Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that the award-winning Italian import Life Is Beautiful is set during the Holocaust, and features some very difficult themes, including war, fear, and the loss of a parent. There are clear references to the atrocities being committed, but most of the focus is on the humorous efforts of a father to shelter his son from them. Drinking (wine, champagne) is visible in social settings; references are made to drunkenness.
Sexual
Content
Some mild flirtations between Guido and Dora.
Violence
Threats of torture, hangings, and being murdered in gas chambers are discussed, and those who understand the Holocaust will get the gravity of these threats. Occasional bloody images are visible. Guns (rifles, pistols, machine guns) are visible; gunshots are audible. Tanks are visible. A major character dies.
Language
A few words like "ass" are visible in the subtitles.
Social
Behavior
Love for family, country, and above all, the bond between father and son, are major themes here. Fascism is discussed, and the horror of the holocaust is also underscored.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Champagne, hard liquor is visible at restaurants and social functions. Cigarette smoking is occasionally visible.