After its Oscar win, the film increased its box office tally by 45% and added nearly 500 theaters to its US run. Not bad for a movie that had been on general release for 22 weeks.
Roberto Benigni says the title comes from a quote by Leon Trotsky. In exile in Mexico, knowing he was about to be killed by Joseph Stalin's assassins, he saw his wife in the garden and wrote that, in spite of everything, "life is beautiful".
Roberto Benigni's Oscar for best actor marked only the second time that an actor had directed himself in an Academy Award winning performance. The other was Laurence Olivier for Hamlet (1948).
Guido: You can lose all your points for any one of three things. One: If you cry. Two: If you ask to see your mother. Three: If you're hungry and ask for a snack! Forget it!
Attention!!
Is there an Italian who speaks German?Listen! I say this only once
There's only one reason why you have been transported to this camp--
to work!! Any attempt of sabotage will be punished immediately with death penalty. The executions will take place at the courtyard by shots in the back. You have the honour to work for our great German fatherland and participate in the construction of the greater German empire.You should never forget 3 basic rules:
1. Don't try to flee!
2. Follow every command without asking!
3. Any attempt of a rebellion will be punished by hanging!Is that clear!?!
You should be happy to work here! Nothing will happen to you as long you obey the commands.
Obedience is everything!!And another thing
At this whistle, everyone into the courtyard- fast!!
Muster in two rows --SILENCE!!-- every morning in roll-call.One more thing~
You will work over there and you will recognize the dimensions of this camp easily.
Q
How much sex, violence, and profanity are in this movie?
A
Q
A NOTE REGARDING SPOILERS
A
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