Director Matteo Garrone. Cast: Federico Ielapi, Roberto Benigni. 125 min. Fantasy/Family.
- It's the thousandth version of the beloved story ... and it still delivers.
- This Pinocchio is darker than prior (beknownst to me) renditions. Geppetto is heart-wrenchingly poor, the cat and fox are filthy evil, the blue fairy looks like the walking dead (which I guess she's supposed to), there are school beating scenes, and of course, the donkey transformation scene is quite disturbing (as it always is). But these extremes and contrasts are all used to good effect, as the wooden Pinocchio becoming a boy at the end will bring a tear to your eye (I didn't spoil anything, did I?).
- Among the magical elements are the stunning Italian locations, and the make-up. The puppets look truly wooden, while their facial motions are mesmerizing. Deservedly, the movie was nominated for two Oscars, in make-up and costume design.
- This is Roberto Benigni's second participation in a movie adaptation of the story: in 2002 he directed himself in the role of Pinocchio, and here he plays Geppetto.
- Check out the beautiful soundtrack here.
MoGo's rating: 8/10
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