This film is a humbling, comical, romantic and heart wrenching story. A movie that everyone should watch before they die.
The talented Roberto Benigni, who as well as directing the film, plays the wonderfully enigmatic lead role of Guido. He is quick witted, slighty goofy and a hopeless romantic. A character that you will fall in love with instantly.
The inspiring relationship between Guido and his young son Giosue, superbly played by Giorgo Cantarini, is believable and incredibly heart warming.
I was dubious of ever enjoying a foreign language film but I defy anyone to watch this movie and not completely fall in love with the characters. You will be truly inspired by this tragic yet moving story of family, love and determination.
Warning: Do not watch without a large box of tissues.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 1997 - Drama - Director: Ronan O'Leary - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: James Spader, Anne Brochet, Barry McGovern, Anna Massey
Drama - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Shelagh Fraser, Barbara Flynn, Keith Drinkel, Felicity Kendal, Pam Ferris, Colin Douglas
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Re-rated based on Ciao's insistence that such reviews are no longer considered "Off Topic"
Soho_Black 22.09.2008 14:00
Good review of the film itself, although I see you've posted this as a DVD review, but you've not mentioned the DVD features. Are there any extras? If so, what are they and are they any good? If you add to this, or if you change it to be posted as a "Film Only" review, which can be done by accessing "edit review" above the review and changing the drop down menu under the "Which format are you reviewing?" question at the bottom, please let me know and I'll re-rate.
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