Tuesday, January 3, 2023

TONY'S MOVIE REVIEW: Guillermo del Toro Puts His Own Stamp in His Vision for 'Pinocchio'

 


I was supposed to watch another movie in Netflix tonight but since it had no subtitles (que horror!) I decided to switch to Guillermo del Toro's 'Pinocchio' since it had several nominations from the Golden Globes.

I rarely watch animated feature films but since I am a big fan of Guillermo del Toro, this was an opportunity not to miss.  To those unfamiliar with his work, Guillermo del Toro has imagined a different world in 'Pan's Labyrinth' and the Oscar-winning 'The Shape of Water', using his very fertile imagination.

'Pinocchio' is no different and it is quite easy to discover which ideas are del Toro's and which is from the original story.

This is actually the first time I got to know the story of Pinocchio so I was not familiar with its general story, except its famous idea that if he lies, his nose will get bigger and bigger.

I thought that would be the main idea of the story but del Toro widens the canvas and includes his personal commentaries on war, children in war, fascism, animal rights, animal cruelty, and a host of other advocacies that come tumbling one after another as the movie progresses.

My favorite gist of the movie though is the relationship between Gepetto and Pinocchio.  I was close to tears in many scenes in the movie especially when Pinocchio sang 'Ciao Papa', and when Gepetto died.  Movies about fathers and sons make me cry easily.

This is a great movie and I strongly suggest you watch it.  del Toro has stamped his genius in the movie so it is greatly entertaining and the pacing is fast.  Even Mama, who watched it with me, never felt there was a dull moment.




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