Amazon.com: Life is Beautiful/La Vita E Bella : A Screenplay: Vince Cerami; Roberto Benigni; Robert Benigni; Vincenzo Cerami: Books

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38 Reviews

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
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4.8 out of 5 stars (38 customer reviews)

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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Guido as Shakespeare's Fool, January 9, 2000

By

Aparna Raman - See all my reviews

This review is from: Life is Beautiful/La Vita E Bella: A Screenplay (Paperback)

An affirmation of life, even in the face of the century's greatest evil, is what makes Life is Beautiful thematically beautiful. Guido, the protagonist, is brilliant as the father who uses imagination and cheer to shield his son Joshua from the reality and horrors of the Holocaust. In this, his characterization is reminiscent of Shakespeare's Fool. I was reminded of the scene in King Lear, of the King and his Fool on the heath. In Life is Beautiful, Guido plays the Fool, Joshua is King Lear ( Lear is after all nothing but a child) and the Holocaust is the metaphorical storm. Both Guido and the Fool use wit and humour to conceal and reveal respectively. While Guido plays the Fool with intention to conceal truths, the Fool's wit serves to reveal to the 'child' king, the errors caused by his folly. Also, both Lear and Joshua play a game of life an d death by which they stand to lose all. While Lear stakes his kingdom and loses -he dies, Joshua plays and "wins" -he lives. Finally, why do we like Guido? Because he retains his spirit and remains the incurable romantic even as his family faces extinction.

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars pathos and humor = LIFE, May 3, 2003

By

Rachel B Johnson (Waxhaw, NC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Life is Beautiful/La Vita E Bella: A Screenplay (Paperback)

Guido, the central character in Life is Beautiful, is one of the most poignant characters in literature. He chooses to create an illusionary world for his son so that Giosue will survive the horrific conditions in a concentration camp. It becomes clear to the reader that Guido makes a decision as soon as he and Giouse are taken to the camp that he will, if necessary, go so far as to sacrifice his own life for his son's strength and survival. The theme of unconditional love transcending pain, horror, and incomprehensible ignorance is the ultimate message of the book. And, if anything, the reader empathizes even more with victims of the Holocaust because of Guido's presentation of his experiences. There is no "making fun" of the Holocaust in this book; there is only a celebration of love and the beauty of life. Everyone should read it and watch the movie!

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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unlike Any Other, July 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Life is Beautiful/La Vita E Bella: A Screenplay (Paperback)

In this film/ book, it is so clear that Benigni has suceeded in pronouncing the message he so wanted for the world to hear: Life if Beautiful. In this profoundly delicious screenplay, I have found love, laughter, grief, and hope. Never before have I ever encountered such a screenplay that has put upon me so many different emotions. A winner-- everyone MUST read or see this incredible piece of art.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Lauren Ellis
Life Is Beautiful the movie concerns the triumph of the human spirit over the horrors and attracities committed against the european jews during the holocaust. Read more

Published on September 4, 2005

5.0 out of 5 stars A Real Tearjerker
Begnini's account of a father who makes the ultimate sacrifice for his son is beautiful, touching, and, at times, comedic. Family Pick.

Published on February 2, 2003 by musicdude7775

4.0 out of 5 stars "This is not the movie, only the screenplay."
One has to admit, Miramax makes a lot of darn good movies, from SLING BLADE to GOOD WILL HUNTING. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL is another great movie. Read more

Published on February 23, 2001 by tvtv3

1.0 out of 5 stars Shallow beyond belief
This is an insult to the intelligence of anyone that has any knowledge of the history of WW2 and the events of the Holocaust. Read more

Published on January 22, 2001 by Gary Bauer

5.0 out of 5 stars Why aren't there more films like this?
The Life is Beautiful Screenplay by Roberto Benigni and Vincenzo Cermai is more than beautiful. It is inspirational, heartwarming and tragic. Read more

Published on October 26, 2000 by Nicholas Beatty

5.0 out of 5 stars awesome
This is the best screenplay I have ever had

Published on December 21, 1999 by Jason Horek

5.0 out of 5 stars Still amazing despite differences
Despite its suttle differences from the movie it is very fun to read. It is the ORIGINAL screenplay, that's why it is somewhat different from the movie. Read more

Published on July 12, 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars Still amazing despite differences
Despite its suttle differences from the movie it is very fun to read. It is the ORIGINAL screenplay, that's why it is somewhat different from the movie. Read more

Published on July 12, 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars The transcendent power of love in the midst of hate
I have tried to talk many people into seeing this movie -- truly the most moving and beautiful film I have ever seen. Read more

Published on July 12, 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars I felt scared for the three of them. Must see and read.
I would like to know if anyone shares my thoughts on this book/movie. I think the mother-in-law set him up to be taken to the concentration cmp. Read more

Published on July 9, 1999 by Cgvalenti@aol.com

› See all 38 customer reviews...

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Under a beautiful, crystalline sky, a Balilla convertible piled high with luggage makes its smooth, happy way through the placid Tuscan hills. Read the first page

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