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Life Is Beautiful

Play trailer Poster for Life Is Beautiful PG-13 Released Oct 22, 1998 2h 2m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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81% Tomatometer 94 Reviews 96% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
A gentle Jewish-Italian waiter, Guido Orefice (Roberto Benigni), meets Dora (Nicoletta Braschi), a pretty schoolteacher, and wins her over with his charm and humor. Eventually they marry and have a son, Giosue (Giorgio Cantarini). Their happiness is abruptly halted, however, when Guido and Giosue are separated from Dora and taken to a concentration camp. Determined to shelter his son from the horrors of his surroundings, Guido convinces Giosue that their time in the camp is merely a game.
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Life Is Beautiful

Life Is Beautiful

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Critics Consensus

Benigni's earnest charm, when not overstepping its bounds into the unnecessarily treacly, offers the possibility of hope in the face of unflinching horror.

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Critics Reviews

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Ben Dowell The Times (UK) Schmaltzy, treacly, saccharine — call it what you like, if you’re not blubbing by the end, check your pulse. Sep 20, 2022 Full Review Nell Minow Common Sense Media Wrenching Holocaust fable with bittersweet humor. Rated: 5/5 Dec 25, 2010 Full Review Steven D. Greydanus Decent Films Rated: A Oct 29, 2008 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins The last act is monumental - in its crushing revelations, the inevitable deterioration and near-misses of the complex charade, and the chance coincidences that constitute alternating hope and despair. Rated: 10/10 Aug 25, 2024 Full Review Matthew Rozsa matthewrozsa.com "It makes you wonder if “Shakespeare in Love” really deserved the Academy Award for best movie of ’98." Rated: 3.5/4 Aug 26, 2023 Full Review Wesley Lovell Cinema Sight “Life Is Beautiful” is quite entertaining and well acted for the most part. Benigni isn’t extremely impressive in the lead role, nor is Cantarini very effective. The plot contains various elements seen in other films and not done much better. Rated: 2/4 Dec 25, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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christopher b I’m so glad I was the only person in the theater because I lost it. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/04/22 Full Review Emily M The most beautiful movie, a depiction of love. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/13/25 Full Review Karexa O Mi película favorita. Es perfecta y es inexplicable todo lo que transmite. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/31/25 Full Review Abby B I watched the movie two weeks ago and despite it being that long I still I have a vivid descriptions of the movie that's how mine captivating it was. With that being said, the intro to movie was not as interesting or soul touching as the final scenes. The first might tell you to click but persevere, as the movie is truly worth it Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/22/25 Full Review Jayden H My thoughts on the movie were that the movie was a very numerous and yet had some tragedy in it along with many comedic parts in the movie. I really recommend this movie if you want to watch a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/22/25 Full Review Audience Member Guido, a charismatic and optimistic Jewish man, whose wit and charm win over Dora, a schoolteacher from a wealthy, non-Jewish family. Their story begins as a romantic comedy but soon transitions into a deeply moving tale set against the backdrop of the Holocaust. What makes Life is Beautiful so powerful is its remarkable balance of light and darkness. The first half of the film is filled with joy, clever humor, and whimsical charm. Guido is an unforgettable character—his energy, quick thinking, and relentless optimism are infectious. Watching him fall in love with Dora is heartwarming, filled with magical moments and comedic brilliance. However, the tone shifts dramatically when Guido, Dora, and their young son Giosuè are deported to a concentration camp. Despite the horrific reality they face, Guido uses his imagination and humor to shield his son from the truth. He convinces Giosuè that the entire experience is a game, with a grand prize awaiting them if they earn enough points by following the "rules." Through this lens, the audience sees both the cruelty of war and the extraordinary lengths a father will go to protect his child’s innocence. The film’s greatest strength lies in its emotional depth. It doesn’t deny the horrors of the Holocaust but chooses to focus on the enduring power of love, family, and the human spirit. Benigni’s performance is unforgettable—not only for his comedic talent but for the tenderness and heartbreak he conveys without ever slipping into sentimentality. The film’s closing scenes are both devastating and inspiring, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who watches. The cinematography and score complement the story perfectly. Nicola Piovani’s music is hauntingly beautiful, adding layers of emotion to key scenes. The visual contrast between the vibrant first half and the bleakness of the concentration camp emphasizes the loss of innocence and the cruel absurdity of war. Life is Beautiful received widespread acclaim, earning numerous awards including three Academy Awards: Best Actor for Benigni, Best Original Score, and Best Foreign Language Film. Its success is a testament to the universal themes it explores—love, sacrifice, hope, and the ability to find light even in the darkest times. In conclusion, Life is Beautiful is more than just a film—it’s a reminder of what it means to be human. It teaches us that even in moments of unspeakable tragedy, there is room for laughter, kindness, and hope. It’s a film that lingers in your heart long after the credits roll. If you haven’t seen it yet, you owe it to yourself to experience this extraordinary story. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 05/22/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Life Is Beautiful

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Movie Info

Synopsis A gentle Jewish-Italian waiter, Guido Orefice (Roberto Benigni), meets Dora (Nicoletta Braschi), a pretty schoolteacher, and wins her over with his charm and humor. Eventually they marry and have a son, Giosue (Giorgio Cantarini). Their happiness is abruptly halted, however, when Guido and Giosue are separated from Dora and taken to a concentration camp. Determined to shelter his son from the horrors of his surroundings, Guido convinces Giosue that their time in the camp is merely a game.
Director
Roberto Benigni
Producer
Gianluigi Braschi, Elda Ferri
Screenwriter
Vincenzo Cerami, Roberto Benigni
Distributor
Miramax Films
Production Co
Miramax, Cecchi Gori Group Tiger Cinema
Rating
PG-13
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
Italian
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 22, 1998, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 25, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$57.6M
Runtime
2h 2m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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