This is a truly adult fairly tale; triumphant, poignant, timeless and one which will linger ling in the minds of those who see it. Though this is my second time to see this movie, the plots in it still bring me into tears.
At first, it seems that this is a comedy when Guido, the main character in the movie, concocts an imaginative and humorous explanation for the happenings around. He isn’t handsome or rich while others are dressed in nice suits and live a luxurious life. Because of his positive attitude toward life, he wins Dora’s heart and bonds tightly with Joshua, he and Dora’s son. Even though Mussolini has just signed a pact with Hitler to implement his Nazi policies with regards to Jews, they own a bookstore and live happily.
However, one day, the Germans come to take away Guido and his son. Dora, not being Jewish, determines on going along with her family. From then on, the once peaceful family has met the most depressing time during World War ∥.
Those who believe in Nazism, regard Jews as slaves, and even more, working machines. They demand Jews work in adverse conditions, work over them until they are too weak to work and then, send them the “showers”. As for those who are too old or too young, they are forced to go to the “showers” on the day they arrive. When Guido’s uncle is taking off his clothes, one of the harsh commanders accidentally falls down. The kink-hearted old man sincerely gives a hand to her. Nevertheless, the proud woman glares at him furiously as if he were the most disgusting “thing” in the world. Not aware of the cruel fact, all he thinks of is to help others.
Dr. Lessing, whom Guido used to pot his wits against in games of riddles, encounters Guido in the concentration camp. Both of them are glad to meet each other. For Guido, this is a good chance to save Dora from the camp while for Dr. Lessing, Guido is the only person who may be clever enough to figure out the riddle. When Guido tries to signal the rescue message to him, all he really cares about is the solution to the riddle. In his mind, Jewish life doesn’t mean anything , even though a ridiculous riddle.
The life in concentration camps is horrible, ruthless and tiring. In order to keep Joshua safe from harm, Guido keeps a cheery face for Joshua although he is weak and dreadfully tired after working every day. It is because of his love for Joshua that the façade of the game never drops. On the other hand, he keeps finding any opportunity to contact Dora. The one that he gives the priority to is his family. After checking Joshua is safe, he begins to find Dora, ignoring his own safety. At last, on his way to be shot, he takes the last look at the place where Joshua hides and acts exaggeratedly so that Joshua can live.
It is due of Guido’s sacrifice that Dora and Joshua are still alive and this is the main reason why the life in the movie is beautiful.It is the dangerous notion of blue-eyed, blond Aryan supremacy that causes the irretrievable Holocaust. For those who survive from the holocaust, in some way, living is bitter than death.
