Review of Cinema Paradiso (1988) by Garrett R — 30 Sep 2009

CINEMA PARADISO is an exquisitely shot, brilliantly nostalgic film that pays tribute to the magic of movies and chilhood through a touching fable of a boy growing up in a post-World War II Italian village. The boy, Toto, began a lifelong love of movies from the town's only cinema, the Paradiso. From the film's various actors, these players get the story and feel for the characters enough to bring out the optimistic and joyous side out of them all. The director especially has a ball telling the story, because it's easy to tell, from the soaring Ennio Morricone score and some of the most tender, romantic moments ever captured on film. No wonder CINEMA PARADISO is hailed as one of the most romantic movies of all time. Not only is a romance involved, but also a romance with movies.

The film chronicles Toto's coming-of-age from clergy boy and troublemaker to studious and mature teenager, who is also in love; just with a girl. His contant friendship with the Paradiso's projector Alfredo (through thick and thin) adds layers of humanity into the film's strong relationships between the first half and the second half of the story. I can only imagine what the three hour director's cut must show in its characterizational depth and expanded storytelling. I chose not to, because the cut film was slow (yet engrossing) to begin with.

The film's music, spot-on costuming, acting, and colorful settings in conjunction with the deep story all add up to a memorably romantic time at the movies. There's one thing that's guaranteed: tears will come to your eyes by the end of the last scene. Be ready for more Critiques and Opinions on Every Game and Movie I Can Get My Hands On!