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| 1. Johnny Stecchino Director: Roberto Benigni | |
 | list price: $19.98
(price subject to change: see help) Asin: 6303614280 Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 255 Average Customer Review: 
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Amazon.com Reviews (49)
Eventually, Maria has to make a moral choice. Buy it, and stay away from bananas in Palermo--don't even look at them.
The case of miss identity is not new to comedy, but Benigni brings that freshness to American audiences. He brilliantly plays a dual role, Dante, a meek school bus driver and gangster Johnny Stecchino. His wife, Nicoletta Braschi, joins her husband again and she, too, exudes sincereity with true chemistry to his characters. There is beyond great slapstick, the dialogue is well scripted and the plot is equally entertaining. If your passion is for truly great comedy, enjoy this and the funnier Benigni movie, "The Monster." You will be guaranteed a night of laughter, hilarious, nonstop laughter!!......MzRizz
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| 2. Life Is Beautiful Director: Roberto Benigni | |
 | list price: $9.99
our price: $9.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: 6305426651 Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 1711 Average Customer Review: 
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Reviews (540)
Actually, the film I kept thinking of has never been seen: Jerry Lewis' THE DAY THE CLOWN CRIED. I've read the script and I can only imagine the reviews of that film if it was ever released! (Now there's a film in itself: a daffy but deranged filmmaker, popping pills and performing pratfalls, producing his movie about a German clown entertaining Jewish kids on their way to the ovens. Yikes.) LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL doesn't go that far, but I found myself constantly distracted by Benigni's rubbery slapstick taking place in a concentration camp. Yeah, it's sweet that he wants to spare his son the horrors of the camp...but they're in a camp, a concentration camp. Jerry Lewis must have gone nuts when Benigni won the Best Actor Academy Award (William Goldman, the sage of screenwriters, certainly did in print by saying this was the greatest Oscar abomination since THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH won Best Picture in the 1950s). I admit I was put off at Benigni's antics at the Oscars--"I LUFF YOU, I LUFF YOU ALL, I MAKE LUFF TO YOU ALL!" I can't even picture Jerry Lewis carrying on that much if he'd won Best Actor for THE BELLBOY. Now that I think about it, maybe he would.... Yes, movies are a great escape from reality--but there are some realities that shouldn't be part of that escape.
2. Implications: Life is Beautiful expresses the need for family strength. What does this mean for today? 3. Evolution: Life is Beautiful employs a style that is at first jarring to watch, and then succeeds on its own as a force of comedy. How has this affected cinema since its release in 1998? 4. Realism: Is the game Guido plays with his son feasible realistically? 5. Stageplay: The basic story is one of a man trying to remain optimistic during a time of intense suffering. How does the light-heartedness of the plot change the realistic consequences of the Holocaust?
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| 3. The Monster Director: Roberto Benigni, Michel Filippi | |
 | list price: $21.96
(price subject to change: see help) Asin: 0800197097 Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 18620 Average Customer Review:
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Reviews (38)
A sex-crazed serial killer is on the loose and has already killed a dozen women. When the goofy Loris (Benigni) is mistaken for the killer and the local police launch a 24-hour surveillance of his crazy life, the laughs begin and never end. Benigni's real-life wife, Nicoletta Braschi, also in "Life is Beautiful", stars in this one as well as a police officer who goes undercover to catch him in the act. She sublets (illegally) his apartment and movies in with him to try to entice him into his sexual psychosis. When normal life fails, she then must dance around the apartment naked shoving her genitalia right into his face. It's a little on the edge, but in the tradition of Benigni comedy, is still quite tasteful. 17 and over only though. Sexually explicit scenes all over the place, but no nudity.
The comic scences in this movie, from beginning to end, are first rate. I have seen movies produced in all kinds of countries--and this one is one of the funniest. If you have not seen it yet, do not miss out any longer and get a copy. And believe me, it is worth seeing more than once.
