Cinema Paradiso (1988)
Life is cinema.
Presentation:
There are films and then there are experiences, Cinema Paradiso is one of those special experiences that you get lost in and fall in love. At about 3 hours long, we have enough time to adequately digest a coming of age from childhood to teenager to adult. It may feel long at times, but toward the end, time stops and you will not want it to end. If you wanted to witness true Italian filmmaking, look no further than one of the greatest Italians to do it with one of his most iconic films of all time. Cinematography? Book me a ticket to Italy right away. Music? Save to the Spotify playlist immediately. The characters? I feel like we’ve known each other for years. The script? Powerful and makes you go soul searching. This is everything filmmakers try to accomplish and what is more fitting than a film about a man’s love for cinema?
Conclusion:
A hallmark of a fine film is when the audience becomes invested in the protagonist’s journey. It’s just so relatable and masterfully executed that you feel like you are taking the journey with him. As a result, this film is quite painstaking with an emotional payoff comparable to Paris, Texas. If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, this is a film that will speak to your core. I was touched deeply and even if you won’t be, it will probably speak to you in other ways or make you fall in love with cinema in the meantime. Cinema never dies. Cinema rewrites our anguish. Cinema is paradise.
Recommendations
A never-ending party you can’t wait to leave.