Cinema Paradiso

Time Richard Schickel

Remain open to fantasies but not be consumed by them. These are good lessons for a would-be director. They are good lessons for everybody. And no recent movie has taught them with more patient sweetness. [Feb. 5, 1990]

The Globe and Mail (Toronto) Jay Scott

Cinema Paradiso converts you to the credo that art can indeed be holy.

San Francisco Chronicle Mick LaSalle

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]

Mr. Showbiz David Mermelstein

Unapologetically sentimental, this movie is certain to melt all but the hardest of hearts.

Los Angeles Times Michael Wilmington

It's a shining valentine to the movies--full of homages, collages and swooningly romantic Ennio Morricone music--and it gets right at the messy, impure, wondrous way they capture and enrapture us. [16 February 1990, Calendar, p.F-1]

ReelViews James Berardinelli

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.

Washington Post Rita Kempley

There are films as lovely, but none lovelier.

Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

Anyone who loves movies is likely to love Cinema Paradiso.

Washington Post Desson Thomson

Just about everything you ever loved (or hated) about Italian films can be found.

USA Today Mike Clark

Lovely “memory'' film. [2 March 1990, Life, p.4D]

Film.com John Hartl

A sweet, funny exercise in nostalgia, though it's also self-congratulatory and awfully calculating.

The New Republic Stanley Kauffmann

Tornatore has learned much from Fellini--especially in the long shots where someone suddenly appears close up. Let's hope he moves on to his own style. Meanwhile, he has given us a nice bask in Sicilian warmth. [Feb. 19, 1990]

Variety Staff (Not credited)

Tornatore is an able storyteller who knows the value of cute kids and easy emotion.

Chicago Reader Jonathan Rosenbaum

Originally a two-part film running about three hours, this treacle has been reduced by almost a third, though it still seems to run on forever -- a bit like life but much less interesting.

Chicago Tribune Dave Kehr

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]

TV Guide Staff (not credited)

They don't make movies like they used to, and this Oscar-winning Italian-French co-production spends the better part of three hours proving it.