Benigni reminds me of a speaking version of Harpo Marx. Like Harpo, he is a loveable satyr and trickster. Both men are short and are not handsome, but they have wonderfully expressive faces and are masters of physical humor. I have seen two other Benigni films: Johnny Toothpick and Life is Beautiful. The Monster and Johnny Toothpick are somewhat similar in style and content, although I prefer the former to the latter. In any case, if you enjoyed one, you probably will enjoy the other. Life is Beautiful is an entirely different sort of movie, deftly blending comedy and drama. Life is Beautiful is an outstanding film, but if that is the only film of Benigni's you have seen, you should understand that the Monster is much less serious and much more crass. ... Read more | |
| 4. Life Is Beautiful Director: Roberto Benigni | |
 | list price: $9.99
(price subject to change: see help) Asin: 6305451591 Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 23797 Average Customer Review:
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Description Reviews (540)
Actually, the film I kept thinking of has never been seen: Jerry Lewis' THE DAY THE CLOWN CRIED. I've read the script and I can only imagine the reviews of that film if it was ever released! (Now there's a film in itself: a daffy but deranged filmmaker, popping pills and performing pratfalls, producing his movie about a German clown entertaining Jewish kids on their way to the ovens. Yikes.) LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL doesn't go that far, but I found myself constantly distracted by Benigni's rubbery slapstick taking place in a concentration camp. Yeah, it's sweet that he wants to spare his son the horrors of the camp...but they're in a camp, a concentration camp. Jerry Lewis must have gone nuts when Benigni won the Best Actor Academy Award (William Goldman, the sage of screenwriters, certainly did in print by saying this was the greatest Oscar abomination since THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH won Best Picture in the 1950s). I admit I was put off at Benigni's antics at the Oscars--"I LUFF YOU, I LUFF YOU ALL, I MAKE LUFF TO YOU ALL!" I can't even picture Jerry Lewis carrying on that much if he'd won Best Actor for THE BELLBOY. Now that I think about it, maybe he would.... Yes, movies are a great escape from reality--but there are some realities that shouldn't be part of that escape.
2. Implications: Life is Beautiful expresses the need for family strength. What does this mean for today? 3. Evolution: Life is Beautiful employs a style that is at first jarring to watch, and then succeeds on its own as a force of comedy. How has this affected cinema since its release in 1998? 4. Realism: Is the game Guido plays with his son feasible realistically? 5. Stageplay: The basic story is one of a man trying to remain optimistic during a time of intense suffering. How does the light-heartedness of the plot change the realistic consequences of the Holocaust?
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| 5. Pinocchio Director: Roberto Benigni | |
 | list price: $14.99
our price: $14.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B000092T4Y Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 15841 Average Customer Review: 
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Reviews (24)
Not that everything in it is bad, I tell you. On the contrary, you have Danilo Donati (famous for Felini's films) as production/costume designer. You also have Academy-nominee Dante Spinotti as photographer, whose works in such as "The Last of the Mohicans" "The Insider" "LA Confidential" are all memorable. Plus, Nocola Piovani gives good soundtrack as in "Life Is Beautiful," and even people from America help immensely with Rob Hodgson ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"). But the result is quite unsatisfactory, even though we hear that this film became a big hit in Italy. But why? It's Roberto Benigni as the star (not the director) of the film who should be blamed. You just cannot accuse the people at The Golden Raspberry Awards of giving him an award. If they find that Benigni's decision to cast himself as the titular wooden puppet unacceptable, that is only natural. I share their thought, too, and while I was watching the film, I tried to find any reason that he should be in the title role. I do not object his jumping around or talking fast itself. It is just that he is NOT that puppet, Pinocchio, no matter how he does. In his country where films are more influantial than in Japan or in USA, Benigni has been seen as a sort of cultural icon, not just a comedian. That makes his decison understandable to take up a beloved story of Pinocchio as subject matter, but it is also an undeniable fact that he could have made the film better and more accesible internationally by staying back behind the camera, not in front of it. If the film is meant only for domestic market, his appearance could be justified, but as he is now known world-wide after the success of "Life Is Beautiful," he should have been more cautious. A few words about the way of adapting the story. The film, unlike classic Disney animation or the recent live-action made in 1996 (starring Martin Landou), follows pretty faithfully the original story by Carlo Collodi. But as the original story was serialized in a periodical for children, and twice entended because of its huge popularity, the original book has some inconsistency in the plot. (Believe or not, Pinocchio is once killed after 15 chapters of the book, but given another life later to continue the story!) As a consequence, in this film, you may not be sure whether or not The Talking Cricket is really dead; moreover, the identity of The Blue Fairy is very ambiguous. These apparently incoherent elements are brought into the film without being modified much from the original. The film adaptations of "Pinocchio" in the past solved the problem by simply smoothing out the jarring factors, simplifying the story, but Benigni just didn't follow suit. If you have read the original book recenty, you will see his point; otherwise, you may be irritated by the story's a bit redundant nature. I don't think that the film is as bad as some people say. Still, it is true that Benigni's portrayal as Pinocchio is ineffective and often annoying. I like him and his partner Nicoletta Braschi (as The Blue Fairy); I really admire their sweet and creative relations represented in "Life Is Beautiful." But "Pinoccio" just doesn't show that to me.
