Life Is Beautiful
Bongiorno Principessa!
Overview
A touching story of an Italian book seller of Jewish ancestry who lives in his own little fairy tale. His creative and happy life would come to an abrupt halt when his entire family is deported to a concentration camp during World War II. While locked up he tries to convince his son that the whole thing is just a game.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Life Is Beautiful was released at a time when films about the Holocaust were predominantly dark and somber. This movie aimed to humanize the experience by focusing on the father-son relationship and injecting humor into an otherwise grave subject.
- The movie showcases a unique blend of humor and tragedy, making for an emotionally engaging experience.
- Roberto Benigni's award-winning performance as Guido Orefice is both heartwarming and powerful.
- The film explores deep themes such as the resilience of the human spirit during adversity and the importance of maintaining hope.
- The unconventional approach to depicting the Holocaust in a more accessible manner for a wider audience sets it apart.
Fun Facts
- Roberto Benigni, who played Guido Orefice, also wrote and co-directed the film.
- The famous line 'Daddy, do you see the bricks?' is a metaphor for the numbering system used in concentration camps.
- Benigni performed most of his own stunts during the water tank scene.
Available Languages
English
US
Title: Life Is Beautiful
"Bongiorno Principessa!"
Deutsch
DE
Title: Das Leben ist schön
"Eine unvergessliche Fabel, die beweist, dass Liebe, Familie und Fantasie alles überwinden."
Magyar
HU
Title: Az élet szép
""
Español
ES
Title: La vida es bella
"Un historia inolvidable que demuestra que el amor, la familia y la imaginación pueden conquistar todo."
Italiano
IT
Title:
"Una favola indimenticabile che dimostra che l'amore, la famiglia e l'immaginazione conquistano tutto."
Pусский
RU
Title: Жизнь прекрасна
""
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
The first half of the screenplay is better than the second and in particular the weak ending which is very commercial Oscar material. However, there is Benigni, who is an old school visual comedian, and some of his antics are a delight. The period setting details are also well done.
Oscar Awards
Wins
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE - 1998
Roberto Benigni
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM - 1998
None
MUSIC (Original Dramatic Score) - 1998
Nicola Piovani
Nominations
DIRECTING - 1998
Roberto Benigni
FILM EDITING - 1998
Simona Paggi
BEST PICTURE - 1998
Elda Ferri, Gianluigi Braschi
WRITING (Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen) - 1998
Vincenzo Cerami, Roberto Benigni
Media
Trailer
Life is Beautiful (1998) Official Trailer - Robert Benigni Movie HD