Cinema Paradiso - Director's Cut

I just have one question. How have I gone this long without seeing this film?

I've only recently stumbled upon this 1988, multiple award winning film, directed by Giuseppe Tornatore.

What a beautiful piece of work. What terrific storytelling. What irresistible characters.

This wonderful piece of cinema is the perfect example of why I feel I must be a filmmaker. I only hope to create something this compelling & gorgeous some day, & to tell a story as artfully, terrifically & successfully as Mr. Tornatore has. This film has everything. It is a wonderfully told story, with full, robust, real characters. It is alluring, charming, gripping at times, beautifully shot & well downright kicks ass.

While I may be the last one out of the gate (20 yrs. later) to comment on this one, I'm still thrilled to have found it.

This film is awesome.