ANALYSIS: Life is Beautiful

A. DECODING

Choose one of the two options below, then write a multi-sentence response.

1. Genres:

a. To what genre does this film belong?

b. Why does this film belong in this genre?

c. Cite specific scenes or story elements that serve as clues to the genre.

2. Symbolism/Foreshadowing:

a. List four examples of symbolic imagery and/or foreshadowing presented in the film.

b. Discuss what these examples above represented or foretold.

B. COMPREHENSION

Choose one of the two options below, then write a multi-sentence response.

1. Identify the main ideas of the film, discuss how the main characters relate to the main idea, and highlight the turning points of the film.

2. Summarize the plot of the film pointing out the Introduction, Inciting Incident(s), Development, Climax, Resolution, and Denouement.

C. CONTEXT

Choose one of the two options below, then write a multi-sentence response.

1. What was going on in the world (historically, culturally, politically) when this film was made - or that influenced the story?

2. Did all of the events portrayed in the film ring true or possible? Describe the scenes that you found especially accurate or that didn't seem to match reality? Why was this?

D. INTERPRETING

Choose one of the two options below, then write a multi-sentence response.

1. What is the film's message and how did you react to it? Use examples, quotes, events are cited from the film and connect strongly to the analysis.

2. How different people (such as race, sex, nationality, age, etc.) might view the film differently? Use examples, quotes, events are cited from the film and connect strongly to the analysis.

E. CRITIQUING AND EVALUATION

Choose one of the two options below, then write a multi-sentence response.

1. Evaluate the film revealing your opinion for another viewer to consider. Use examples, quotes, events are cited from the film and connect strongly to the analysis.

2. Defend or argue against the idea of the film viewed as being the best example in its genre. Use examples, quotes, events are cited from the film and connect strongly to the analysis.

Adapted by Rob Slater from original ideas of Darin Detwiler