Life Is Beautiful

I have done a post on this movie before, so this is a whole different approach.  Every Homecoming I show a movie because the school goes all out!  I think it is my favorite week because almost every student participates, and you can feel the spirit and love!  But I don't show just any movie.  I show a movie that will expose them to something else, or different cultures.  One year I show a Film Noir, Kiss of Death (1947).  I loved showing that one for many reasons.  One Film Noir is a great genre of film, and I assume most students today have not seen one.  Most likely color films had not been invented yet.  The one I showed was a Black and White film.  When the students heard it was a black and white film they looked nervous.  They didn't know if they would like it?  Which is why I showed the film!  I want the kids to enjoy Homecoming Week, but at the same time do something worthwhile.  At the end of the week so many kids were surprised!  They liked a Black and White Film!

So this year I showed Life is Beautiful, an Italian film.  That is why I chose this film.  I played the film in it's language, and they had to read English Subtitles.  To watch this film dubbed in English is a crime - you will lose some of the magic of the film.  And I was not surprised the kids loved it!  When we finished watching it a student shouted out, "I hate you Ms.Haughey!" All I could say is why?  Then I looked down and saw she was crying.  She said, "You ruined my eye makeup!" 

I also have them complete an assignment to go along with the film.  As long as they watch the film - they can complete the assignment.  So here is some of the things students said about Life is Beautiful.  And the favorite scenes said over and over!

Reviews:
"I thought this was very touching. It makes me see how lucky I am to live in America."

"This Guido guy was very inspirational, and he was a really good guy. I kinda wanna be like him."

Every student loved it, and said nothing but great things!  One student said it should have won picture at the Oscars - not just Best Foreign Film.  You have to see acceptance speech!

The life lessons they got out of the film:

1. Loyalty
2. Always Have Fun
3. Never Give Up
4. Life is What you Make It
5. Persistence
6. Show Unconditional Love
7. Have Courage - Take Risks in Life
8. Always be Happy
9. Look at the Positive
10. Always Listen to Your Parents
11. Cherish Every Moment
12. Perseverance
13. Think Before You Leap
14. Live For the Moment
15. Always Look On the Bright Side
16. Never Take Life for Granted
17. Stay Humble
18. Always Stay Happy
19. Family Comes First
20. Challenge What Is Wrong

Favorite Scenes:

Dad protects his son by making the concentration camp a game.

Dad makes the ultimate sacrifice - and still makes his son laugh!

They won the game, and got the prize of a tank!