QuestionEverything
Bluelight Crew
Directed by Roberto Benigni
In this WW II tragicomedy, famed Italian funnyman Roberto Benigni 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. Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide

I had the privilege of watching this film as a part of a presentation given in one of my classes a few weeks ago. I can admit that the beginning has the potential to be a bit tedious, but it leads to one of the most touching and unique films I've ever seen. You'll experience the entire spectrum of emotions. An absolute must see.
[I was surprised there was no existing thread here or in the archives for this film.]