A reasonably faithful and entertaining replica of the Italian classic tale with all its metaphorical interpretations chiselled through its grain and preserved with contemporary technological digital primer.
165 Reviews
Elegantly Carved & Crafted...
Xstal14 August 2020
becoming a child like all the other
dromasca5 June 2020
Pinocchio fascinates filmmakers. The first atru to bring to screen Carlo Collodi's novel took place in 1936, as an animated feature, in Italy, but the first to complete the project were Walt Disney and his colleagues in 1940. Another 20 films followed, animated or with actors. The 2019 version directed by Matteo Garrone is the most recent, being released at the end of 2019. Its international distribution was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The next remake is already in preparation. Until then, audiences around the world are waiting to watch the 2019 edition of 'Pinocchio' - a film with many qualities but which will certainly not be the ultimate big screens version of the story of carpenter Geppetto and of his wooden-made son.
There are at least two possible readings of Pinocchio's story. The first is the moralistic reading that includes a few lessons that we would like to make sure as parents that they are well assimilated by our children. Attachment to parents, discipline, desire to learn, the need for tenderness - all these positive paternal values are transmitted through the elements of the fairy tale. I will call the second reading the transcendental one - it is about the desire of the animated piece of wood, carved in a talking doll by Geppetto, to become human, aspiring to the normality of a childhood like all children enjoy. Between the two feelings of Pinoccho the writer interposed the character of the fairy who appears in the key moments and who shows Pinocchio the road towards fulfilling the dream, a path that requires earning the discipline and the strength necessary to overcome all adversity. Good childhood lessons are eternal and apply at any age.
Matteo Garrone's filmography combines courageous social films related to today's realities of Italy with the exploration of classic and fantastic literature created (also) for children. 'Pinocchio' obviously belongs to the second category, but what surprised me a little is the flatness of the approach. The film looks great visually. Technology-wise this recent 'Pinocchio' is an achievement. The make-up is masterful, the costumes are very appropriate, the sets combine with elegance historical accuracy with fantastic touches, because after all we are in a fairy tale. The camera allows itself from time to time angles that reminded me of the 'Wizard of Oz'. Roberto Benigni plays an excellent role in his second 'Pinocchio', after the first one, not very successful, in 2002 in which he had assumed both film direction and the titular role. Now he has advanced in age and was promoted to make a wonderfully disturbing Geppetto. Pinocchio is played by Federico Ielapi, an 8-9 year old boy, whose make-up left only his eyes to express the range of emotions of the wooden doll who dreams of becoming a child like all the other. However, the impressive production cannot completely cover the lack of emotion or daring that would have made this 'Pinocchio' a memorable film. Lasting two hours, the film risks getting its children audiences get tired and lose focus. The mature audiences will not find enough substance to justify the effort of watching beyond the duty to accompany children or grandchildren to the cinema theaters. This 'Pinocchio' is interesting in many ways but it could have been more. The next occasion will be the animated remake of the 1940 production which is now in preparation at the Disney Studios.
There are at least two possible readings of Pinocchio's story. The first is the moralistic reading that includes a few lessons that we would like to make sure as parents that they are well assimilated by our children. Attachment to parents, discipline, desire to learn, the need for tenderness - all these positive paternal values are transmitted through the elements of the fairy tale. I will call the second reading the transcendental one - it is about the desire of the animated piece of wood, carved in a talking doll by Geppetto, to become human, aspiring to the normality of a childhood like all children enjoy. Between the two feelings of Pinoccho the writer interposed the character of the fairy who appears in the key moments and who shows Pinocchio the road towards fulfilling the dream, a path that requires earning the discipline and the strength necessary to overcome all adversity. Good childhood lessons are eternal and apply at any age.
