8.5/10
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416 user 103 critic

Cinema Paradiso (1988)

Nuovo Cinema Paradiso (original title)
R | | Drama | 23 February 1990 (USA)
Cinema Paradiso Poster
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A filmmaker recalls his childhood when falling in love with the pictures at the cinema of his home village and forms a deep friendship with the cinema's projectionist.

Director:

Writers:

(story), (screenplay) | 2 more credits »

Stars:

, , | See full cast & crew »
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2,246 ( 18)
Top Rated Movies #54 | Won 1 Oscar. Another 23 wins & 31 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
... Maria Di Vita - Younger
Enzo Cannavale ... Spaccafico
Isa Danieli ... Anna
Leo Gullotta ... Usher
... Salvatore 'Totò' Di Vita - Teenager
Pupella Maggio ... Maria Di Vita - Older
... Elena Mendola
... Father Adelfio
... Salvatore 'Totò' Di Vita - Child
Tano Cimarosa ... Blacksmith
... Village Idiot
Roberta Lena ... Lia
... Peppino's Father
... Salvatore 'Totò' Di Vita - Adult
... Elena Mendola - Adult
See full cast »
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Storyline

A boy who grew up in a native Sicilian Village returns home as a famous director after receiving news about the death of an old friend. Told in a flashback, Salvatore reminiscences about his childhood and his relationship with Alfredo, a projectionist at Cinema Paradiso. Under the fatherly influence of Alfredo, Salvatore fell in love with film making, with the duo spending many hours discussing about films and Alfredo painstakingly teaching Salvatore the skills that became a stepping stone for the young boy into the world of film making. The film brings the audience through the changes in cinema and the dying trade of traditional film making, editing and screening. It also explores a young boy's dream of leaving his little town to foray into the world outside. Written by Clarisse P.

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

cinema | flashback | film projectionist | coming of age | movie theatre | See All (170) »

Taglines:

A celebration of youth, friendship, and the everlasting magic of the movies.

Genres:

Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some sexuality | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

Asmik Ace [Japan] | Official Facebook |  »

Country:

|

Language:

Release Date:

23 February 1990 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Cinema Paradiso  »

Filming Locations:

 »
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Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$25,899, 14 June 2002, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$11,990,401
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

, ,  »
Show more on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (director's cut) | (international)

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The character played by Brigitte Fossey was included in the first theatrical version of the film (155 minutes, released in November 1988) but then dropped in the shorter re-release (124 minutes, May 1989), which was shown internationally. Her scenes were eventually reinstated in the extended version (173 minutes). See more »

Goofs

The heights of Toto and his mother change dramatically during the course of their adult lives. Jacques Perrin is much taller than Marco Leonardi and Pupella Maggio is much shorter than Antonella Attili. As a child and teenager, Toto is clearly below average height. In middle age, he is the tallest man at Alfredo's funeral by a clear head. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Maria Di Vita - Older: [in Italian]
[on the phone]
Maria Di Vita - Older: Yes, Salvatore di Vita. You mean you don't know him, Miss? That's right, and I'm his mother. I've been calling from Sicily, all day long. I understand, he's not there.
See more »

Connections

References The White Sheik (1952) See more »

Soundtracks

Fuga, Ricerca e Ritorno - Runaway, Search and Return
Written by Ennio Morricone
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is 'Cinema Paradiso' based on a book?
Q: What is it that Toto's mother should never tell Toto?
Q: Why didn't Elena show up to meet Toto at the Paradiso at 5 PM?
See more »

User Reviews

 
Great movie.. with excellent background.
5 February 2005 | by – See all my reviews

This movie definitely is one of my all time best movies. Director Giuseppe Tornatore placed himself in the list of the best directors. The usage of an excellent background score is a trademark of his movies and this movie is not at all a different case.

He is also a master in getting best performances out of children and adolescents. Marco Leonardi was the pick of the whole cast. Also watch Melena for those trademarks of Tornatore.

The character of Alfredo is one of the most unforgettable characters. The way emotions captured in a camera is way beyond naturality.

Overall, this is a great movie with ultimate teamwork with everyone contributing. I just loved the movie very much.
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