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Summary: Briliant film!
Review: This is the best film I have ever seen. It is that simple. Any person with even a bit of romance in them would enjoy this.
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Summary: Reminds you of the importance of film
Review: Cinema Paradiso challenges anyone who says that movies cannot inspire, inform, and move. One of the most captivating films I have ever seen. The relationship between the boy and the projectionist will remind even the most hardened viewer of one of life's most important qualities, friendship.
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Summary: For everyone--no matter their movie tastes.
Review: I love this movie. I have yet to find a person who did not enjoy it. Even those who are hesitant to watch foreign films have raved about how wonderful it is. It is rare to find a movie that so many people with so many different tastes enjoy.
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Summary: A TRULY WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE
Review: This bittersweet and superlative film will make you laugh and cry; it's difficult not to be affected by its poignancy. This movie does a terrific job of showing the importance of the cinema in bringing and keeping a small Italian town together just after World War II. The evolution of the friendship between Toto and Alfredo is so touching that it just tugs at your heartstrings. There just aren't any words to aptly describe this picture, you have to see it for yourself. BRAVO!!
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Summary: Emotional, well-acted and filmed, pass the tissues, please.
Review: I've seen this film more than 3 times and each time is just as wonderful as before. Easy to recommend as everyone that I've recommended it to has attested to it's excellence. No sex, or violence, but nonetheless, it is full of passion and excitement. We watch as a young boy befriends the projectionist and we easily get involved in the emotions of it all, as this relationship grows through the years. I've watched many a man shed tears on this one. The finale will appeal to all, and especially to those in love or have loved before. Some memorable scenes include the local priest who screens to edit out sexual content of films to be seen by the community. During the previewing, the ringing of a bell signals when to cut and to watch the priest get agitated when he begins to see what will most certainly lead to a "sexual" scene, albeit, only kissing, is really humorous. I enjoyed the acting as this film's characters were well played and authentic. The music was excellent as was the photography. It is easy to get involved in this movie, no matter what the gender or age, although 2-7 yr. olds might not appreciate the subtleties.
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Summary: A beautiful celebration of life
Review: This heart warming and sometimes humerous story of a man and friendship is not to be missed by anyone. Individuals who are familiar with Italian culture will experience a heightened enjoyment in this one. Subtitles are not distracting and should not pose a concern. A wonderful story of passion, friendship and love. The ending is truly a moving one and will undoubtedly capture your heart. A must see!!
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Summary: A must see movie for everyone
Review: Being Sicilian born, I very much enjoyed the Sicilian dialogue. The story line is very good. There is not a boring moment in the movie. Very humorous and heart-warming. A must see movie for everyone in the family.
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Summary: Do not have to be a foriegn film buff to love this movie
Review: A spectacular movie. You do not have to be a foreign film fanatic or someone who seeks "cultural experiences" in film to enjoy this. Although it is subtitled, I did not even remember reading the lines. You will finish the movie with a lump in your throat and a desire to visit Italy.
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Summary: Stay away from the director's cut
Review: Cinema Paradiso is one of my favorite movies ever. This review is about the director's cut, it just ruins the whole movie. If you loved the original movie, don't watch this new version.Cinema Paradiso is mainly a love story. But it's not about the relationship between Toto and Elena, it's about the relationship between Toto and Alfredo. The new version turns the whole move upside down. Not only the plot, but the characters too. Elena becomes the most important part of the story. And the character of Alfredo becomes a completely different person through the eyes of Toto. I don't want to give away anything about the "new" plot. But believe me, the director's cut and it's brand new 51 minutes changes the whole movie into -what a critic said, "mundane soup opera."
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Summary: A Great Homage To Cinema
Review: In spite of some extra scenes that I think are unnecessary, this extended new version of "Cinema Paradiso" stills makes a great impression on me. This Italian masterpiece about the growth of a Sicilian kid (Salvatore Cascio, in a brilliant debut) from childhood, adolescence (in the person of Marco Leonardi), to manhood (in the shape of French actor Jacques Perrin) through movies is marvelous, touching, and truly entertaining.
When I first saw "Cinema Paradiso" back in 1990, I fell in love instantly with it, thus becoming one of my favorite movies. The innocence of Toto as he wants to learn how to handle a projector, thanks to the help of Alfredo (French acting legend Philippe Noiret); the tough times in his adolescence, working as a projectionist, having an impossible romance with Elena, doing military service; and his loneliness as a movie producer in his adulthood. Everything caused me a great impact, and still does everytime I watch this film by Giuseppe Tornatore. Now, in this extended version, I like the fact that Toto -as an adult -has the chance to see Elena again and discovers why they failed to meet at the Paradiso prior to his departure for Rome. In my opinion, that's the most important new scene of the movie. I really wanted to know that, and now I feel satisfied.
All in all, I still like this great work of love everytime I see it. A work of love towards life, innocence, romance and, above all else, movies. A great homage to cinema.
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