The Fine Line Between a Friend and a True Friend ("Cinema Paradiso" film review)

                   Friends are everywhere, but it takes one special person to be your best friend. I just discovered a film which tells us that a best friend is not someone who goes with what you want. Rather, he is someone who leads you to what he thinks is best for you.

            “Cinema Paradiso” narrates the story of friendship between Salvatore Di Vita (portrayed by Salvatore Cascio, Marco Leonardi and Jacques Perrin) and Alfredo (portrayed by Philippe Noiret). Salvatore discovered his passion for films at a very young age and for that, he went to Cinema Paradiso in his free time. There he developed a friendship with Alfredo, the projectionist of the theater. Salvatore learned how to do Alfredo’s job by observing him every time he went to the projection booth. When Alfredo got blinded by an accident, Salvatore became the new projectionist of the place. In his teenage years, he fell in love with Elena (portrayed by Agnese Nano and Brigitte Fossey) but unfortunately, their love did not last because of distance and some misunderstandings. Alfredo advised Salvatore to go somewhere far, look for success, and never come back. The latter followed the advice but eventually came back thirty years after because of the former’s death. In his return, he discovered secrets from the past and found a special gift from his best friend.

            Alfredo was a perfect example of a true friend. An ordinary friend may want your happiness, but Alfredo desired for what he thought was best for Salvatore though it may not necessarily mean the second’s happiness. He believed in the potentials he found in his friend and forced him to do something he did not exactly want. Salvatore then realized the dream he never thought he had and became successful in life.

            I also want a friend like Alfredo in my life. I want to have someone who will not spoil me by just putting up with what I want. I prefer someone who knows what’s best for me and who will scold me whenever there is a need of doing so.

            “Cinema Paradiso” presented several symbols and topping the list was the Cinema Paradiso itself. It symbolized the people’s common interest for film. It was also the place where people from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles got united for one special cause. Second symbol was the projection through the concrete lion’s mouth. It signified the long and difficult process that every film must undergo before it could be projected on the big screen. Another symbol is the film invoices that were scattered inside the projection room. It told us that life could sometimes be so cluttered and complicated. The demolition of Cinema Paradiso was also a symbol which implied the start of another chapter in Salvatore’s life.

            Most of the time, it’s not about what makes you happy; it isn’t about following your heart. Sometimes, you also have to listen to others. Their words may not always please us, but it could be best for us.

            I suggest that everyone must watch this film. It will really make you laugh, cry and think at the same time.