This is a first! LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL is the very first movie with subtitles that I’ve reviewed for this page. Probably the bigger shock is that my local theater actually showed it (along with classics like DEATH SPANK). A funny side story is that when I asked the kid in the box office whether this was dubbed or in subtitles (because I’d heard of a dubbed version), the utter look of confusion on his face tells me he had no idea what those words probably mean. :-)

      LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL is a wonderful film, but initially a challenge to watch. The first hour, which is comedy, is hard to adjust to. Mostly because Roberto Benigni’s humor is so outrageous that you end up shaking your head in disbelief, feeling a little embarrassed even. But when it reaches the second half, which is very dramatic (be prepared), it makes sense. A character like Benigni’s would have to be outrageous to go to the lengths he does to protect his son. So in reality, it all fits. Some moments are so powerful even that you’ll weep like a baby, and I almost did a few times.

      It may sound corny, but so what! Life is beautiful, and this film’s power and emotion only reaffirms that. It’s impossible not be touched afterwards.