Cinema Paradiso (1988)
Easy to see why this movie is so well regarded among film affectionados here on Letterboxd. It shows all the feelings we all experience watching movies through this nostalgic romantic view of a cinema in the 40s and 50s. We see laughter, excitement, sadness, even sexual excitement.
I found the movie to work best in the first half. The young Toto is just great and his friendship with Alfredo and love for the cinema is very contagious. I found it amazing how a movie with barely any story or antogonist could still be so riveting.
I wasn’t totally convinced of the romance between Toto and Elena, but that is problem I often have with romantic depiction on screen. The overall theme of love in general, which the movie really seems to be about and explores in many facets - not just love for the cinema though it is most front and center, was never in doubt. I could probably have give this 4½ stars, but respecting my choice of only using whole stars, ultimately this deserves to be a 5 star movie.
I watched the theatrical version at 2 hours. I am sure there are good things in the extended versions, but I really think it is fine as at is.
Rating: 4.5