Giuseppe Tornatore
Nuovo Cinema Paradiso

Alfredo and Salvatore, a simple but very strong friendship. Two people of different ages who share the same passion with great enthusiasm. A passion for cinema, for films, for great movies.

"Nuovo Cinema Paradiso" best captures the cinema of the past, its history. The film was shot in Giancaldo, a small town in Sicily. The customs, the daily life, and the simplicity of its inhabitants are highlighted. Everything begins in reverse; the film starts with Salvatore, who was called Totò as a child, answering the phone in a house when he is already an adult. He learns about Alfredo's death and is urged by his mother to return to Giancaldo. Then, through a flashback, we retrace Salvatore's life, who eventually becomes a great director.

Totò was passionate about cinema from a young age and would secretly go to watch films at the small town cinema. It is there that he meets Alfredo. Alfredo was the projectionist at the cinema. Totò would often visit him. Initially, they didn't get along well because Totò continually played pranks on Alfredo, who would routinely get angry with him. Despite this, over time Alfredo welcomed Totò into his booth. In his own small way, he helped him project films, and together they shared beautiful moments. One of the most beautiful scenes in the film is when they both project a film on the wall of the town square, and many people flock to see it. Totò saw a father figure in Alfredo. Totò's real father had left for the war and never returned. So he saw a father figure, an important point of reference, in him. Together, they projected films of great actors who made Italian cinema famous, from Totò to Vittorio Gassman to Alberto Sordi. Naturally, given the time the film is set in, scenes with kisses were systematically cut out. Thanks to his charm and innocence, Totò wins over Alfredo.

Everything was going well until a terrible fire destroyed the cinema, with Alfredo still inside his booth. Totò tried in vain to save him, but Alfredo lost his sight in that incident. From this point on, many things changed. Totò grew up; he was now a mature young man. Despite losing his sight, Alfredo stayed in the "Paradiso" booth, and Totò took over his role. Meanwhile, Totò fell in love with a girl and talked about it with Alfredo, who always gave him advice. Their relationship became stronger and more solidified. By now, Alfredo was like a father to Totò. Totò's love story with this girl continued until he left for military service. Upon his return, he found Alfredo now old, and she was no longer there. At this point, Giancaldo was no longer the place for Totò. He realized that if he truly wanted a career, he could no longer stay there. Meanwhile, the cinema was renovated, and other people took over the projection duties. Before leaving, Totò talked to Alfredo for the last time, and it was one of the film's most touching moments. Totò was so attached to him that he didn't want to leave, but Alfredo insisted and made Totò swear that he would never return to Giancaldo. Totò swore it, and they parted, knowing that they would never see each other again.

Years later, Totò's mother, now Salvatore, contacts him to inform him of Alfredo's death. Totò returns to Giancaldo to attend his dear friend's funeral. He returns to his childhood home, visits Alfredo's wife, who tells him that until the end, Alfredo didn't want him to be informed because he didn't want Totò to return to Giancaldo and be 'screwed by nostalgia'. He visits the cinema, or rather what remains of it, and learns that it will be demolished the next day. He enters the cinema hall for one last time and relives all the emotions and sensations he experienced as a child. Then the cinema is demolished, taking with it the memories of Alfredo and Totò.

However, Alfredo had left something for Totò. All the cut-out kiss scenes. Salvatore returned to Rome and watched all the most famous kisses in cinema history. A moving and touching moment, with the beautiful soundtrack by Ennio Morricone. Tears well up in Totò's eyes as he re-watches all those scenes. After this episode, Totò meets his old girlfriend after many years, who never forgot him. In fact, before leaving, she had spoken to Alfredo and left Totò a note with her contact and address in her new city. Totò never found that note. The two embrace and kiss, testament to their love that remains strong despite all the time they spent apart.

This is a unique film that talks about childhood and the innocence of youth. A film that touches the heart, emotions, and stirs tears. With wonderful music. Perfect for reliving everyone's childhood and remembering people who, like Alfredo in the film, have meant so much in life.