Cinema Paradiso

I just finished watching "Cinema Paradiso" for the first time. yeah, the first time. i know, i know. Late to the party. what's new?
Not really sure how I got a film class without seeing it, but somehow I did.

That might be the best movie I've ever seen.
In fact I'm pretty sure it is.
That film moved me. Like, really moved me.
For me, every moment was like that joy in my heart when Christmas is near. It was the joy of experiencing something so exquisite mixed the revelry of expecting something wonderful as well.
And when it was over, I feel like someone had watered my soul because it was full and blooming.

(and I know that's a cheesy analogy, but that's the only way I can describe it.)

I can't even explain all the reasons I loved it so much. But it made me love God more. It stirred my affections for Him.

It's a film that accurately describes why I love movies. (and music and the arts for that matter) To see the passion people had for movies, because the movies made them feel.
It made them laugh, it made them cry, it made them angry.
And this is such a beautiful depiction of the gifts that God gives. That's what overwhelmed me the most, seeing God's goodness, seeing God's good gifts displayed so brightly.

I'm always moved by people with passion because I know that's a gift and that's a reflection of God Himself. He is passionate. and we are made in His image.

I'm always moved by people who pursue the dreams God gives them and people who actually use the skills and talents He's given them. Even if it's mundane things like running a projector.

I'm always moved when I stop and see and contemplate where we've come from and how we've changed as a people, and how each of us changes personally.

It was so real. So human. So full.

I loved it. You might not. and that's cool. That's the blessing of how we're all made different. Different things stir different people's hearts. But this stirred mine, and i just had to share that.

...and the music was breathtaking and the cinematography was stunning.

and that's the Cliff Notes version of why I liked this movie!