Life is Beautiful (1997)

*SPOILER FREE

With people fleeing their homes in Ukraine, corrupt politicians overruling in North Africa, and injustice scattering for decades and the peace that's awaiting to be made in my home, the Middle East. Comes art in the form of Roberto Benigni's 'Life is Beautiful' to remind us that even in the most darkest, devastating, and horrifying times there's light to be found, there's hope, and there's beauty.

Life is Beautiful is a war black-comedy drama following Guido, a carefree, merry Jewish Italian who's living a fairytale life in beautiful 1939 Tuscany with his wife... until Nazi Germany occupies north Italy in 1944. Guido, his wife, and now 5 year-old son are taken to a concentration camp where he has to employ his imagination and scene of humor to protect his son from the horrors of the holocaust.

This is a story about love, human spirit, and freedom. The three human components that cannot be beaten by war, cruelty, or any other force. The hope that conquers every despicable act.

Roberto Benigni orchestrates a symphony of comedy and tragedy, a laughter against hatred, and a father-son bond that is heartbreaking as it is heartwarming.

The original score by Nicola Piovani couldn't help narrate the story any better, it carries us on its roller-coaster of emotions and lands us safely at the divine shore called cinema.

I do not usually speak of awards, the Oscars, and whatnot. However, a moment of delight I will never forget is when Roberto Benigni jumps on seats and rejoices over accepting the Academy Award for best foreign language film and best actor. A moment of recognition and celebration of exceptional storytelling and exceptional Italian art in the last year of a century defined by war... and cinema.

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Available to watch on Apple TV, and on Amazon Prime Video

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