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Plot

In this WW II tragicomedy, famed Italian funnyman Roberto Benigni (The Monster) portrays Guido, who moves during the '30s from the country to a Tuscan town, where he is entranced by schoolteacher Dora (Nicoletta Braschi, Benigni's real-life wife). Dora likes Guido, but she remains faithful to her pompous fiancé, so Guido has an uphill struggle. Meanwhile, anti-Semitic attitudes lead to attacks against Guido's Jewish uncle (Giustino Durano). Leaping ahead to five years later, during WW II, Guido and Dora are married and have a son Giosue (Giorgio Cantarini). After they are imprisoned in a concentration camp, Guido goes to elaborate lengths to keep his son from understanding the truth of their situation. He tells the boy that they are competing with others to win an armored tank -- so everything from food shortages to tattoos is explained as necessary for participation in the contest.
MPAA Rating:
for holocaust-related thematic elements.
Genre(s):
Comedy,Drama
Run Time:
122min.
Theatrical Release Date:
10/23/1998
DVD Release Date:
11/09/1999
Distributor(s):
Miramax
Director(s):
Roberto Benigni
Starring:
Roberto Benigni , Nicoletta Braschi , Giustino Durano , Sergio Bustric , Marisa Paredes
Themes:
Life Under Occupation,Crimes Against Humanity,Fathers and Sons
Tone:
Menacing,Whimsical,Poignant,Bittersweet,Heartwarming,Tearjerking,Sentimental
Keywords:
Holocaust,danger,fiancee,imprisonment,love-triangle,marriage,schoolteacher
Country of Origin:
Italy (12-20-1997),USA (10-23-1998)
Language:
Italian