Matteo Garrone's filmography combines courageous social films related to today's realities of Italy with the exploration of classic and fantastic literature created (also) for children. 'Pinocchio' obviously belongs to the second category, but what surprised me a little is the flatness of the approach. The film looks great visually. Technology-wise this recent 'Pinocchio' is an achievement. The make-up is masterful, the costumes are very appropriate, the sets combine with elegance historical accuracy with fantastic touches, because after all we are in a fairy tale. The camera allows itself from time to time angles that reminded me of the 'Wizard of Oz'. Roberto Benigni plays an excellent role in his second 'Pinocchio', after the first one, not very successful, in 2002 in which he had assumed both film direction and the titular role. Now he has advanced in age and was promoted to make a wonderfully disturbing Geppetto. Pinocchio is played by Federico Ielapi, an 8-9 year old boy, whose make-up left only his eyes to express the range of emotions of the wooden doll who dreams of becoming a child like all the other. However, the impressive production cannot completely cover the lack of emotion or daring that would have made this 'Pinocchio' a memorable film. Lasting two hours, the film risks getting its children audiences get tired and lose focus. The mature audiences will not find enough substance to justify the effort of watching beyond the duty to accompany children or grandchildren to the cinema theaters. This 'Pinocchio' is interesting in many ways but it could have been more. The next occasion will be the animated remake of the 1940 production which is now in preparation at the Disney Studios.
Flat
duefiori12 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Too sanitized, too much feel-good. The major objection I have is about the missing bits, the scary ones. In the book both Lucignolo and the Fairy die in a heartbreaking way (that should not be a spoiler), and believe me, in Italy the book has been criticized as too scary and traumatic (someone even proposed a R10 rating). You can like or dislike that part, but omitting it is a complete disrespect of the author. Then, the acting. Benigni basically plays himself. Mangiafuoco is played by a honest-to-god marvellous stage comedian which is quite obviously off role. Pinocchio's part is played by a kid whose acting skills are quite wooden (hah). The only truly great acting comes from Cat and Fox. Scenery and musics and costumes are nice, but that's about it. Flat movie.
A faithful telling of most of the Pinocchio story from 1880s Italy.
TxMike9 April 2021
I had never paid much attention to the whole Pinocchio story which was originally published in a serial form in Italy as "The Story of a Puppet" starting in July 1881. While this feature length movie, almost 2 hours long, is faithful to the whole Pinocchio story it does leave a few things out and makes some minor changes. It is very well done using actors in costumes and makeup to approximate the wide range of characters. It was obviously made in Italian but the movie we watched is dubbed in English.
Woodworker Geppetto is very poor, always resorting to begging or offering to do menial tasks in exchange for food and/or supplies. He looks to a local carpenter for a piece of wood to make a marionette, he is given one that seems to have a mind of its own and moves across his workshop floor. Eager to get rid of it the wood is then carved into a figure that is the size of a 9-yr-old boy. A heartbeat is detected and soon the wooden boy begins to talk. When he is given arms and legs he begins to go on his own, eventually getting into a number of different difficult situations. His ultimate wish is to become a real boy.
My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library.
Woodworker Geppetto is very poor, always resorting to begging or offering to do menial tasks in exchange for food and/or supplies. He looks to a local carpenter for a piece of wood to make a marionette, he is given one that seems to have a mind of its own and moves across his workshop floor. Eager to get rid of it the wood is then carved into a figure that is the size of a 9-yr-old boy. A heartbeat is detected and soon the wooden boy begins to talk. When he is given arms and legs he begins to go on his own, eventually getting into a number of different difficult situations. His ultimate wish is to become a real boy.
My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library.
still don't like the brat
SnoopyStyle31 May 2020
Geppetto (Roberto Benigni) is a struggling woodworker. After a traveling caravan arrives in town with puppets, he gets a magical piece of wood and carves Pinocchio who comes to life. It's an adaptation of the classic Italian children's novel. It has a magical darkness and a reality to the surreal world. The problem is that I've never liked Pinocchio. He's an idiot and an annoying brat. He never does what Geppetto wants. He keeps getting tricked by the most obvious scams. He's an infuriating character. I appreciate the style and the faithfulness of this adaptation. I still don't like Pinocchio. I kept wondering if a movie about Geppetto would be more compelling. I'm not fully sold with Benigni's comedic take on Geppetto but I would have liked to give it a try for the whole movie. Overall, this is an interesting exercise but I'm not fully engaged.
drop dead gorgeous
killercharm12 September 2021
A master director has created a lovely 21st century movie of the 140 year-old Italian book The Adventures of Pinocchio. This version is closer to the book in all its grim. Sometimes too grim, but always very Italian. The grim story is beautifully told. The Italian landscape is a drop dead gorgeous character in the story.
