The hardest part about moving on, it was said, is not looking back. The Italian film Nuovo Cinema Paradiso written and directed by Guiseppe Tornetore is one that puts a face into this realty. Show me a person who does not appreciate the message of this film and I will show you someone who’s most probably spent his or her life in a fast-paced cosmopolitan environment. Yet I suspect that this film will also struck a chord even to the urbane.

As Wikepedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuovo_Cinema_Paradiso) puts it, “The film intertwines sentimentality with comedy, and nostalgia with pragmaticism. It explores issues of youth, coming of age, and reflections (in adulthood) about the past. The imagery in each scene can be said to reflect Salvatore's idealised memories about his childhood. Cinema Paradiso is also a celebration of films; as a projectionist, young Totò develops the passion for films that shapes his life path in adulthood.”

For those of us who have been blessed to spend a huge part of our youth in some remote but beautiful town in some province, playing with real kids, not computers, riding actual bike in real streets and not the virtual kind, for those of us who later migrated in the city carrying with us pockets full of hopes and dreams, this is a “must see”.

I also believe that a huge part of the film’s perfection is the musical aspect infused into it. I couldn’t think of any other musician to concoct magic for this film than the great Ennio Morricone. Listen to “Love Theme” and get the picture.

I was blown away by Cinema Paradiso. It will always be a film I wouldn’t mind watching over and over again at any given minute.