Dane Arianne Tadeja

ayan_tadeja@yahoo.com

III- Magnetite
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Life Is Beautiful
(Italian: La vita bella)
Directed by: Roberto Benigni

The film durrated about 116 minutes.

Theme:

A person should do their responsibility even in great and worst of times. Guido
did his duty and responsibility as a father to his son, Joshua. During the World War II,
all the Jews in Italy were sent to a concentration camp. Guido explains to Joshua that
the camp is a complicated game in which Joshua must perform the tasks Guido gives
him. There he conceals the terror and fear of the thought of war to his son.

Type: A Comedy-Drama film.

Intended Audience: PG-13

Context: Historical, for it shows the history of World War II. And Societal, for only Jews
are sent to an isolated area where they are treated as slaves during the war.

Awards earned:

Life is Beautiful was shown at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival, and went on to
win the Grand Prix. At the 71st Academy Awards, the film won awards for Best Music,
Original Dramatic Score, and Best Foreign Language Film, with Benigni winning Best
Actor for his role. The film also received Academy Award nominations for Directing,
Film Editing, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Picture.

Setting: Italy
Characters:

Roberto Benigni as Guido Orefice

Nicoletta Braschi as Dora
Giorgio Cantarini as Joshua
Giustino Durano as Uncle Eliseo
Horst Buchholz as Doctor Lessing
Marisa Paredes as Dora's mother
Sergio Bustric as Ferruccio
Amerigo Fontani as Rodolfo

Plot:

In 1939, Guido Orefice with his long time friend went to the city to his Uncle
where he lives and works. On the way he bumps into Dora and immediately falls
inlove with her. Later on, Guido then again bumps into Dora again and finds out that
she has an arrogant fianc. Guido didnt give up, he seduces Dora by doing
Coincidental things that portray that they are destined to be with each other. Dora
then fall inlove with Guido leaves her mother and fianc and had a son named
Joshua.

As a twist of faith, All the Jews were sent to a Nazi Concentration camp during
the World War II. There Guido, His Uncle and Joshua are seized. Since Dora is Italian
she wasnt forced to go. But she loved her family more than her safety, she
volunteered to come.

In the camp, Guido hid the reality of what was happening to his son. He
replaced the terror of war with the excitement of a game. Guido added that if Joshua
does everything he says and wins the game they will return home with a Tank. During
the whole film, Joshua followed his fathers orders.

An incident happened in the camp. All the slaves are forced to evacuate, there
Guido finds an opportunity to create an escape plan for his family. He hides Joshua in
a mailbox while he goes and gets his wife, Dora. But unfortunately, Guido was caught
and executed. Till morning, Joshua comes out and finds a large tank. Inside an
American soldier gives him a ride. In the end Joshua is reunited with his Mother, Dora.
During the beginning and the end of the film, it was being narrated by an Older
version of Joshua telling the sacrifice and bravery of his father, Guido Orefice.

Tone:
 The film portrayed the happiness of love during the beginning. The sweetness
and excitement of the thought of love to the opposite sex. But later on, it shows the
bitterness of being separated and losing loved ones.

Acting:

The actors did their part well. Not too overly shown or not too less emotion.

Directing:

The thought of Roberto Benigni being the Director and the main Actor of the
film is a jaw-dropping info. For me, what he did was simply excuisitte.

Costumes:

The costumes used by the crew where very realistic and really gave the
thought of living during the slavery moments of World War II.

In what way is the movie relevant to the Society?

The film introduced a whole new perspective of family love. It shows and
portrays plus you can clearly feel the passion in the film. The Society today is more
focused on what are the trends of today. They dont care about the values of what
ordinary people should have. Like the responsibilities and duties of all the people.
Each one of us has or have responsibilities to accomplish. Examples are the duties of
parents to their child or children.

What are the movies Major strengths and weaknesses?

The movie has a heart-warming message of sacrificing for your loved one.
Only few films cant portray this kind of idea with a hint of humor. But the weaknesses
is that the film became too far from the beginning. It start was a lovestory between
Guido and Dora but later on became a Nazi concentration camp where Jews are killed
and treated as slaves.
Does the film reinforce any negative stereotypes about devalued people?

Yes. During the World War II part many Jews were forced to be treated as
slaves. For they are not Italian. Which results to a kind a racism to devalued people.

What was the particular idea behind the movie, a key moment, an impresive
character, or any other feature that fascinated you?

The moment where Guido was caught. Even though he knows his life is about
to end, he still found a way to make his son happy for the last time.

Do you agree or disagree with the message the movie conveys?

I Agree. The message of the story is very unique and yet heart-breaking.

Who would benefit from watching the movie?

Many children and Adults can learn a thing or two from the movie or film. They
could even think of it as an inspiration to have a new life and reconsider their
attitudes towards their family.

What is the major lesson to learn from this movie?

The love given by parents are infinite and unmeasured.

How did the movie affect you?

I obtained a new meaning to life. I realized something I always knew but never
focused on. To love my parents for their care and affection is for the best of me.

Would you recommend seeing this film?

Yes. No words can measure how I want everyone to watch this film.

Conclusion:
 I therefore conclude, To love someone is not only by words but by actions.
Heroes are not made but born. The true attitude of a caring person is caring for
himself/herself and also the sake of others. Love your parents while they are still
there. No matter how unfair they may seem, but the only thing they want is whats
best for us. They put our sake first more than theirs. The life a parent is a protector,
lover, creator, molder, artist etc. ALL IN ONE. They mold us to what we are today.
Thanking is not only by saying Thank You or loving by saying I Love you but
showing with passion and heart by action.