Cinema Paradiso

Drama | Italian with English subtitles | 155 minutes

Info

In 1988 Rome, famous film director, Salvatore Di Vita, is informed that Alfredo has died. With this news, Salvatore flashes back to his childhood in Giancaldo, Sicily. A few years before World War II, eight-year-old Salvatore discovers his love for cinema and spends all his free time with Alfredo, the Cinema Paradiso’s projectionist. At first Alfredo finds Salvatore annoying. Slowly a friendship develops as Alfredo reveals to Salvatore the mysteries of moviemaking. Years later, after returning from military service, an emotional Alfredo convinces Salvatore that he must leave Giancaldo and pursue a film career in Rome. Back to the present, Salvatore decides to attend Alfredo’s funeral in Giancaldo. Sadly, the town has changed, not for the better. The Cinema Paradiso is being demolished to make room for a parking lot.

Cast

Philippe Noiret (Alfredo) / Salvatore Cascio (Salvatore)

Why Stream This Film?

A touching coming-of-age memory piece of a young boy’s love for the local Italian cinema, the kind and understanding projectionist, and the boy’s rise to become a famous Italian director.

Rotten Tomatoes Score (Critics Consensus): 90%
Metacritic Score: 80

Accolades

Academy Awards: Winner, Best Foreign Language
BAFTA Awards: Winner, Best Foreign Language Film; Best Actor in a Leading Role (Philippe Noiret); Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Salvatore Cascio); Best Screenplay (Giuseppe Tornatore)
Cannes Film Festival: Winner, Best Director (Giuseppe Tornatore)
Golden Globe Awards: Winner, Best Foreign Language Film

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