If you love movies like I do, it's impossible not to appreciate Cinema Paradiso. The theme is so universal.
After a long time (3-4 years), I decided to watch Cinema Paradiso once again. I therefore went and rented it out of my school library. Even though I had watched the movie once previously, I watched it this time without any disturbance and after a long time (unlike the last time when I watched it for the sake of watching it), this time, and the movie made me immersed in its brilliancy.
I would rate Nuovo Cinema Paradiso to be one of my top three movies along with Shawshank Redemption and Das Boot. I bet this movie would not have been as simple and brilliant had it been made in Hollywood. Giuseppe Tornatore has so beautifully portrayed the relation between the wise father figure, Alfredo and Salvatore. He so marvelously intertwines sentimentality with comedy, and nostalgia with pragmaticism. I was able to see glimpse of his brilliance in Malena but this movie as daylights ahead of the previously mentioned classic. Alfredo spills is fatherly love with such unabashed rawness in order to see Salvatore succeed, even if it means breaking his heart in the process. This has made me wonder whether I am doing something that I really like in life. Even in this story, Toto (as Salvotore was dearly called) did not realize his dreams but it took a perceived simpleton in Alfredo to do the needful. Whether you liked the ending that the director chose is left to the individual who watches it. I could not think of a more practically perfect ending. The famous 'kissing scenes' montage near the end of the film that brings tears to Toto is an undying classic. That summed up all the emotions that the person went through his life. Watching an ordinary scene is what others would think, but add the history behind it, its significance is fathomless.
This is the scene: don’t watch it if you intend to watch the movie, it spoils the fun.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEFugVbzsSo
Ennio Morricone’s music was timeless. It was as good as his other musical magic performances in Godfather, Once upon a time in America and the Untouchables.
Advice: Watch the movie alone, without any disturbance.
I strongly urge each one of you to watch the 155 minute director’s uncut movie rather than the 123 minute commercial version. You will miss 22 minutes of brilliant dialogue and changes in the storyline.
It is a movie that can brighten up a dull day and bring a smile to the lips of the most reserved individual. For someone who has left home (even for a short duration like me), Cinema Paradiso will stir bittersweet memories. You get nostalgic about all the things you have done so far. It is the film by which I judge all others.
If I had to select one last movie to see before I go to meet my maker - well .... unsurprisingly ....
