Life Is Beautiful (La Vita è bella)

Life Is Beautiful (La Vita è bella) (1997)

  • 80% of critics liked it
    (86 reviews)

  • 96% of users liked it
    (218,261 ratings)

In this WW II tragicomedy, famed Italian funnyman Roberto Benigni (The Monster) portrays Guido, who moves during the '30s from the country to a Tuscan town, where he is entranced by schoolteacher Dora (Nicoletta Braschi, Benigni's real-life wife). Dora likes Guido, but she remains faithful… More

PG-13,
Directed By
Written By
Roberto Benigni, Vincenzo Cerami
Genres
Drama, Art House & International, Comedy
In Theaters
Dec 20, 1997 Wide
Miramax

Critic Reviews

  • Rick Groen, Globe and Mail

    Yes, there are heaps of charm and poignancy in this trifle, but it's a trifle nonetheless -- light-and-bright, for sure, but also slight-and-trite.

  • Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

    Its sentiment is inescapable, but genuine poignancy and pathos are also present, and an overarching sincerity is visible too.

  • Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

    In the real death camps there would be no role for Guido. But Life Is Beautiful is not about Nazis and Fascists, but about the human spirit.

  • Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee

    Its strained poignancy is as thick -- and sweet -- as honey.

  • David Edelstein, Slate

    Benigni's movie made me want to throw up.

Read all 12 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Chris W


    I think you have to give this film credit just for having the guts to address a heavy subject like the Holocaust in the manner done here, which is predominately with a lighthearted tone. That's a big risk, but it mostly pays off here. Basically the movie is about a man who… More

  • Universal D


    The film's highlight is one man's battle to keep the ugliness of the world from his innocent son, no matter how ugly the world might be, and in this case that means the death camps of the Nazis. Leaning heavily on the silent film comedies of the 20's, physical comedian… More

  • paul o


    Saying perfect really sets a bar for a film. For Life is Beautiful, there truly is a perfect blend of happiness and sadness in the span of 2 hours. The story is delicate and gentle, never burdening the audience with the tragedies of WWII. A masterpiece and incredibly powerful.

  • Albert K


    Really long time ago that I've seen this, but I remember the powerful ending and how impacting it was.

  • Jack H


    I entered 'Life Is Beautiful' not really knowing what to expect, I certainly didn't anticipate a part slapstick comedy. The film charts Guido's romantic pursuit of Dora, their married life and birth of their son, and finally their removal from Italy into an… More

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

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