Nostalgic.
krystianrynduch29 May 2020
Wow, loved it.
samsmithlb5 September 2020
I've just been to see this film. Had no expectations, as I never usually read reviews before going to a film. This was absolutely charming. It's certainly not Disney, thank god. I'm over 60 and it reminded me of the German "singing ringing tree" which was aired in the UK in the 60s. Me and my siblings loved it. It was weird and funky, and odd and spooky, all the things kids love. Well 60s kids. And this film took me back to the wonder of fantasy and how it sparks the imagination. Yes it's dubbed. So what. That kind of adds to the weirdness of it, and it's charm. Go and see it. It's too good for kids.
Missed opportunity for something great- but definitely not for young ones
sjs-4708123 August 2020
To see a different take on the Pinocchio story from the established Disney animated story, was something to anticipate.
And although the opportunity was there, and the film makers had all the ingredients, they managed to blow it.
The visual style was there and the creepiness/ weirdness levels turned up to 11 at times, but the slow pacing meant that I at least found things boring at times, and it dropped a star or two in my estimation.
Parents need to check other spoiler reviews before considering whether it will suit their kids - suffice to say Uncle Walt would not have approved...
And although the opportunity was there, and the film makers had all the ingredients, they managed to blow it.
The visual style was there and the creepiness/ weirdness levels turned up to 11 at times, but the slow pacing meant that I at least found things boring at times, and it dropped a star or two in my estimation.
Parents need to check other spoiler reviews before considering whether it will suit their kids - suffice to say Uncle Walt would not have approved...
Missed opportunity.
Alexander_Blanchett23 February 2020
Well, the film was technically done very well, especially considering it is an european production, (although some creatures looked like they were out of "Angry Orange") what the film definitely lacked though was Soul, and a huge Portion of that. It was really a waste of material and Money if you make your film look Pretty but Forget what movies are all About and that is heart and Soul, especially those. Also the screenplay definitely needed work. The Actions were often too quick and it did not allow to really connect with the characters as we are supposed to. Acting wise it was okay. Roberto Begnini's second attempt to star in a Pinocchio film was definitely the better one. He did quite well, although it wasnt much of a role. I was much more impressed by Young Federico Ielapi, who really transformed into that role. The make up Department also did a truly Wonderful Job. The Production design was fantatic too. As for the rest, well, it felt like the Story was just to support the technical aspects and not the other way around.
"Che bella persona questo tonno."
yusufpiskin19 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
You probably think you know this story. It's been told on screen before, including a 1972 TV miniseries starring Vittorio de Sica as a judge, and is being revived again in stop-motion by Guillermo del Toro and as a live-action remake of the 1940 Disney classic by Robert Zemeckis. It's surprising that, given the tale's origins, there hasn't been a successful big-budget Italian adaptation until now. It's a shame, then, that Matteo Garrone's version will be overshadowed by English-language takes.
Garrone and Massimo Ceccherini's screenplay sticks closely to Carlo Collodi's original story, published in 1883, which is even darker than the disturbing Disney version. Beyond donkey transformations and terrifying whales, the eponymous marionette himself is initially an unlikeable hero who runs away from his creator, Geppetto, as soon as he's given legs.
Collodi's original ending had Pinocchio hung by the Fox and the Cat as a warning to naughty children, an event disturbingly staged in the film, although at the insistence of his editor Collodi revived the character for more stories about his path to redemption. Given the grizzly anthology of fables Garrone used in Tale of Tales, it's hardly surprising his take on Pinocchio errs more on the side of Collodi than Disney.
Having directed a flopped 2002 version, for which his Pinocchio was bizarrely dubbed over in English by Seth Meyers, Roberto Benigni is better suited to an actor's life here as Geppetto. While we assume he is carving the magic puppet in the opening scene, he is instead freeing what few edible crumbs he can salvage from a rind of cheese.
Unlike the bountiful business of Disney's toymaker, Garrone is unafraid to bring the adult grit of his urban dramas like Gomorrah or Dogman to this family-friendly sojourn. When a cricket shows up trying to serve as his conscience, Pinocchio lobs a mallet at his head before he can so much as give a little whistle. He's certainly got no strings.
