Life is beautiful

Its been a while since I saw this lovely movie -- but its effect still lingers on. Proof that somethings in life can be beautiful as well as powerful. I am struggling to come to terms with the message though. Here is this family, happy, content and loving. Pure at heart. Yet, they are put to such torture. The father marches off bravely to his death, with a smile in his lips lest his son feel the horror. He doesnt know what will come of his son, or if his wife is alive. Yet, his mind is not focussed on the fear for his son's future, but on the re-assurance that he can give to him at present. Is that an act of resignation after realizing that its all he can give for his son? How can such pure love be destroyed? How can it not work for him when it works for so many other less deserving souls?