truly the most moving and beautiful film I have ever seen. People are turned off by the idea of a comedy set in the midst of the pain of the holocaust. This movie, however, does not in any way belittle the tragedy of that event. Instead, it shows how laughter and love can transcend hatred. Guido gives his son the gift of a light spirit, protecting him from the horror around him, taking all the pain upon himself to allow his son to retain his innocence. The Nazis cannot take the spirits of the members of this little family, even if they do take their lives, because Guido brings hope and happiness to them through his undying, brave love. See the movie -- you will find your negative assumptions wiped out by the beauty of the film. You will leave the theater with tears in your eyes but a smile on your face.

Rating:
Summary: Unlike Any Other
Review: In this film/ book, it is so clear that Benigni has suceeded in pronouncing the message he so wanted for the world to hear: Life if Beautiful. In this profoundly delicious screenplay, I have found love, laughter, grief, and hope. Never before have I ever encountered such a screenplay that has put upon me so many different emotions. A winner-- everyone MUST read or see this incredible piece of art.

Rating:
Summary: "This is not the movie, only the screenplay."
Review: One has to admit, Miramax makes a lot of darn good movies, from SLING BLADE to GOOD WILL HUNTING. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL is another great movie. In fact, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL is one of the best movies of 1998. However, this is not the movie. This is only the screenplay. Sure you have all the lines that are in the film and a few pictures, but that's it. Frankly, if you haven't seen the film, I wouldn't recommend you reading or buying this: the words on a printed page are nothing like the movie. However, if you've seen the film you're probably a fan and it might be worth your while.

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Summary: Why aren't there more films like this?
Review: The Life is Beautiful Screenplay by Roberto Benigni and Vincenzo Cermai is more than beautiful. It is inspirational, heartwarming and tragic. It embodies everything that a masterpiece of the cinematic art form should. It's work like this that gives one hope for the future of the film industry.

Rating:
Summary: Shallow beyond belief
Review: This is an insult to the intelligence of anyone that has any knowledge of the history of WW2 and the events of the Holocaust. I guess the allied forces should have invaded Normandy with a bunch of pies, rubber noses and floppy shoes. Sometimes clowns simply don't have a role to play and this is one of those situations. Benigni bringing up the name of Primo Levi was an insult to all of Levi's philosophical attempts to explain what happened to him and Europe's Jews.

Rating:
Summary: Life Is Beautiful IS BEAUTIFUL!
Review: This is one of the greatest examples of cinema-as-art at its finest. Roberto Benigni can now remove the term "comic" from comic-genious and graduate to GENIOUS! This movie took a horrific subject and made it human. We tend to forget how precious life can be and Life shows us that we must not forget this simple truth. Even in the depths of hell true beauty and love can still be found. I give this movie and screenplay my highest reccomendation. As I stood in the store reading this masterpiece (after having seen the movie) I laughed so hard I cried, again. Do yourself and someone you love a favor and experience Life Is Beautiful!!!