The magic of Cinema Paradiso (1989)

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. Cinema Paradiso is perfection and the best world of foreign cinema has offered. The film that defines the power of cinema the best, this is a revelation and after many years, I will still consider it to be one of the two greatest films of all-time (along with Chaplin's Modern Times). Giuseppe Tornatore's direction and screenplay is an inspiration, with its charm, humour and beauty. Every cast member delivers an impressive performance, giving it their best and adding to the wonderment of the film. Then, there's Ennio Morricone's brilliant score. His best work to date, the music of Cinema Paradiso is an emotional tour-de-force hitting the right keys and producing a melody that will remembered for all eternity. As the film goes through the three major time periods of the protagonist's life, we are immersed all throughout by how the art of film touched and helped mold this boy's life. And then comes the touching final twenty minutes, that are sure to bring a tear to just about everyone who watches it. It's a commentary on how the cinema has unfortunately fallen in this technology-filled time period, but the films still stay the same, enchanting us through our whole lifetime. All this leads up to one of the greatest film endings ever made: a montage of screen kisses, set to Morricone's classic score, a heart-breaking moment that will certainly bring forth many good memories to all viewers. If I were to make a selection of films to show at a classic film festivals, I would proudly give Cinema Paradiso the honour of being the closing night film.