Although the film holds well together in its native tongue and uncut version, one cannot help but wonder just what went wrong with this production. PINOCCHIO is definitely an ambitious picture; the costumes, set designs and cinematography are all strikingly beautiful. There are also lots of staggering special effects shots, from a carriage drawn by mice to an enormous shark in the sea. Such effects made the movie the most expensive in Italy --$45 million in total--; and Benigni should consider himself fortunate that it broke even in box office receipts. In America, however, it didn't have the same reception. Either because of the cutting and disastrous dubbing (despite the presence of big names in the cast such as John Cleese, Eric Idle, Cheech Marin, and Glen Close), or the fact that people could not accept this version, the movie was a dismal failure. Part of the problem is the decision of having Benigni himself playing Pinocchio. I mean, come on! Benigni is WAY too old for Pinocchio, and a lot of the other "kids" in this picture are played by grown-ups! Somehow it didn't come off on me as glaring that such was the case, but I can just imagine why critics and film buffs would slamdunk this film for that cause. There are plenty of interesting concepts and ideas for the film; the Blue Fairy's costumes are gorgeous, and the image of a butterfly present in the film is very nice, but that's not enough to save this poor, troubled picture. There's hardly a sympathetic character in the movie; Pinocchio is supposed to be disobedient, yes, but here he's portrayed as a crazy maniac, refusing to behave or do anything good until he is goaded into it. The Talking Cricket is not much better. If you were spoiled by Jiminy Cricket from the (far superior) Disney version, prepare to be shocked - he not only looks a man with artificial antennas placed on his head, he also acts condescendingly. Instead of being encouraging, he comes across as a sarcastic, unhelping little jerk who just badmouths the "boy" instead of coaching him. Granted, I'm aware that this is true of the original Collidi tale (Disney "softened up" Pinocchio's personality for his film), yet here it's executed so awkwardly that it becomes difficult to become involved in this film. It also is not a very clear, focused picture: it's too dark and menacing for youngsters and too insane to appeal to older audiences. A modern misfire, this version of PINOCCHIO is more likely to be remembered for its cinematography rather than its misguided story and below-average dubbing. (Even on the Italian original, there is some gratingly bad acting.) Surprisingly, even though Miramax butchered this film in its theatrical release, they certainly produced a great package with this DVD. It's a two-disc set, complete with a very gorgeous transfer, and two different versions of the movie. One disc is the horribly recut U.S. release while the other is the uncut Italian version. Strangely, even an English language track is offered on the second disc as well, and it includes all the stuff that was cut from the U.S. premiere! Very interesting indeed, even if the dubbing still can't hold a candle to some of the better ones I've heard (mainly from animation films, because they don't have the same lip-sync problem that live-action ones do). Sadly, though, even the presence of the uncut version doesn't change the fact that this movie is a disappointing experience. It's gorgeous to look at, but it's certainly not a classic by any means.
