7/11/2008

The Tiger and the Snow (2005)

La Tigre e la neve

What would you do for love?

In his inimitable way, Roberto Benigni (writer, director, lead actor) presents yet another humorous view of one of the challenges of life.

Attilio de Giovanni (Benigni), an absent-minded poet in Italy, is completely obsessed with his fantasy woman and dreams (and daydreams) about them being together and getting married. On the days he has his two charming young daughters, they encourage him.

This fantasy woman is, in fact, a friend of Attilio's poet friend Faud (Jean Reno) who has gone to Iraq with that the woman, Vittoria (Nicoletta Braschi, Begnini's real life wife) at the beginning of the American invasion. Attilio feels he must rescue Vittoria and bring her back to Italy.

After much searching, he finds her but she's already been nearly fatally injuried in a bombing. Can he protect her in this unsafe place? Can he get the needed medication and equipment to assure she'll survive?

Suspend your disbelief and just let this story wash over you. It's charming and witty and frenetic a la Begnini.

Wonderful music including appearances of Tom Wait performing his terrific ballad "You Can Never Hold Back Spring."

Run Time: 1 hour, 54 minutes

My personal rating: B+

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