Cinema

My Favourite Films

	"Cinema Paradiso".My favourite film of all time is this Italian film which tells the story of a little boy Salvatore(Toto) and his love for the cinema. His adoration for the silver screen is fostered by the local projectionist Alfredo. The film follows Toto as he grows up, falls in love and finally, encouraged by Alfredo, moves away. The film is funny, poignant and above all shows the power and magic of cinema.
The Piano The Piano	"The Piano" follows as a close second to "Cinema Paradiso" with an evocative soundtrack and magnificent cinematography. The music was composed by Michael Nyman and the film was directed by Jane Campion. Holly Hunter gives a brilliant performance as a mute woman shipped off to marry Sam Neill with her daughter(Anna Paquin). Ada(Hunter) uses her piano as her voice and her moods and feelings are clearly visible through the haunting music that fills the room as you watch the film.
	"Romeo and Juliet" directed by Baz Luhrmann is a modern take on the Shakespearian classic and stars Leonardo di Caprio and Claire Danes.The story is the same except guns replace the swords of old. It is a fast moving movie that acutely pulls at the heart strings and I heard one seven year old say as she watched the end "I bet he kisses her and she wakes up".Unfortunately that would be straying too far from the original.
	"Un Coeur en Hiver" stars Daniel Auteuil and Emanuelle Beart, one of the most beautiful actresses in the world in my opinion. It tells the story of love and heartache and again uses the medium of music to set the scene. Beart is a violinist and Auteuil makes violins.They both passionately communicate through their work but cannot communicate to each other.
	"Il Postino" won Best Foreign Film in 1995 and starred Massimo Troisi(who died shortly after the film was made) and Phillipe Noiret as the poet Pablo Neruda. Mario(Troisi) is a shy postman and feels life is worthless until Neruda appears on the scene.He gives Mario something to live for and encourages him to follow his dreams and find love.However the film has a bittersweet ending when Neruda realises the cost of truly following your dreams and beliefs.

Some worthwhile Cinema links

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