Common Sense Media Review
Charming Italian film about friendship has sex, profanity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Cinema Paradiso
What's the Story?
When something precious is taken from us, we reach for whatever might fill the void it leaves, so altar boy Salvatore (Salvatore Cascio) finds a substitute for the father he lost to war at the movie theater in the Italian film CINEMA PARADISO. In a small town, a priest sitting in the Cinema Paradiso rings a bell. The projectionist, Alfredo (Philippe Noiret), tags the offensive footage for editing. Watching from the shadows is Salvatore. In time Alfredo reluctantly teaches the boy how to operate the projector. But running a machine in the dark, alone, is no life for a boy, he tells him. He has higher hopes for Salvatore. A film reel catches fire one night, burning the theater and badly injuring Alfredo. When the Nuevo Cinema Paradiso opens, Salvatore runs the projector. The patrons cheer at seeing on-screen kissing for the first time, free of censorship. It's a good life, but Alfredo's words haunt Salvatore until finally he leaves to pursue a filmmaking career. Salvatore gains a mentor and Alfredo gains a surrogate son.
Is It Any Good?
This bittersweet film is a bit slow for teens, but anyone with a true love of cinema who doesn't mind some syrupy moments will be charmed.
Cinema Paradiso director Giuseppe Tornatore takes the wholesome path in showing a relationship between an adult man and a child, and in doing so he demonstrates that age is no obstacle when it comes to friendship. That's a good lesson to share with teenagers who find themselves thumbing their noses at younger kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Alfredo helps Salvatore gain the confidence to pursue his passion in Cinema Paradiso. Who are your real-life mentors? Families may also want to talk to older children about the gifts they have to share with younger kids.
How does the theater -- and the films it shows -- bring the community together and perhaps even connect it to the outside world?
How is this movie a coming-of-age story? What are some examples of other coming-of-age movies?
How do the characters in Cinema Paradiso demonstrate integrity? Why is that an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 1, 1989
- On DVD or streaming : March 13, 2001
- Cast : Antonella Attili , Enzo Cannavale , Isa Danieli
- Studio : Miramax
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Integrity
- Run time : 121 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mature themes
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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