A gentle Jewish-Italian waiter, Guido Orefice (Roberto Benigni), meets Dora (Nicoletta Braschi), a reasonably teacher, and wins her over together with his charm and humor. Eventually they marry and have a son, Giosue (Giorgio Cantarini).
Their happiness is short halted, however, once Guido and Giosue square measure separated from Dora and brought to a level camp. Determined to shelter his son from the horrors of his surroundings, Guido convinces Giosue that their time within the camp is simply a game.