The Little Devil

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 !!!

It's crazy, it's hilarious, it's grotesque and it's at least pure fun. The combination of Matthau's stoical yet strained mimics with Benigni's clownesque and provocative acting is one of the most surprising comedies from Italy ever. But it's not just pure comedy, it's definitely a satiric assault on religion, social behaviour and some more holy cows. Even more, it's incredible, how Matthau and Benigni are acting - and interacting. I'll bet that you've never seen Matthau look closer to desperation since The Odd Couple. And Lemmon was a sheer blessing compared to what he is confronted with here. And I still wonder how they ever managed to produce this movie. Anyway, catch this devil if you can, you won't regret it!

My wife Dani turned me on to this film and it has to be one of the funniest films I've ever seen in my life! The shame is that it is so difficult to find ....we only managed to find a rental copy in Curitiba, Brasil and a German language version via Amazon.com.de (Germany). Why is it that the US and UK distributors do not carry it? We think that it is his best film and by the way, one of Walter Matthau's finest and funniest performances!

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".

Saw it at the Rialto theatre in Montreal in the early 90's...in English. I read somewhere that the original actors did an English dub of the film...why that isn't available I do not know. This movie is a 10 - funny as hell but there is also a strong message about what you would think the Devil would know (but he doesn't) and the role of religion in modern day thinking. Walter Mathieu is terrific; and Begnini is hilarious...given carte Blanche to use his comedic sense and physical comedy. Crass at times but not Adam Sandler like but somehow still with class. If anyone finds an English version, please post where. Cheers