Life Is Beautiful - La Vita E Bella

It is hard to categorize this movie, considering it isn't really drama, or just history or comedy.

Even harder is to decide how to feel once you have seen it.

It is the story of a Jewish man, Guido, who courts an Italian lady, Dora. His kooky charm wins her heart.They marry and have an adorable little boy, Giosue.

The movie is set in Italy during the second world war and naturally, being Jewish, the main character is in for a rough ride.

The treatment of the holocaust, in this most unusual way, the incredible resilience of the main character, his love for his wife and little boy and the way he tries to shield his young son from the cruel realities surrounding them is nothing short of brilliant.

Guido hilarious antics first in winning his lady, and later, in protecting Giosue from harm in the concentration camp, seem so out of place in a movie of this nature, but so heartwarming in the same context.

It will be the first movie about the holocaust that doesn't leave you drained and horrified.

I watched this movie originally in Italian, with English subtitles. I was worried I wouldn't enjoy it. Now, I wouldn't watch it any other way, since the richness of the original Italian language movie is lost through dubbing. The Italian language itself is as much a character in this movie and should be enjoyed along with the rest of the Italian backdrop.

Roberto Begnini, who wrote and directed this film as well as played the lead role opposite his real life wife, Nicoletta Braschi won an Oscar for Best Actor while the film won for Best Foreign Film and Best Dramatic Original Score.

It has become my favourite film.