Oscar-winner Roberto Benigni's sentimental tragi-comedy tells of good-natured, bumbling Jewish waiter Guido who creates a near-perfect life for his wife and young son in pre-World War Two Italy. When the Nazis arrive and send the family to a concentration camp he uses all his wit and charm to save them.
DVD Extras:
None. An example of an intriguing idea that fails to hit the mark in any meaningful way, even though it's been lavished with awards. Presumably Benigni wanted to show the triumph of the human spirit against overwhelming odds. Unfortunately, his clownish comic sensibilities become irreconcilable with the dark tone, resulting in a bizarre and uneasy mix of humour and anguish. This limited appeal is further sabotaged by a disc which contains no extras to entice even the most mildly curious.
