Bring on the tough stuff. There’s not just one right answer.
- The film is neatly split into two halves: the rom-com half and the Holocaust half. Why do you suppose this narrative device is used? How does it differ from other narrative devices the writers could have chosen, like flashbacks or focusing on only one half?
- Did you notice that all the Jewish characters and characters of non-European descent worked in serving roles, such as waiters? What's up with that?
- How did you feel at the end of the film? How did your feelings about the ending impact how you viewed the rest of the film, especially with regard to the first half?
- Roberto Benigni took a risk when he decided to use comedic elements to tell a Holocaust story. Do you think the risk paid off?
- Does Life Is Beautiful honor the lives lost to the Holocaust, or do you find it offensive and in poor taste? Why?
- How do you think the movie would change if we saw it from Dora's perspective? For example, would the film's themes change as a result of this perspective shift? Why or why not?
- Watch the Charlie Chaplin comedy The Great Dictator (or just look up a clip). How do you see Chaplin and Benigni using comedy to make their arguments? How are their approaches the same and yet different?
- Alternatively, you can watch a more traditional Holocaust film, such as The Pianist or Schindler's List. How do you see drama and comedy taking different approaches in their argumentative style? Do you think one makes for a more effective argument against ethnic hatred?