"Nobody said it. This time it's all me. Life isn't like in the movies. Life... is much harder."

Nuovo cinema Paradiso

1988; Italy; 155 min.

Director: Giuseppe Tornatore

Screenplay: Vanna Paoli, Giuseppe Tornatore

Music: Ennio Morricone

Cast:

Maria Di Vita (Younger) - Antonella Attili

Spaccafico - Enza Cannavale

Anna - Isa Danieli

Usher - Leo Gullotta

Salvatore 'Toto' Di Vita (Teenager) - Marco Leonardi

Maria Di Vita (Older) - Pupella Maggio

Elena Mendola - Agnese Nano

Father Adelfio - Leopoldo Trieste

Salvatore 'Toto' Di Vita (Child) - Salvatore Cascio

Blacksmith - Tano Cimarosa

Village Idiot - Nicola Di Pinto

Lia - Roberta Lena

Peppino's Father - Nino Terzo

Salvatore 'Toto' Di Vita (Adult) - Jacques Perrin

Alfredo - Philippe Noiret

I absolutely love this film! Although I didn't see the end yet, I do feel that I can give a valid opinion about it. (I need to see the end of this film ASAP!) This is definitely one of my favorite films ever. I was hooked from the very first day we watched this in class. The film was so incredibly charming and enchanting. I really just can't praise this film enough! I guess I'll use this blog post to talk about what aspects of this film that I loved...

• Casting: All of the three Salvatores were so brilliantly selected. The young Salvatore was absolutely adorable. The teenage Salvatore was gorgeous. The older Salvatore's appearance was indicative of a full life. I guess I mean that the older Salvatore seemed to have experience a lot in his life - he was somewhat hardened by war and troubles. Alfredo (Philippe Noiret) was just fantastic in his role. The film chemistry between all of the characters was just plain outstanding.
• Plot: If I didn't reiterate it enough already, I thought that this film was just brilliant. The plot was unique and extremely enjoyable. I loved the non-linear structure and the way that the plot went back and forth between the present and the past. The love story was captivating. The scene with Elena (Agnese Nano) and Toto kissing in the rain was particularly amazing. I also loved the part where Alfredo moves the film from inside to outside the square. The music that is played during that sequence along with the film itself just made my jaw drop.
• Cinematography: Some of the shots of Italy were just breathtaking. I was completely in awe. This film makes me want to pack up and move to Italy.

I think I've already expressed enough about this film. I highly recommend it to anyone and plan to buy it soon and watch it many times!

iRate: 5/5 films

Trailer: Click here!