Review of Cinema Paradiso (1988) by Jen C — 17 Apr 2009

I love watching this film! The marriage of a beautiful soundtrack with an equally inspiring story and images has resulted in a film that resonates the heart strings and leaves you with a smile, a tear, and a sigh! Here's a great story that shares both passionate highs of childhood and the bittersweet compromises of adulthood - a nice balance that is simple and sophisticated, and delivered with a high degree of sensitivity.

A funny tribute to Antonioni is noted, as well as the terrific use of local scenery, such as the scene with the piles of rusted anchors next to the sea when Noiret's character urges Toto to seek his destiny and set himself free from the sentimental anchors of the past.