Yes, that's right - the classic 1988 Italian piece by Giuseppe Tornatore. I saw it for the first time a couple of weeks ago and it's stuck with me; pariticularly the scenes in the cinema with the totally romantic view of story telling, bringing the community together. People grow up with stories and through stories. The hopes of the village are actualised on screen.
The destruction of the cinema so many years later isn't gut wrenching but it is definitely a dystopic view of the state of the world.
What I like most about this story is the relationship between the young boy, Salvatore and the old projectionist, Alfredo. It's gentle and complex. Salvatore is the cheeky kid who doesn't really know when to stop. Alfredo is the dad that Salvatore never had - stern yet loving.
I don't think you'd get away with that same relationship these days. The overtones of paedophilia would be read into it, even if they weren't there. It's a shame that some stories just can't be told now.
Nonetheless, a beautiful story. Don't bother watching the alternative ending; it's just muddy. Stick with the original edit.
If you like your romances Italian and you believe in the power of the silver screen then have a look at Cinema Paradiso.
