Advanced Search Beta »
Basic Search Fields
Cinema Paradiso
Cinema Paradiso Image
Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.7 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 34 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
Rate this:
  • Starring: Enzo Cannavale, Philippe Noiret
  • Summary: The relationship between a young Sicilian boy and the projectionist at the local cinema leads to the boy's lifelong love affair with movies.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Mick LaSalle
    100
    You leave Cinema Paradiso with that feeling that's kind of like getting kicked in the stomach, but nice. It's one of those breathless, swept-away-by-a-movie experiences that you might have once a year, if you're lucky. [16 February 1990, Daily Notebook, p.E-1]
    All this critic's reviews
  2. ReelViews
    Reviewed by: James Berardinelli
    100
    This film is sometimes funny, sometimes joyful, and sometimes poignant, but it's always warm, wonderful, and satisfying. Cinema Paradiso affects us on many levels, but its strongest connection is with our memories.
  3. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Dave Kehr
    50
    A few moments of sly inspiration are not enough to carry an entire feature; along with the tears, it leaves behind an aftertaste of phoniness. [16 March 1990, Friday, p.H]
    All this critic's reviews

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. CraigR.
    10
    Truely one of the greatest films of all time. A magnificent script complemented my Ennio Morricone's soaring masterpiece - can it get any better?… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. westpacsalty
    10
    A classic movie for movie lovers---a young boy meets an old projectionist in a small Italian village and learns life lessons. This is a must-see movie.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. RegOz
    10
    A beautiful movie! That is the word: Beautiful. Great storyline, performances, photography! WOW! At times, however, the pace is slow, but even then it makes sense! Just perfect! Ennio Morricone's music deserves special mention!. Cinema Paradiso is classic! One of my top 10 favourite movies!...and I have it here at home in my collection! A MASTERPIECE...back then, and now! yes, it certainly is and will always be!… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 18 User Reviews