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Summary: One of my all-time favorite movies
Review: I have to say that this movie will stay in your heart forever. It is a beautiful film, and I would recommend it to anyone. I first saw it in a films class in college, and I own the sound track which I would also give five stars. Buy the sound track and the movie; you will not be sorry.
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Summary: Impeccable Inspiration
Review: This film is truly a dramatic treasure in every sense. The fact that love in any form can transcend the bounds of time is what I think dominates the plot of this movie. Passion is absolutetly commonplace in the performances given by all the characters. I felt a lot more in common with Toto due to the emotional fluctuation he experienced. This film is truly a godsend in spectacular screenwork and a definite work of art indeed. One is dead if not one tear comes from watching this film!
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Summary: This is NOT THE ORIGINAL FULL LENGTH version
Review: I've seen the original in Italian (at least 25 times) since its release... however, the version we saw in the U.S. was half hour shorter than the Italian release (I was lucky enough to obtain the original length VHS version years ago.) In the original, Toto DOES meet up with Elena upon his return to Giancaldo and discovers, after 30 years, that Elena did come to meet him prior to her departure as they had planned but... well ... It would be a crime to give it away (In the hopes that you see the original.) The missing pieces make the ending - and all the pieces in between - fit like a perfect glove. The gift that Alfredo made to Toto (the pieced together clips of missing kissing scenes) has a greater meaning when put in the full context (I still get emotional seeing it.) It's even more poignant than before but, unfortunately, the meaning of a lot of the symbols and scenes, although pretty good in the U.S. release, were catapulted onto a different level in the longer version.
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Summary: Enchanting
Review: In my top ten list for sure. This film was magical and everytime I watch it I end up crying at the end (I rarely cry-honestly). I was and am very moved by this beautuful story of love and redemption. By the end of the movie you feel as though you too were in the "Cinema Paradiso" and the villagers were your friends and family also. You must rent or but this one.
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Summary: A rare find
Review: Not to often is one drawn to the likes of a foreign film, at least very few of us are willing to view one based on little or no media exposure. This film, made in 1990, offers a rare opportunity for one to take a chance on a film that has had little exposure since it's release ( I actually find it hard to believe that there is no existing review). The story line is strong with much depth and humor while maintaining a level of drama that satisfies a variety of tastes. It revolves around a Cinema in the middle of a small Italian town. More specifically the movie tells the story of a young child who's passion is to spend his life in the cinema and the old man that runs the reel. As the story progresses their lives become more entwined as they find that each has become more significant in their daily life. The old man, with a hard edge, reluctantly allows the child to find the soft side while the child, without realizing until the end, has bonded with one that has become the closest thing to a Father. In addition to the memorable supporting characters and the outstanding scenery the film makes for a enjoyable experience on multiple levels leaving one in both tears and a sense of fulfilment. This film will satisfy many tastes and will long stand as a favorite of the foreign film genre. Don't pass it up!
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Summary: Perfection in moviemaking
Review: Like many people I've seen this film countless times, and each time I end up blubbering by the end of it. A valentine to the movies, "Cinema Paradiso" tells the story of Toto, a boy in the small Italian village of Giancarlo, who is fascinated with the movies. This is long before televisions and vcrs.This was when movie going was an event to be cherished and savored. Much of the film centers on his friendship with the older Alfredo,(a heartbreaking Philippe Noiret) who runs the projector. But more than that it is a sweeping romance, and a bittersweet story of letting go of our past and moving towards the future. Its setting and characters will transport you for two magical hours and you'll feel like you've just spent time with old friends. My only beef with the DVD version of the film is that in the credits they've removed a scene. Elena, Toto's girlfriend in the film is shown in the final moments of the credits as an older woman. A scene that was obviously cut from the final print of the film. Toto turns, the camera cuts to her turning, their eyes lock, and the credits end. The DVD fades out before we see her. I don't know who's decision it was, HBO's or the director, but it's too bad because it was a neat tag for those people who stay through the credits till the end. Still, a must have movie for collectors.
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Summary: The most passionate movie I've ever seen
Review: Cinema paradiso is an impressive movie. An interesting view of the Theathers and movies beguining...Passion... this is Toto feeling since the very beguining... Passion for theather Passion for this increadle machine and how people can be theirselves in front of a screen Passion for his old and best friend Passion for his first love Passion is all this movie is about... Are there anything better than passion to expect?
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Summary: From the heart
Review: I have decided to write a review about this movie because it moved me in such a profound way. The story really centers around the father-son relationship that develops between the young boy and the old movie projectionist (they are not biologically father and son), and their mutual love of film. I really don't want to say much more, but I will share that the ending of the movie brings me to tears every time. These are tears of joy because the movie represents to me what love and giving are all about and the magic that exists in our world when people care about each other and show it. It's a wonderful, unforgettable story about the ability of film to uplift and inspire (rather than degrade and violate as so many films seem intent to do these days-sorry for the editorial). Highly recommended.
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Summary: One of the best movies ever made
Review: I saw this movie in the theatre when it came out, and ended up crying through the final ten minutes. The essential theme of the movie is memory, and the power that the past has over our lives, even after years and across oceans. It is an extraordinarily powerful and also subtle movie, with some of the best performances I've ever seen. A word of caution -- you must be willing to sit with the movie, without distractions, to understand the impact. I'm glad I saw it on the big screen first. Also, get the subtitled version.
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Summary: So good it made me change my views on sub-titled films
Review: Some of you may have read my controversial and slightly inflammatory review of the film "Journey Of Hope" In it among other things, I criticized the director for not dubbing the film into English. Although I still stand by my criticisms of "Journey of Hope" (no amount of dubbing could have saved it.) I do concede that not only am I no longer adverse to subtitled films, I am also of the opinion that this film can not be improved upon, so dubbing would have either had a mild effect at best or at worst would have tampered with this extra-ordinary film. Now on to this film's excellent illustration of what a motion picture is, and what it's supposed to do. This film shows how movies entertain most everyone, and in doing so brings them together. It also illustrates how it feels to be the provider of that entertainment. It does this through the town's projectionist. This is clever symbolism because clearly the projectionist also represents a film director and how good a positive audience response feels, the realization that your art is moving people... This movie also shows how a young boys fascination with movies matures into a successful career. This movie should be seen by all who truly enjoy movies because it shows what movies as an artform mean to mankind! It is also interesting to note that by some strange coincidence in my most recent film, there is a theater scene. The name of the theater is Paradise. I am proud to have something even minutely in common with this exquisite film.
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