Movie Analysis of "Life Is Beautiful".

By: Lee A. Zito

Life is Beautiful is a different kind of Holocaust film. It approaches the horrific ordeal in a way that involves viewers comedically and romantically in the beginning, but then utilizes these tools as a way to lure viewers to experience the Holocaust much like the Jews did. As a sudden change to the happiness and enjoyment of their lives.

A few years ago I was flipping through the channels and saw that Life Is Beautiful had just started. I had heard a lot of hype about it so I decided to watch it. All I knew about it was that it was a Holocaust movie, that was it. I was shocked to find myself laughing at how funny it was, especially in the beginning. After a couple of minutes I sort of forgot I was watching a Holocaust movie, it felt more like I was watching a Foreign Comedy that took place in the 40's.

Guido Gossens

English: Rows of bodies fill the yard of Lager Nor...

English: The main gate at the former Nazi death ca...

Suddenly the main characters are imprisoned and sent to a concentration camp. But it's different than watching any other movie where the main characters are sent off to certain death. You've lived almost an hour observing their lives, how husband and wife met. You've shared in their romance, joy, and laughter, and now you share their fear and uncertainty as they are sent to a Nazi death camp.

The main character Guido is with his young son who can not help but ask his father question after question. Guido himself is a little unsure, but he knows it can not be good. For his son's sake he turns uncertain danger into a game, where his son learns silence and hiding is the key to winning the grand prize in the game his father has created, a tank.

This is not...