cerenyoncacekic Reviews

Cinema Paradiso (1988)

A love letter to cinema

[10/10 · 27 February 2024]

Cinema Paradiso isn't just a movie; it's a tapestry woven with love, loss, and the transformative power of cinema. It takes us on a journey through the eyes of Salvatore, a successful filmmaker returning to his childhood town. As he revisits the familiar streets, a flood of memories washes over him, centered around the town's once-vibrant cinema, Cinema Paradiso.

Through flashbacks, we meet the projectionist, Alfredo, a gruff yet caring man who becomes Salvatore's mentor and surrogate father. Alfredo becomes his guide through the magical world of movies, splicing together film reels and weaving stories that ignite the young boy's imagination. The cinema becomes more than just a place of entertainment; it's a refuge, a community center, and a window to the world beyond their small town.

The film masterfully captures the essence of small-town life, where everyone knows everyone and life unfolds at a slower pace. We see the joy and laughter shared in the darkened theater, the gasps and collective sighs during dramatic moments, and the unifying power of film. It's a bittersweet reminder of simpler times and the innocence of childhood.

But Cinema Paradiso isn't just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It tackles poignant themes of loss, sacrifice, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. We witness the struggles and joys of Salvatore's family, the changing dynamics of his relationship with Alfredo, and the sacrifices people make to chase their dreams.

The film's ending is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. It leaves you breathless, filled with a mix of sadness and a profound appreciation for the beauty of life, the power of love, and the enduring magic of cinema. When Salvatora sat at the cinema and all the pieces of film they cut started rolling I felt tears in my eyes almost immediately. The destruction of the cinema and all the emotions, memories, and events are all destroyed at once, you can see how Salvatore feels in his eyes. Cinema Paradiso is a love letter to the art form itself, a testament to its ability to transport us, connect us, and leave an indelible mark on our souls. It's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, reminding you of the simple things that truly matter.

Aftersun (II) (2022)

I think it's nice that we share the same sky

[10/10 · 21 February 2024]

The film unfolds. Through the fragmented memories of Sophie, reflecting. On a vacation with her father Calum. When she was 11. Calum doesn't see Sophie very often due to Sophie's mother and Calum being divorced however Calum and Sophie go on vacation in Turkey. My home country and seeing the places I used to go to as a little kid made me emotional. Our parents suffer but they never show us even one bit of it, even if they do we do not understand what is going on with them. This is the case with Sophie and her father. She watches all the videos that she took while they were on vacation trying to find a reason as to why her father would commit suicide. She fails but with her fragmented memories, she remembers one of the few memories and understands because she is in the same state at that moment but it is too late and she cannot save him. This movie had one of the best representations of depression that I have ever seen. When they dance at the end of the movie the lyrics of the song say "This is our last dance" and it transforms into the club scene where Sophie tries to save her father from falling. I immediately broke down in tears. As of now whenever I go to Mugla or listen to the song Under Pressure I will always think of this movie. Our parents care for us more than we can think of they are the most valuable thing we have. Try to understand it's their first time on this earth too.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Poetry, beauty, love, romance these are what we stay alive for

[10/10 · 21 February 2024]

I watched this movie when I was a freshman. I will never forget the first time I watched this movie. I must have watched it about 9 more times after that. It's a movie that every time you watch it you see a different part of it. When you watch it 2 or 5 years later even though the movie stays the same there is more to learn. Perhaps about life or perhaps about yourself. I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do. This movie changed my life in the best way possible. It taught me about friendship, poetry and most of all seizing the day, living every day as if it is your last. There is a scene in particular where Keating takes everybody to look at the pictures of the former students. He talks about how they had dreams and they all had things they wanted to achive. Some of them did some of them did not and now they are one with the ground. Their bodies have turned cold. They have a legacy "Seize the day, make your lives extraordinary". Telling us to do what we want to do because when your youth withers and dies there is nothing you can't do about it. We spend most of our lives dreaming about what we want to do without actually trying to achieve it. This film taught me that whatever the cost I should do what I love and cling to my dreams like nothing else. Our dreams are what keep us alive and bring joy and life into our souls. Don't be scared to become extraordinary or be different from everybody else. Being different is what makes you you. If you give them up to be like everybody else,who knows when you are sitting in your office on the day on a random Tuesday, it might catch up to you that you made a mistake. As Keating said "The powerful play of life goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be ?"

Babylon (I) (2022)

To be part of something that lasts, that means something

[10/10 · 18 February 2023]

I didn't understand why this movie got such hate. I've never been more entertained, terrified, thrilled and in love with a movie all at the same time. It was a love letter to cinema and a hate letter to Hollywood and it was amazing. The ending scene was one of the best endings that I have seen. It was so significant and important because it shows that all the suffering that Manny went through was worth it, it could make someones day better or just make them feel something. Thats what cinema is all about, feelings. When the final montage came in you go through all these emotions you understand how far cinema has come in a hundred years and how it will continue developing and how it will continue to make you feel.