While the detailed prosthetics on Federico Ielapi make him almost too humanoid to be a puppet, it makes him easier to empathise with than the frightening wooden doll used in Steve Baron's 1996 The Adventures of Pinocchio. Given the film clocks in at just over two hours, it's a testament to Ielapi's infantile charm that our engagement is sustained. It feels like an extension of Garrone's own investment in the story - he claims to have drawn the first storyboard when he was six years old.
Pinocchio is a celebration of a fantastical world seen through a child's eyes, smattered with boyish humour such as a squeaky-voiced professor trying to get a frog out of his pants. The result is a visual feast of candy-coloured circuses and breath-taking practical effects from talking tuna fish and bunny undertakers to a giant snail maid and a marionette show. Garrone makes every set piece feel like a dream come true.
By the time the Fairy with Turquoise Hair (Marine Vacth) turns Pinocchio into a human boy, we've long since forgotten his early misbehaviour. It's a beautiful moment, a simple message of redemption that affirms the tale's timeless relevance. While its success outside Italy remains to be seen, del Toro and Zemeckis will have to pull a lot of strings to better Garrone.
Garrone and Massimo Ceccherini's screenplay sticks closely to Carlo Collodi's original story, published in 1883, which is even darker than the disturbing Disney version. Beyond donkey transformations and terrifying whales, the eponymous marionette himself is initially an unlikeable hero who runs away from his creator, Geppetto, as soon as he's given legs.
Collodi's original ending had Pinocchio hung by the Fox and the Cat as a warning to naughty children, an event disturbingly staged in the film, although at the insistence of his editor Collodi revived the character for more stories about his path to redemption. Given the grizzly anthology of fables Garrone used in Tale of Tales, it's hardly surprising his take on Pinocchio errs more on the side of Collodi than Disney.
Having directed a flopped 2002 version, for which his Pinocchio was bizarrely dubbed over in English by Seth Meyers, Roberto Benigni is better suited to an actor's life here as Geppetto. While we assume he is carving the magic puppet in the opening scene, he is instead freeing what few edible crumbs he can salvage from a rind of cheese.
Unlike the bountiful business of Disney's toymaker, Garrone is unafraid to bring the adult grit of his urban dramas like Gomorrah or Dogman to this family-friendly sojourn. When a cricket shows up trying to serve as his conscience, Pinocchio lobs a mallet at his head before he can so much as give a little whistle. He's certainly got no strings.
While the detailed prosthetics on Federico Ielapi make him almost too humanoid to be a puppet, it makes him easier to empathise with than the frightening wooden doll used in Steve Baron's 1996 The Adventures of Pinocchio. Given the film clocks in at just over two hours, it's a testament to Ielapi's infantile charm that our engagement is sustained. It feels like an extension of Garrone's own investment in the story - he claims to have drawn the first storyboard when he was six years old.
Pinocchio is a celebration of a fantastical world seen through a child's eyes, smattered with boyish humour such as a squeaky-voiced professor trying to get a frog out of his pants. The result is a visual feast of candy-coloured circuses and breath-taking practical effects from talking tuna fish and bunny undertakers to a giant snail maid and a marionette show. Garrone makes every set piece feel like a dream come true.
By the time the Fairy with Turquoise Hair (Marine Vacth) turns Pinocchio into a human boy, we've long since forgotten his early misbehaviour. It's a beautiful moment, a simple message of redemption that affirms the tale's timeless relevance. While its success outside Italy remains to be seen, del Toro and Zemeckis will have to pull a lot of strings to better Garrone.
quality production
allanmichael304 May 2021
Boring
Stefanomilano11 January 2020
beautiful
Kirpianuscus15 April 2020
I love , from childhood , the work of Carlo Collodi. I love , in same measure, today , Pinocchio. And the expectations about the movie of Matteo Garrone was high for many reasons. The result - interesting but, first, for seductive details. An adaptation as fair return to the novel. Great job of Roberto Benigni, fixing the memory about not the most inspired Pinocchio, adorable Maria Pia Timo and amazing make - up. Short, just beautiful. For each scene. For the poetry of few images, for the remind of emotions of the first meet with book, for the decent solutions and for the answer to the desire to not be impressive but a pleasant gift.
