No true darkness? The critical reception of 'Life is beautiful' in Italy and Australia

A comparative analysis of debates in Italy and Australia shows that there are few national differences in emphasis or approach, and that there is no strong polarization between Jewish and non-Jewish perspectives in either country. Historical-political critiques tend to make unflattering comparisons between the film and works of testimony, most notably those by another Italian, Primo Levi. The majority of Jewish critics condemn the ending as feel-good. Non-Jewish commentators tend to see the film as potentially educational