Nuovo Cinema Paradiso (1988)
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The story
In 1988 Rome, filmmaker Salvatore Di Vita learns of the death of his childhood friend, Alfredo, a projectionist in his home village of Giancaldo, Sicily. As he reflects on his life, the narrative flashes back to his youth following World War II. As a young boy nicknamed Totò, Salvatore spends his time at the local movie house, Cinema Paradiso, where he forms a deep bond with the aging projectionist. The two share a unique connection through the magic of film, and Salvatore eventually learns the craft of projection, shaping his future path in the world of cinema.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 1988 Rome, filmmaker Salvatore Di Vita learns of the death of his childhood friend, Alfredo, a projectionist in his home village of Giancaldo, Sicily. The story flashes back to his youth after World War II. As a boy named Totò, Salvatore finds a home at the Cinema Paradiso, where he befriends the projectionist, Alfredo. They share a bond over the films they show, and Alfredo teaches Salvatore to operate the machinery. After a fire leaves Alfredo blind, Salvatore becomes the new projectionist. Years later, while in love with a local girl, Elena, Salvatore is urged by Alfredo to leave the small town to pursue his dreams as a filmmaker. In the present, Salvatore returns to Giancaldo for Alfredo's funeral. He discovers a reel of film Alfredo left him, which contains all the romantic scenes cut from the movies by a local priest. Watching the reel, Salvatore finds peace with his past and his identity.
- Original title
- Cinema Paradiso
- First release year
- 1988
- Runtime (minutes)
- 155
- Original languages
- Italian
- Directors
- Giuseppe Tornatore
- Writers
- Giuseppe Tornatore · writer
- Cast and characters
- Philippe Noiret; Jacques Perrin; Antonella Attili; Pupella Maggio; Salvatore Cascio
- Genres
- comedy-drama
- Themes
- coming of age; nostalgia; passion for cinema
- Tone and mood
- nostalgic; sentimental
- Premise and plot tags
- non-linear narrative; period piece
- Reception
- The film received widespread critical acclaim, was considered a world cinema classic, and is credited with revitalizing Italy's film industry.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 90% · scale: percentage · review count: 84
- Awards and nominations
- Academy Award · Best Foreign Language Film · 1989 · win; Cannes Film Festival · Grand Prix · 1989 · win; César Award · Best Poster · win; Golden Globes · Best Foreign Language Film · 1989 · win
- Production trivia
- The film's ending is considered one of the greatest in film history.; The 'kissing scene' montage was used in an episode of The Simpsons.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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