| |
| 6. Pinocchio Director: Roberto Benigni | |
 | list price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help) Asin: B000092T4Z Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 55124 Average Customer Review:
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (24)
Not that everything in it is bad, I tell you. On the contrary, you have Danilo Donati (famous for Felini's films) as production/costume designer. You also have Academy-nominee Dante Spinotti as photographer, whose works in such as "The Last of the Mohicans" "The Insider" "LA Confidential" are all memorable. Plus, Nocola Piovani gives good soundtrack as in "Life Is Beautiful," and even people from America help immensely with Rob Hodgson ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"). But the result is quite unsatisfactory, even though we hear that this film became a big hit in Italy. But why? It's Roberto Benigni as the star (not the director) of the film who should be blamed. You just cannot accuse the people at The Golden Raspberry Awards of giving him an award. If they find that Benigni's decision to cast himself as the titular wooden puppet unacceptable, that is only natural. I share their thought, too, and while I was watching the film, I tried to find any reason that he should be in the title role. I do not object his jumping around or talking fast itself. It is just that he is NOT that puppet, Pinocchio, no matter how he does. In his country where films are more influantial than in Japan or in USA, Benigni has been seen as a sort of cultural icon, not just a comedian. That makes his decison understandable to take up a beloved story of Pinocchio as subject matter, but it is also an undeniable fact that he could have made the film better and more accesible internationally by staying back behind the camera, not in front of it. If the film is meant only for domestic market, his appearance could be justified, but as he is now known world-wide after the success of "Life Is Beautiful," he should have been more cautious. A few words about the way of adapting the story. The film, unlike classic Disney animation or the recent live-action made in 1996 (starring Martin Landou), follows pretty faithfully the original story by Carlo Collodi. But as the original story was serialized in a periodical for children, and twice entended because of its huge popularity, the original book has some inconsistency in the plot. (Believe or not, Pinocchio is once killed after 15 chapters of the book, but given another life later to continue the story!) As a consequence, in this film, you may not be sure whether or not The Talking Cricket is really dead; moreover, the identity of The Blue Fairy is very ambiguous. These apparently incoherent elements are brought into the film without being modified much from the original. The film adaptations of "Pinocchio" in the past solved the problem by simply smoothing out the jarring factors, simplifying the story, but Benigni just didn't follow suit. If you have read the original book recenty, you will see his point; otherwise, you may be irritated by the story's a bit redundant nature. I don't think that the film is as bad as some people say. Still, it is true that Benigni's portrayal as Pinocchio is ineffective and often annoying. I like him and his partner Nicoletta Braschi (as The Blue Fairy); I really admire their sweet and creative relations represented in "Life Is Beautiful." But "Pinoccio" just doesn't show that to me.
Although the film holds well together in its native tongue and uncut version, one cannot help but wonder just what went wrong with this production. PINOCCHIO is definitely an ambitious picture; the costumes, set designs and cinematography are all strikingly beautiful. There are also lots of staggering special effects shots, from a carriage drawn by mice to an enormous shark in the sea. Such effects made the movie the most expensive in Italy --$45 million in total--; and Benigni should consider himself fortunate that it broke even in box office receipts. In America, however, it didn't have the same reception. Either because of the cutting and disastrous dubbing (despite the presence of big names in the cast such as John Cleese, Eric Idle, Cheech Marin, and Glen Close), or the fact that people could not accept this version, the movie was a dismal failure. Part of the problem is the decision of having Benigni himself playing Pinocchio. I mean, come on! Benigni is WAY too old for Pinocchio, and a lot of the other "kids" in this picture are played by grown-ups! Somehow it didn't come off on me as glaring that such was the case, but I can just imagine why critics and film buffs would slamdunk this film for that cause. There are plenty of interesting concepts and ideas for the film; the Blue Fairy's costumes are gorgeous, and the image of a butterfly present in the film is very nice, but that's not enough to save this poor, troubled picture. There's hardly a sympathetic character in the movie; Pinocchio is supposed to be disobedient, yes, but here he's portrayed as a crazy maniac, refusing to behave or do anything good until he is goaded into it. The Talking Cricket is not much better. If you were spoiled by Jiminy Cricket from the (far superior) Disney version, prepare to be shocked - he not only looks a man with artificial antennas placed on his head, he also acts condescendingly. Instead of being encouraging, he comes across as a sarcastic, unhelping little jerk who just badmouths the "boy" instead of coaching him. Granted, I'm aware that this is true of the original Collidi tale (Disney "softened up" Pinocchio's personality for his film), yet here it's executed so awkwardly that it becomes difficult to become involved in this film. It also is not a very clear, focused picture: it's too dark and menacing for youngsters and too insane to appeal to older audiences. A modern misfire, this version of PINOCCHIO is more likely to be remembered for its cinematography rather than its misguided story and below-average dubbing. (Even on the Italian original, there is some gratingly bad acting.) Surprisingly, even though Miramax butchered this film in its theatrical release, they certainly produced a great package with this DVD. It's a two-disc set, complete with a very gorgeous transfer, and two different versions of the movie. One disc is the horribly recut U.S. release while the other is the uncut Italian version. Strangely, even an English language track is offered on the second disc as well, and it includes all the stuff that was cut from the U.S. premiere! Very interesting indeed, even if the dubbing still can't hold a candle to some of the better ones I've heard (mainly from animation films, because they don't have the same lip-sync problem that live-action ones do). Sadly, though, even the presence of the uncut version doesn't change the fact that this movie is a disappointing experience. It's gorgeous to look at, but it's certainly not a classic by any means.
