Roberto Benigni is known for Life is Beautiful, a film that won Oscars and moved millions in its depiction of the Holocaust. The Tiger and the Snow is a similar story. However, Benigni is a poet and instead of taking care of his son, he’s taking care of his Vittoria. He finds himself stuck in Iraq at the onset of an American invasion. Why? Attilio loves Vittoria, and is willing to do anything because of his feelings for her. In some ways, he’s the same upbeat optimistic man from Life is Beautiful. Nothing can get him down, and no obstacle is too great for his love.
Vittoria (Nicoletta Braschi) is hurt in Baghdad, while visiting the country with Fuad (Jean Reno), a distinguished writer. She is left for dead in an Iraqi hospital that simply doesn’t have the right medicine to revive her. Attilio (Benigni) has been pursuing Vittoria for some time, and is tenacious in his never-say-die attitude to love. He hears the bad news, and immediately heads to the airport only to hear that flights to Iraq have been canceled. This doesn’t stop the strong-willed man who finds a way, by posing as a doctor. Needless to say Attilio’s antics are funny and his humour is on top form once again. Benigni has a knack for finding the good in the bad, and his unique perspective is attractive in his films. Perhaps it’s in reminding people that humans can go to great lengths for unconditional love of another.
The story is funny, heart-warming, moving and inspirational. Benigni dishes up another Italian film with flair and an emotive core. It’s more about the emotions than anything, and although the setting is different to Life is Beautiful, one can feel a similar ebb and flow to the narrative. The Tiger and the Snow moves from dream sequences to war-ravaged city centres and back again. Benigni keeps you second-guessing and it’s not over until the little Italian man says it is.
It can be criticised for rehashing Benigni in a role that mimics his earlier success, and material that seems to echo Life is Beautiful in its content. But the film is still entertaining, memorable and amusing. Sure, it seems as though he is slightly oblivious to the overall quest and danger at most points, but who can remember laughing at anything to do with war besides MASH? Okay, there are a few examples, but you know what I mean. The film does dip into the sentimental jar with violins and chirping birds on some occasions, but redeems itself with what comedy lies in tragedy.
Roberto Benigni directs and acts well as his usual clown alter-ego. Jean Reno makes one of his characteristic performances as Fuad, and Nicoletta Braschi reprises her character from Life is Beautiful in The Tiger and the Snow. Something many would not know, is that she is spouse to Benigni, which probably explains the chemistry between the two in so many of their films.
The bottom line: Tender.
