Tonight I visited the Imdb top 250 for my next movie, Life is Beautiful from 1997 is ranked number 70 on the list but I cannot help but disagree with that ranking. Allow me to review my thoughts on this foreign film.
Plot: 9/10
Plot: 9/10
I have to be honest, I was worried about this one, I had never even heard of this film going into it, so I had no idea any plot lines, themes, or anything about what I was getting myself into. I was especially worried, because as the film got started, it seemed as though it was a knock of the Marx Brothers with all the silly and sometimes senseless comedy being displayed by the main character Guido Orefice. I am happy to say I couldn't have been more wrong. This film succeeds in doing an amazing 180 turn and throws you as the viewer right into what I am confident in saying one of the most unique and amazing achievements in cinema I have ever been witness to. The story, though as simple as it is, forces the viewer to reach all of his or her emotional boundaries as a story of love, laughter, and sacrifice leaves you glued to the screen in a way that very few movies have ever done. You fall in love with these characters instantly, and that love has you rooting for the Orefice family throughout as though you are a 5th member. There are very few times when a film is able to make it the entire length without leaving any plot holes or questions, Life is beautiful does just that, and a whole lot more.
Acting: 6/10
it was hard for me to make this rating for acting in the film, because the main character, played by Roberto Benigni, could not have been played any better. He won the Oscar this year for best actor, and it is an understatement to say he deserved it, but what was even more amazing, is that he directed the film as well; not exactly a lot of people can say that over the history of film. But therein lies the problem, Roberto set such a high standard in his acting that all other characters seemed to be sort of overshadowed by him. His son in the film, played by Giorgi Cantarini, gives an overachieving performance considering he was 5 years old at the time, but honestly, these were just 2 bright stars in a sky filled with clouded constellations of forgettable acting. Nicoletta Braschi seemed, out of place, for lack of a better explanation, for most of the film, and though I am sure it is hard to act with someone as "out there" as Roberto was, an actress with over 15 feature films to her credit shouldn't get lost in the shuffle as much as she does. Other members of the cast were easily forgettable, and it comes to no surprise that without Roberto, this film more than likely doesn't even stand the test of time, let alone have 3 Academy Awards won. Simply put, I had to grade this acting on a curve, and Roberto took that curve and ruined it for everyone else.
Visuals: 8/10
I was hesitant to give this film high marks on its visuals, simply because there was not a large need for visual effects. The acting of Roberto Benigni took center stage of everything, and not a lot of "fluff" was needed for his surroundings. That being said, I find myself having to change that opinion the more and more I think about what exactly the film makers were trying to show us in the visual aspects of this film. In the beginning, the backdrops and scenery reflects exactly what the title of the film is, that life IS beautiful. Set in beautiful Italy the scenes are filled with vibrant colors and breathtaking views that remind us to stop every once in a while and appreciate what we see. The second half of the movie, however, brings us back to a harsh reality, and the scenery and visuals lend an amazing helping hand in keeping us grounded just long enough to make us appreciate what the characters were losing in the first half, Life and all of its beauty. I cannot think of many changes I would make to the visuals of this film, they got it right for sure.
Acting: 6/10
it was hard for me to make this rating for acting in the film, because the main character, played by Roberto Benigni, could not have been played any better. He won the Oscar this year for best actor, and it is an understatement to say he deserved it, but what was even more amazing, is that he directed the film as well; not exactly a lot of people can say that over the history of film. But therein lies the problem, Roberto set such a high standard in his acting that all other characters seemed to be sort of overshadowed by him. His son in the film, played by Giorgi Cantarini, gives an overachieving performance considering he was 5 years old at the time, but honestly, these were just 2 bright stars in a sky filled with clouded constellations of forgettable acting. Nicoletta Braschi seemed, out of place, for lack of a better explanation, for most of the film, and though I am sure it is hard to act with someone as "out there" as Roberto was, an actress with over 15 feature films to her credit shouldn't get lost in the shuffle as much as she does. Other members of the cast were easily forgettable, and it comes to no surprise that without Roberto, this film more than likely doesn't even stand the test of time, let alone have 3 Academy Awards won. Simply put, I had to grade this acting on a curve, and Roberto took that curve and ruined it for everyone else.
Visuals: 8/10
I was hesitant to give this film high marks on its visuals, simply because there was not a large need for visual effects. The acting of Roberto Benigni took center stage of everything, and not a lot of "fluff" was needed for his surroundings. That being said, I find myself having to change that opinion the more and more I think about what exactly the film makers were trying to show us in the visual aspects of this film. In the beginning, the backdrops and scenery reflects exactly what the title of the film is, that life IS beautiful. Set in beautiful Italy the scenes are filled with vibrant colors and breathtaking views that remind us to stop every once in a while and appreciate what we see. The second half of the movie, however, brings us back to a harsh reality, and the scenery and visuals lend an amazing helping hand in keeping us grounded just long enough to make us appreciate what the characters were losing in the first half, Life and all of its beauty. I cannot think of many changes I would make to the visuals of this film, they got it right for sure.
Sound: 7/10
There was not a lot of need for sound in this film, except for the actual words spoken by the actors and actresses themselves, but the few times music or different sound was used in the film, the goal of the film's sound was met and for the most time triumphed. One scene in particular used music in a way that can only be matched by a famous record player in Shawshank Redemption, and it brought to life the moment of the film like only the right music can. The movie's soundtrack isn’t going to make any best selling lists, but the job was done, and considering all the other great aspects of this film, that’s all we can ask for.
Overall Entertainment: 10/10
what can I say? I would fail in my attempt to try to sit here and try to explain to you how great this movie is. Some people would find themselves turned off by the fact that this is a foreign film, the fact that the original spoken language of the film is Italian. I cannot stress enough how much you need to see this film. Rent this movie, go to the settings and change the language to English, and sit back and enjoy. The title of the movie only tells part of what you are in store for, because though life is very beautiful, sometimes the ugliness of the people in our lives changes that, This film does an unbelievable job at reminding us what love can do to make everything ok, no matter what the situation is, and that love can force us to sacrifice what we need to to protect the most beautiful things in our lives. Life is Beautiful, and so is this amazing film!
Total ChuxFLix Rating: 80/100
Favorite Trivia for this Film: Guido's wife, Dora, is played by Roberto Benigni's real-life wife, Nicoletta Braschi.
No comments:
Post a Comment