Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore in 1988, ‘Cinema Paradiso’ is a movie about the memories of life in a small Italian village, the depth of friendship, and the temporality of it all. This movie is so magnificent because of the perfect blend of sweetness from Ennio Morricone’s iconic soundtrack, spiced with gorgeous cinematography and imbued with the soul of Philippe Noiret as Alfredo, an elderly projectionist in the village’s only movie theater. 

The film begins with the famous film director, Salvatore Di Vita, being informed by his elderly mother that the village’s old projectionist had died, and letting Salvatore know about the funeral. This news causes Salvatore to reminisce about his early life in the poor village where he grew up. The movie then pivots to tell the story of the young Salvatore, or Toto, as he was affectionately called. 

His youth was dominated by the statue of the Cinema Paradiso, the movie theater that was located in the main village square. He would spend hours and hours learning and helping the elderly Alfredo, whether his help was needed or not. Alfredo, who had no children of his own, and Salvatore, who lost his father too young, became bonded in a sacred way: the familial ties of a father-son relationship. Alfredo became Toto’s father figure, and their relationship carried a major weight on Salvatore, whether he realized it earlier or not. Alfredo took the parental role when Salvatore’s own mother took many of her frustrations out on the poor child. Alfredo’s fatherly love for Salvatore and his sacrifice to never see the child he loved as his own son gave him [Salvatore] the strength to leave his hometown and become successful. Salvatore’s love for the movies and the impact Alfredo made on his life all culminated in the film director that Salvatore became. 

Once he left the village, Salvatore only returned after 30 years for Alfredo’s funeral. Nevertheless, he was received with love by his mother, sister, and was honored by the other village residents. Alfredo’s widow gave him the present of love through the language of cinema, which they both shared for all of their respective lives. Cinema Paradiso is an absolute classic. Unfortunately for us all, this classic movie will not leave a dry eye in the theater. I highly recommend this film (and highly recommend bringing tissues).