This is the "director’s cut," with 47 minutes restored to the original 123-minute US release, of Giuseppe Tornatore’s sentimental but popular 1988 movie. The story opens with world-weary filmmaker Salvatore (Jacques Perrin) receiving news of a childhood friend’s death, whereupon he travels to the Sicilian village he left behind 30 years before. Flashback to World War II: an imp who loves movies, Salvatore begs gruff but lovable projectionist Alfredo (Philippe Noiret, flawless) to show him the ropes. The child replaces the man at the job, yet Salvatore’s embittered mentor urges him to aim for a life beyond the dusty booth. Whereupon the romantic adolescent weaned on Hollywood clinches and clichés falls hard for honey-blonde beauty Elena, their doomed affair recalling those star-crossed lovers from Verona.

So, is Tornatore’s film really deserving of a "director’s cut" re-release? Oh yes. What seemed to me sweet but bland 14 years ago is now unexpectedly moving. The added footage provides greater historical context, subtler character development, and a stronger narrative arc. The lush iconography is now grounded in a story that no longer feels like a fable. The leisurely pace allows one to muse on the disappearance of the projectionist’s art, the soul-etching permanence of a first love, and the ruthless human capacity for self-deception masked by pride, nostalgia, and stoicism. And the boy just might get the girl this time around. In Italian with English subtitles. (170 minutes)