This is basically a 2-part film. The first half is where the humor makes him home, while the second half turns into a dramatic film that is sending an important message. The bad rap you hear from the film is the jokes that Benigni uses while being captive at a German camp. Not something you would make jokes about, but it wasn't to offend any Jewish people or anything, it was used for a deeper purpose. With his son along, Benigni tells him that this whole thing the Germans are doing is a game. First one to 1000 points wins a tank, a real tank. Throughout this half of the movie, Benigni reminds his son that they're closer and closer to reaching their goal. This was pure genius on the part of Benigni, who also wrote and directed this film. Not letting his son find out how awful the situation was through jokes is brilliant. Now, those who have certain objects setting where the sun doesn't shine may get offended, but it's nothing to get uptight about.