Nominee
The courage that is necessary to remain optimistic in the face of adversity is almost unfathomable. But perhaps what is even more scarce are those individuals for whom optimism is not a choice, but rather innate. It is not an option they fight to maintain, it is their reality. It is the lifeline by which they perceive their entire world. I am convinced, after seeing this film, that Roberto Benigni is one of those rare persons who has the ability to infuse joy into everything he does. And in the case of this film, he has the audacity to take the Holocaust as his backdrop, and repossess it to tell a story of unquestionable love.
Guido Orefice (Benigni) is a sharp witted, charismatic waiter who is so in-tune with his surroundings it seems some greater force is looking out for him at all times. And as he woos a local beauty, Dora, (Nicoletta Braschi) with his unparalleled charm, (Buon Giorno, Principessa!) she is taken and the two create a simple and peaceful life together. Yet when the Nazis rise to power and their family becomes incarcerated in a concentration camp, Guido does everything to shield his son, Joshua (Giorgio Cantarini) from the truth of their situation. He risks everything to make his son still see the best in where they are.
This film has been at times criticized for being distasteful. Some consider placing humor on such a horrific event as the Holocaust irreverent. I would however argue that the film takes away hatred and replaces it with beauty, which is precisely the way to combat evil in this world. We must fill the malice and prejudice full of love until they explode into oblivion.
This film is incredibly written, and so honestly acted with ingenuity. Benigni is nothing short of a triumph, Egbert says he was born to play this part, and he was so very right. While Cantarini shows emotional poise beyond his years, and Braschi demonstrates strength in her femininity.
Overall: This may be one of the most effecting and poignant films I have ever seen. It is almost a fusion of the brutality of Italian Neo-realism, and the comedy of Classical Hollywood. The film itself has a pulse that you simply cannot ignore, which brings such a vitality to its message. It may be cheesy to say, but I am going to anyways, it truly shows that life is beautiful. Happy Watching!
P.S. You can see that Benigini is the real deal. He lives in absolute happiness:
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