Review: Cinema Paradiso (1988)

Cinema Paradiso (1988)

Cinema Paradiso is a film that has been on my watchlist for as long as I can remember. A short while ago, I finally had the chance to watch it and, what I can say is that, for any true movie lovers and those looking for an utterly heartwarming story, this is a film to watch. Writer/director, Giuseppe Tornatore's classic is a poignant ode to the magic of cinema and the nostalgic and important place it holds in so many of our lives. 

The film is told in a series of flashbacks, depicting the early days of the young and troublesome Salvatore 'Toto' in a small town in Italy shortly after the end of WWII. In the town of Giancaldo the main place of entertainment is the Cinema Paradiso - a local movie theatre, that shows classic films from all around the world. It is clear that the theatre holds a special place for the town, when, every evening, the building is backed to the brim with the town's residents and, across the board - from young children to the elderly - laughter, tears and frights are shared as everyone shares in the moviegoing experience. Toto, in particular, has a fascination with the cinema and he slowly forms a close bond with the theatre's projectionist, an older man named Alfredo. Over time, Alfredo becomes a father figure to young Toto, teaching him how the theatre and projector work while also teaching him more broadly about life. Toto's relationship with Alfredo is contrasted with that of the local priest whose job it is to censor any profane content in the films being shown, such as kissing or the showing of 'bare skin'.

As may be expected, events unfold in and around the lives of Toto, Alfredo and the Cinema Paradiso, which alter the pathway of their lives veering Toto in new directions he never anticipated. However,  as per usual, I will leave the rest a secret to be discovered so as not to spoil the magic of Cinema Paradiso. What I will say, is that there is warmth in every frame of this film that speaks to Tornatore's inherent love for all things cinema. There is a joy, a lightness and poignancy that anyone who loves film will be able to connect with and the ending in particular is one that will likely affect you deeply. I know that it is a scene I will not soon forget. 

Lastly, I must make mention of the incredible score of Ennio Morricone who sadly passed away earlier this week. Morricone is an absolute legend of cinema and, even prior to watching Cinema Paradiso, the score he wrote for this film was one that I listened to - and still listen to - very often.