Cinema Paradiso (1988) – 8.5/10 – Graceful Celebration of Cinema
I see ‘Cinema Paradiso’ as a graceful celebration of both cinema and youth, which represents the juxtaposition of life. The film poetically represents the romance, family, and devotion to an art form, not just on the screen but also in the tight-knit relationships of the characters. Accordingly, it’s a love story between not only people but the art. The film covers the two most memorable portions of what you would expect from a charming fairytale: the beginning of the journey and the end. Thus, we follow the journey of young, mischievous Toto, who grows into the accomplished director, Salvatore. Thirty years later, he returns to his hometown of Alfredo, the film projectionist who introduced him to the world of cinema. Young Toto and Alfredo become close friends over their love for film. After Toto’s first heartbreak, Alfredo advised him to leave his hometown and pain behind, believing he was destined for greatness. We don’t know the details of the happenings over the 30 years, but it’s not important to understand every aspect of a person’s life.
Cinema Paradiso has a certain ethereal charm that most films lack. It’s difficult to explain, but it’s bigger than the sum of its parts. I think it’s the fact that it’s all about the story with no special effects or flashy CGI or expensive set designs to distract you. The focus is a natural story presented with simplicity and emotions, which it excels at. The music by the legendary Sergio Leone carries a sentimental sense of nostalgia in each note, creating a timeless atmosphere that makes you feel you are in 1950s Italy. This film felt personal to me, and after reading the trivia, I found out it truly was. Director and writer Giuseppe Tornatore shot the movie in his hometown of Bagheria, Italy, and he drew inspiration from his own childhood experiences.
Would I recommend this? Yes, very much so. I think it’s one of my favorite 75 films of all time and easy to recommend. Although it’s in Italian, the film is much bigger than the language. It’s about the acting, the story, and the ideas it encapsulates. Love also knows no language, and it transcends time itself. After watching it, I learned of an extended director’s cut version of this film, which I will watch one day. I read the studio slashed many original scenes, so if you are watching it for the first time, I would recommend the director’s cut.