Il piccolo diavolo

You don't have to be an Italian to appreciate the humor, but it's certainly an advantage if you understand Italian... Needless to say, Benigni is funny enough even WITHOUT words; and contrasted with the dry, serious priest (Matthau is brilliant here) he appears more absurd than ever. Who but Benigni could play the part of the devil so convincingly, with such comic innocence and enthusiasm? Who but Walter Matthau could capture so perfectly the mood of the cynical, dry-humoured priest? In this light-hearted film, there is nothing predictable except, perhaps, for the odd friendship that springs up between the two men - and that, with this unbeatable team, you are in for some hilarious moments. A film worth seeing again and again !!!

I have seen this classic in Greece in English un-dubbed seemingly. I have been trying to find a copy for years. If anyone has news I would appreciate help.

It is indeed likely the funniest film I've ever seen and far superior to much of RB's other work. Perhaps the language problems I've read of herein explain the failure of Netflix to carry it.

As for Matthau, I've never liked him personally, but in this he is uproariously droll.

Any news in tracking this film we be greatly thanked.

George Slater

I've seen ( rented ) this movie in VHS with English voice and Norwegian subtitles a few years back. Been searching for it now for a long time without any success. The film is one of the funniest I've ever seen. It seems to me that the distributor is missing a fine turnover by not releasing the film in DVD. Id be grateful for any tips where to get this movie in English, in Italian I will miss the finer meaning of the words unfortunately. Benigni is one of the most talented film-makers around, I enjoy his work both in front of and in the back of the camera. This is what I wanted to say, however the silly rule is that one have to write at least 10 lines so the last words are nothing but some fill-up to achieve the 10 lines

If you enjoyed other Benigni's works, this movie is your start point to Benigni's world. The story: A little Devil escapes from hell and, after an exorcism, becomes friend of a priest (Walter Matthau). He is only 400 years old and knows nothing about world, sex and so on. Thousands of gags and the little melancholy you can find in "life is beautiful" and "the monster".

Actually, when this film was in Norway, it was in English, and I have always believed it was it's original language. Once i owned a VHS copy of the film in English as well, but somehow it disappeared during relocating. But I agree with people saying this is Benignis most funny film ever, not necessary his best. No other films I've seen with him gives him so much freedom to show his comical ability throughout the entire movie. And the chemistry with him and Mattau is magnificent. Bracchi is beautiful as ever and some of the scenes makes you laugh so much that it really hurts in your stomach. I know it's out on DVD in Italy, but unfortunately without English subtitles. But there has to be someone out there knowing more about the English version than I do.