Cinema Paradiso

A closer look at the story

Salvatore, now a celebrated film director, hears that an old friend has died and returns to his hometown, a place he has not set foot in for thirty years. The streets of the town carry him back to the days of his childhood. Back then, young Totò's whole world was the local picture house, the Cinema Paradiso. He spends his days in the projection booth with the projectionist Alfredo, chatting with him about films and soaking up his experience and knowledge. Thanks to Alfredo, whose fatherly warmth earns him a deep place in the boy's life, Salvatore discovers his great love and passion for the silver screen. Written and directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, the 124-minute 1988 Italian-French co-production stars Philippe Noiret, Jacques Perrin, Salvatore Cascio and Marco Leonardi in a nostalgic drama and love story.