| |
| 7. Pinocchio Director: Roberto Benigni | |
 | list price: $14.99
our price: $14.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B0000TG9SI Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 94564 Average Customer Review:
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (24)
Not that everything in it is bad, I tell you. On the contrary, you have Danilo Donati (famous for Felini's films) as production/costume designer. You also have Academy-nominee Dante Spinotti as photographer, whose works in such as "The Last of the Mohicans" "The Insider" "LA Confidential" are all memorable. Plus, Nocola Piovani gives good soundtrack as in "Life Is Beautiful," and even people from America help immensely with Rob Hodgson ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"). But the result is quite unsatisfactory, even though we hear that this film became a big hit in Italy. But why? It's Roberto Benigni as the star (not the director) of the film who should be blamed. You just cannot accuse the people at The Golden Raspberry Awards of giving him an award. If they find that Benigni's decision to cast himself as the titular wooden puppet unacceptable, that is only natural. I share their thought, too, and while I was watching the film, I tried to find any reason that he should be in the title role. I do not object his jumping around or talking fast itself. It is just that he is NOT that puppet, Pinocchio, no matter how he does. In his country where films are more influantial than in Japan or in USA, Benigni has been seen as a sort of cultural icon, not just a comedian. That makes his decison understandable to take up a beloved story of Pinocchio as subject matter, but it is also an undeniable fact that he could have made the film better and more accesible internationally by staying back behind the camera, not in front of it. If the film is meant only for domestic market, his appearance could be justified, but as he is now known world-wide after the success of "Life Is Beautiful," he should have been more cautious. A few words about the way of adapting the story. The film, unlike classic Disney animation or the recent live-action made in 1996 (starring Martin Landou), follows pretty faithfully the original story by Carlo Collodi. But as the original story was serialized in a periodical for children, and twice entended because of its huge popularity, the original book has some inconsistency in the plot. (Believe or not, Pinocchio is once killed after 15 chapters of the book, but given another life later to continue the story!) As a consequence, in this film, you may not be sure whether or not The Talking Cricket is really dead; moreover, the identity of The Blue Fairy is very ambiguous. These apparently incoherent elements are brought into the film without being modified much from the original. The film adaptations of "Pinocchio" in the past solved the problem by simply smoothing out the jarring factors, simplifying the story, but Benigni just didn't follow suit. If you have read the original book recenty, you will see his point; otherwise, you may be irritated by the story's a bit redundant nature. I don't think that the film is as bad as some people say. Still, it is true that Benigni's portrayal as Pinocchio is ineffective and often annoying. I like him and his partner Nicoletta Braschi (as The Blue Fairy); I really admire their sweet and creative relations represented in "Life Is Beautiful." But "Pinoccio" just doesn't show that to me.
