Cinema Paradiso (1988)

Well worth the subtitles! I loved this film. It's set in the era when cinema visits were hugely valued, when films were shown on reels and blockbusters included Casablanca instead of the One Direction Movie... those were the days. We follow Toto, a young boy at the start of the film, as he discovers Cinema Paradiso in the heart of Sicily and grows inseparable with projectionist Alfredo, a kind hearted man who teaches Toto much about life, love, and of course cinema. This film made me laugh and cry, simultaneously at some points. I adored the bond shared between Toto and Alfredo which would nowadays have had the latter arrested and the film left a profound bitter-sweet effect on me that, five days later, has not gone away. I can't describe the affection I feel for this film. I loved the references to classic films and stars, loved the message it sends to the audience. Living on a group of isolated islands it hit me hard that it is easy to accept your home as the whole world and not go out there and live a little. Four stars. I'd recommend it to anyone, particularly those interested in film history as I am - this film taught me so much.