Cinema Paradiso, Cinemas across London

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Italian motion picture Cinema Paradiso- director Giuseppe Tornatore’s seminal homage to cinema. In view of this, the film will be shown in cinema’s nationwide, in a newly restored directors cut print.

Not only will this re-release add an extra fifty minutes to the original run-time, it will be an un-missable opportunity for you to see the beloved film on the big screen. To watch Cinema Paradiso by oneself is to defy its very purpose; it is the story of a man who grows up, finds love, and finds peace in the movie theatre. Slowly, and wistfully, it reveals the beauty of a space in which films are enjoyed by a community, and demonstrates the power that cinema can have as a social leveller.

A nostalgic, yet postmodern film, it plays with drama and humour, and will leave even the hardiest movie-goer sobbing in their seat. For its cast and crew, Cinema Paradiso’s wild success set a terrifying precedent (it was awarded the Grand Prix de Jury at Cannes, an Oscar for best Foreign Language film, a Golden Globe, and five BAFTA awards on its first release), but many have gone on to enjoy further acclaim. 

Be sure to listen out for the gorgeous soundtrack arranged by Ennio Morricone;an artist who has since worked on many other classic cinematic offerings- from the Oscar nominated Malèna (2001) to Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds (2009)- and continues to be an influential force in the film industry. 

Cinema Paradiso also launched the career of its bumbling projectionist, Philippe Noiret (1930-2006), who went on to feature in more than 140 films, including the critically acclaimed L'Horloger de Saint-Paul (1974), and was eventually decorated with the Knight of the Legion of Honour for his services to cinema. He is one of the most recognisable faces in 20th centruy French film, and seeing him revived on the big screen is a delight. 

In its gloriously restored format, Cinema Paradiso is the ideal film to see this holiday season. Joyful, reflective and romantic, it will warm your heart with its vibrant colour and gentle humour.