Although the film holds well together in its native tongue and uncut version, one cannot help but wonder just what went wrong with this production. PINOCCHIO is definitely an ambitious picture; the costumes, set designs and cinematography are all strikingly beautiful. There are also lots of staggering special effects shots, from a carriage drawn by mice to an enormous shark in the sea. Such effects made the movie the most expensive in Italy --$45 million in total--; and Benigni should consider himself fortunate that it broke even in box office receipts. In America, however, it didn't have the same reception. Either because of the cutting and disastrous dubbing (despite the presence of big names in the cast such as John Cleese, Eric Idle, Cheech Marin, and Glen Close), or the fact that people could not accept this version, the movie was a dismal failure. Part of the problem is the decision of having Benigni himself playing Pinocchio. I mean, come on! Benigni is WAY too old for Pinocchio, and a lot of the other "kids" in this picture are played by grown-ups! Somehow it didn't come off on me as glaring that such was the case, but I can just imagine why critics and film buffs would slamdunk this film for that cause. There are plenty of interesting concepts and ideas for the film; the Blue Fairy's costumes are gorgeous, and the image of a butterfly present in the film is very nice, but that's not enough to save this poor, troubled picture. There's hardly a sympathetic character in the movie; Pinocchio is supposed to be disobedient, yes, but here he's portrayed as a crazy maniac, refusing to behave or do anything good until he is goaded into it. The Talking Cricket is not much better. If you were spoiled by Jiminy Cricket from the (far superior) Disney version, prepare to be shocked - he not only looks a man with artificial antennas placed on his head, he also acts condescendingly. Instead of being encouraging, he comes across as a sarcastic, unhelping little jerk who just badmouths the "boy" instead of coaching him. Granted, I'm aware that this is true of the original Collidi tale (Disney "softened up" Pinocchio's personality for his film), yet here it's executed so awkwardly that it becomes difficult to become involved in this film. It also is not a very clear, focused picture: it's too dark and menacing for youngsters and too insane to appeal to older audiences. A modern misfire, this version of PINOCCHIO is more likely to be remembered for its cinematography rather than its misguided story and below-average dubbing. (Even on the Italian original, there is some gratingly bad acting.) Surprisingly, even though Miramax butchered this film in its theatrical release, they certainly produced a great package with this DVD. It's a two-disc set, complete with a very gorgeous transfer, and two different versions of the movie. One disc is the horribly recut U.S. release while the other is the uncut Italian version. Strangely, even an English language track is offered on the second disc as well, and it includes all the stuff that was cut from the U.S. premiere! Very interesting indeed, even if the dubbing still can't hold a candle to some of the better ones I've heard (mainly from animation films, because they don't have the same lip-sync problem that live-action ones do). Sadly, though, even the presence of the uncut version doesn't change the fact that this movie is a disappointing experience. It's gorgeous to look at, but it's certainly not a classic by any means.
| |
| 8. Pinocchio Director: Roberto Benigni | |
 | list price: $14.99
our price: $14.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B0000TG9TW Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 26615 Average Customer Review:
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (24)
Not that everything in it is bad, I tell you. On the contrary, you have Danilo Donati (famous for Felini's films) as production/costume designer. You also have Academy-nominee Dante Spinotti as photographer, whose works in such as "The Last of the Mohicans" "The Insider" "LA Confidential" are all memorable. Plus, Nocola Piovani gives good soundtrack as in "Life Is Beautiful," and even people from America help immensely with Rob Hodgson ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"). But the result is quite unsatisfactory, even though we hear that this film became a big hit in Italy. But why? It's Roberto Benigni as the star (not the director) of the film who should be blamed. You just cannot accuse the people at The Golden Raspberry Awards of giving him an award. If they find that Benigni's decision to cast himself as the titular wooden puppet unacceptable, that is only natural. I share their thought, too, and while I was watching the film, I tried to find any reason that he should be in the title role. I do not object his jumping around or talking fast itself. It is just that he is NOT that puppet, Pinocchio, no matter how he does. In his country where films are more influantial than in Japan or in USA, Benigni has been seen as a sort of cultural icon, not just a comedian. That makes his decison understandable to take up a beloved story of Pinocchio as subject matter, but it is also an undeniable fact that he could have made the film better and more