Cinema Paradiso Review: A Love Letter to the Movies
9/10 — Cinema Paradiso (1988)
Pros
- Philippe Noiret's warm performance
- Morricone's gorgeous score
- Unforgettable final scene
Cons
- Occasionally over-sentimental
A famous film director, Salvatore, returns to his Sicilian village for a funeral and remembers growing up in the town’s cinema, befriending its projectionist, Alfredo. The film won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
What works
The friendship between young Salvatore and Alfredo, played by Philippe Noiret, is deeply touching, and the film is a warm, funny love letter to the communal joy of movies. Ennio Morricone’s score is beautiful, and the closing montage is unforgettable.
Where it falters
The longer director’s cut has a more ambivalent second half, and the nostalgia can sometimes become syrupy.
Verdict
A tender, magical tribute that will make you love cinema all over again.
