Watch Pinocchio

Pinocchio is a 2019 Italian fantasy film directed by Matteo Garrone, inspired by Carlo Collodi's classic novel of the same name. This movie is a re-imagination of the classic tale from the perspective of an adult audience. Pinocchio is a story that has been retold countless times and is familiar to almost everyone in some form, but this adaptation is unique in its approach.

The movie tells the story of a wooden puppet named Pinocchio who is brought to life by a fairy. Pinocchio's maker, Geppetto, is a poor carpenter struggling to make ends meet. One night, Geppetto makes a puppet out of a piece of wood that he found, and he wishes upon a star that the puppet could come to life. The Blue Fairy appears and grants Geppetto's wish, telling Pinocchio that he can become a real boy if he proves himself to be brave, truthful and unselfish.

Pinocchio sets off into the world, determined to become a boy. Along the way, he encounters a host of colorful characters, including a sly fox and a cunning cat who try to take advantage of him, a kindly puppetmaster who takes him in and teaches him to perform, and a talking cricket who serves as Pinocchio's conscience.

As Pinocchio journeys through the world, he struggles to stay on the path of goodness and truth, frequently succumbing to temptation and deceit. He learns that lying and cheating only serve to get him into trouble and that the truth, even when painful or difficult, is always the best course of action. Along the way, Pinocchio also learns the importance of love and loyalty, which are ultimately the keys to his salvation.

One of the most striking aspects of Pinocchio is its visual style. The film is heavily influenced by Italian Renaissance art, with costumes, sets and visual effects that harken back to the era. The movie was filmed entirely on location in Italy, and the landscapes and architecture of the country are used to great effect. The character design is also impressive, with Pinocchio's wooden body and animated expressions being at the forefront of the movie's charm.

Despite the family-friendly nature of the story, the movie is surprisingly dark and eerie. The tone is somber and solemn, and the portrayal of the world and its inhabitants is often macabre. There are moments of intense violence, including scenes of people being maimed or killed, that are not for the faint of heart. This darker tone gives the film a unique edge, making it stand out from other adaptations of the story.

The acting in Pinocchio is superb, with the lead actor Federico Ielapi delivering a nuanced and authentic portrayal of the title character. The supporting cast is also strong, with standout performances from Marine Vacth as the fairy, Davide Marotta as the cat and Massimo Ceccherini as the puppetmaster.

In terms of pacing, the movie is slow and measured, with the story unfolding at a leisurely pace. This pacing allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in the world of the movie, but it may be too slow for some viewers. The movie is also long, clocking in at just over two hours, which may be too much for young children.

Overall, Pinocchio is a visually stunning, emotionally engaging and darkly atmospheric interpretation of the classic story. With its focus on themes of honesty, loyalty and love, it is a morality tale that is as relevant today as it was when Collodi first wrote it in 1881. While it may not be suitable for all audiences, those who appreciate a well-crafted and thought-provoking movie will find much to enjoy in Pinocchio.

Pinocchio is a 2017 family movie with a runtime of 11 hours.