accesible internationally by staying back behind the camera, not in front of it. If the film is meant only for domestic market, his appearance could be justified, but as he is now known world-wide after the success of "Life Is Beautiful," he should have been more cautious. A few words about the way of adapting the story. The film, unlike classic Disney animation or the recent live-action made in 1996 (starring Martin Landou), follows pretty faithfully the original story by Carlo Collodi. But as the original story was serialized in a periodical for children, and twice entended because of its huge popularity, the original book has some inconsistency in the plot. (Believe or not, Pinocchio is once killed after 15 chapters of the book, but given another life later to continue the story!) As a consequence, in this film, you may not be sure whether or not The Talking Cricket is really dead; moreover, the identity of The Blue Fairy is very ambiguous. These apparently incoherent elements are brought into the film without being modified much from the original. The film adaptations of "Pinocchio" in the past solved the problem by simply smoothing out the jarring factors, simplifying the story, but Benigni just didn't follow suit. If you have read the original book recenty, you will see his point; otherwise, you may be irritated by the story's a bit redundant nature. I don't think that the film is as bad as some people say. Still, it is true that Benigni's portrayal as Pinocchio is ineffective and often annoying. I like him and his partner Nicoletta Braschi (as The Blue Fairy); I really admire their sweet and creative relations represented in "Life Is Beautiful." But "Pinoccio" just doesn't show that to me.
Although the film holds well together in its native tongue and uncut version, one cannot help but wonder just what went wrong with this production. PINOCCHIO is definitely an ambitious picture; the costumes, set designs and cinematography are all strikingly beautiful. There are also lots of staggering special effects shots, from a carriage drawn by mice to an enormous shark in the sea. Such effects made the movie the most expensive in Italy --$45 million in total--; and Benigni should consider himself fortunate that it broke even in box office receipts. In America, however, it didn't have the same reception. Either because of the cutting and disastrous dubbing (despite the presence of big names in the cast such as John Cleese, Eric Idle, Cheech Marin, and Glen Close), or the fact that people could not accept this version, the movie was a dismal failure. Part of the problem is the decision of having Benigni himself playing Pinocchio. I mean, come on! Benigni is WAY too old for Pinocchio, and a lot of the other "kids" in this picture are played by grown-ups! Somehow it didn't come off on me as glaring that such was the case, but I can just imagine why critics and film buffs would slamdunk this film for that cause. There are plenty of interesting concepts and ideas for the film; the Blue Fairy's costumes are gorgeous, and the image of a butterfly present in the film is very nice, but that's not enough to save this poor, troubled picture. There's hardly a sympathetic character in the movie; Pinocchio is supposed to be disobedient, yes, but here he's portrayed as a crazy maniac, refusing to behave or do anything good until he is goaded into it. The Talking Cricket is not much better. If you were spoiled by Jiminy Cricket from the (far superior) Disney version, prepare to be shocked - he not only looks a man with artificial antennas placed on his head, he also acts condescendingly. Instead of being encouraging, he comes across as a sarcastic, unhelping little jerk who just badmouths the "boy" instead of coaching him. Granted, I'm aware that this is true of the original Collidi tale (Disney "softened up" Pinocchio's personality for his film), yet here it's executed so awkwardly that it becomes difficult to become involved in this film. It also is not a very clear, focused picture: it's too dark and menacing for youngsters and too insane to appeal to older audiences. A modern misfire, this version of PINOCCHIO is more likely to be remembered for its cinematography rather than its misguided story and below-average dubbing. (Even on the Italian original, there is some gratingly bad acting.) Surprisingly, even though Miramax butchered this film in its theatrical release, they certainly produced a great package with this DVD. It's a two-disc set, complete with a very gorgeous transfer, and two different versions of the movie. One disc is the horribly recut U.S. release while the other is the uncut Italian version. Strangely, even an English language track is offered on the second disc as well, and it includes all the stuff that was cut from the U.S. premiere! Very interesting indeed, even if the dubbing still can't hold a candle to some of the better ones I've heard (mainly from animation films, because they don't have the same lip-sync problem that live-action ones do). Sadly, though, even the presence of the uncut version doesn't change the fact that this movie is a disappointing experience. It's gorgeous to look at, but it's certainly not a classic by any means.
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