Review of Cinema Paradiso (1988) by Stuart K — 22 Sep 2009
The little Italian film that could, Giuseppe Tornatore's semi-autobiographical love letter to the love of cinema may not have done well upon release in it's native country, but it fared a hell of a lot better internationally, eventually winning an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, it's beautifully made and it's heartwarming, heartbreaking and feelgood all at the same time.
There hasn't been a film like it in quite a while. It begins with successful Italian director Salvatore Di Vita (Jacques Perrin) returning to his home of Giancaldo, Sicily, which he hasn't been to for 30 years, for the funeral of a dear old friend.
Alfredo (Philippe Noiret), a gruff projectionist at the village's cinema. It is here where Salvatore, (played as a boy by Salvatore Cascio), became fascinated with the magic of the cinema, and became intrigued with what Alfredo did for a living.
Although quite reluctant at first, Alfredo soon warms to Salvatore, and lets him help out, and Salvatore soon takes over the cinema. It's such a warm and lively film, filled with local colour and colourful characters.
It has real heart, and you come to love these characters, it has emotion and a gentle sense of humour too, the final montage is tear-jerking but absolutely beautiful.
This review of Cinema Paradiso (1988) was written by Stuart K on 22 Sep 2009.
Cinema Paradiso has generally received very positive reviews.
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