The only good thing in this film is Mélanie Bernier and her defence speech.. after that leave the cinema or turn off the film.. there is nothing worth watching after that moment (nor really before that moment, if I'm honest). What is stunning is that the cast is very good.. Cassel, Garcia, Brasseur are normally good value for money. However, Garcia's role is pitiful and Cassel's role is ridiculous (and this has to be his worst film since 'Agents Secrets').. I'm guessing they thought the film would work as there is regular baring of flesh (see reference to Mélanie Bernier) and the odd pseudo-intellectual repartee about power and lust. The film tries to portray a message but unfortunately it was lost on me and the other dozen or so cinema-goers (of which many didn't stay longer 30 minutes before walking out) and it was the first night the film was out!!! This film deserves a place in the IMDb Bottom 100.
Reviews
2 Reviews
Life Is Beautiful
(1997)
Clinically witty but beautifully sad
23 October 1998
Magic! Yet another example of small European cinemas making pure quality entertainment. This film, full to the brim with wit and satire shows the beauty of life and the horror that is war. As the film goes on, you go from laughter to tears, amazement to horror. This simple tale of an Italian-Jewish family caught in the horror of the holocaust is centred around the relationship between a man and his wife and son. The script is full of great lines which make you laugh when you'd rather cry. In all it's a tale of hope and of love and the thwarted desire to live a simple life. The cinematography is brilliant and the plot extraordinary. A must see!!! Throughly worth the money
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