Cinema Paradiso not only defines movie magic, it is about movie magic. This is one of the sweetest movies I've ever seen, and the atmosphere is perfectly accentuated by it's magnificent score, composed by recently 'honorary Oscar' honoured, Ennio Morricone. This movie illustrates the power and lasting effect of movies on the romance, career and destiny of an individual.
A successful film director receives news that a childhood friend of his has passed away. As he prepares to leave, he reminisces about his childhood and how he came to know Alfredo. Alfredo worked as the projectionist in the Cinema Paradiso, and befriended our protagonist at an early age. Already about two generations older than him, Alfredo was able to take the boy under his wing and teach him a lot about life, love and most specifically projection work in the theatre. This was what sparked the love of movies in the boy that ultimately led to his career choice.
This is a film that perfectly captures the feeling of nostalgia. It also illustrates the impact one individual can have on the course of another individual's life. Through the man's reminiscence, we see a beautiful story unfold that is made charming because of it's innocence and relatability. When the man returns to his childhood home, things are both different and the same, a realisation that most can identify with.
The acting by the entire cast is natural and effective. There really isn't one standout, as everyone is pretty much equally good. The score and cinematography are the two standouts, and are two examples of the decade's best. The direction is wonderful, and Tornatore provides us with the perfect nostalgic atmosphere.
This is one of, if not the most deserving winner of the Foreign Film Oscar. It is also one of my Top 5 favourite film scores ever composed. The film's ending, which just immaculately capitalizes on the feeling of nostalgia, is (for lack of a better word) beautiful. Few will get through it with dry eyes. This is a movie that many can identify with, and most will be affected by it one way or another.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
A successful film director receives news that a childhood friend of his has passed away. As he prepares to leave, he reminisces about his childhood and how he came to know Alfredo. Alfredo worked as the projectionist in the Cinema Paradiso, and befriended our protagonist at an early age. Already about two generations older than him, Alfredo was able to take the boy under his wing and teach him a lot about life, love and most specifically projection work in the theatre. This was what sparked the love of movies in the boy that ultimately led to his career choice.
This is a film that perfectly captures the feeling of nostalgia. It also illustrates the impact one individual can have on the course of another individual's life. Through the man's reminiscence, we see a beautiful story unfold that is made charming because of it's innocence and relatability. When the man returns to his childhood home, things are both different and the same, a realisation that most can identify with.
The acting by the entire cast is natural and effective. There really isn't one standout, as everyone is pretty much equally good. The score and cinematography are the two standouts, and are two examples of the decade's best. The direction is wonderful, and Tornatore provides us with the perfect nostalgic atmosphere.
This is one of, if not the most deserving winner of the Foreign Film Oscar. It is also one of my Top 5 favourite film scores ever composed. The film's ending, which just immaculately capitalizes on the feeling of nostalgia, is (for lack of a better word) beautiful. Few will get through it with dry eyes. This is a movie that many can identify with, and most will be affected by it one way or another.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
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