HOW DID THIS FILM GET A PG RATING?!
lovefeathers-935267 September 2020
I took my 3 with my partner and he hated it. My 3 kids were scared at a number of scenes throughout and I wished I'd read the reviews before taking them... there was me thinking it would be a lovely, magical kids tale!
There are some quite disturbing scenes..
Even the Tuna's breathing was enough to give anyone nightmares.
A little on the long side too.
Having said that it is beautifully filmed, really stunning in places.
Certainly different. Good acting from the kids. And the adults, even if many of their characters were weird 😊
it could have been a great movie but not ...
fabiaoit-127 December 2019
Episodic storytelling.
The movie is supported by a wonderful photography and sets, but the narration is continuously interrupted by the acting's changements: the actors are not well mixed and the different way of acting and dialect's accents become troublesome. it could have been a great movie but not...
Disappointing adaptation of the classic tale.
PimKraster7 November 2020
With an abundance of scenes and an array of peculiar characters, the film struggles to find coherence or intrigue. It becomes evident that a compelling narrative is essential for any successful film, and unfortunately, Pinocchio falls short in this aspect.
The characters lack depth, often bordering on annoyance rather than engagement. The disjointed nature of the storytelling further exacerbates the issue, as it feels like a series of disconnected scenes rather than a cohesive narrative. Despite commendable efforts in cinematography, music, sets, and costumes, these elements alone cannot salvage the film from its narrative shortcomings. As such, I wouldn't recommend investing time in watching this. Garrone's direction failed to bring coherence and depth to the story, resulting in a disappointing adaptation of the classic tale. Granting it only 2 out of 10 stars.
The characters lack depth, often bordering on annoyance rather than engagement. The disjointed nature of the storytelling further exacerbates the issue, as it feels like a series of disconnected scenes rather than a cohesive narrative. Despite commendable efforts in cinematography, music, sets, and costumes, these elements alone cannot salvage the film from its narrative shortcomings. As such, I wouldn't recommend investing time in watching this. Garrone's direction failed to bring coherence and depth to the story, resulting in a disappointing adaptation of the classic tale. Granting it only 2 out of 10 stars.
Yes, It's Not Disney
westsideschl24 June 2021
I didn't really know the history of this second most translated story (behind, obviously, The Bible), but it seems that most negative views come from those expecting this film's reality to be the Disney pollyannaish version (Notably most disturbed by a hanging scene.) Interestingly it seems this 1880s Italian tale of youthful misadventure, and disobedience was a metaphor on humanity.
Acting, dialogue, sets, props, costumes & makeup all remarkably first class.
Aside: I don't think kids should be shielded from some of the dishonesty & meanness portrayed, but used as a vehicle for discussion.
Acting, dialogue, sets, props, costumes & makeup all remarkably first class.
Aside: I don't think kids should be shielded from some of the dishonesty & meanness portrayed, but used as a vehicle for discussion.
Strange strange strange
harybobjoebob31 December 2020
Very strange! And I love it, not a perfect movie but so bizarre it makes up for its fault I feel.
This really reminded me of Jim Henson's the story teller, like some kind of sick fairy tale of see on there that would give me nightmares as a kid, my favorite characters are probably the fox and the cat, they cracked me up. It's a little long but if you're a fan of slightly darker fairy tale tellings you should give this a try
This really reminded me of Jim Henson's the story teller, like some kind of sick fairy tale of see on there that would give me nightmares as a kid, my favorite characters are probably the fox and the cat, they cracked me up. It's a little long but if you're a fan of slightly darker fairy tale tellings you should give this a try
Torture to watch
ikmartje19 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This is truly torture.
I am sitting in the cinema as I'm writing this, it's that bad.
The movie is nothing like the original fairytale, nor are the characters.
Pinocchio gets executed twice and ends up in a haunted mansion.
The acting is terrible and the costumes even worse. Would not recommend, especially for young children.
Fine adaptation of a classic
petra_ste13 January 2020
This is a largely faithful, visually neat adaptation of Collodi's classic of children's literature. Talented director Matteo Garrone (Il Racconto dei Racconti, Dogman, L'Imbalsamatore) keeps the darker side of his imagination at bay and correctly puts his visual talent in service of the story.
Performances are solid; Roberto Benigni is much better as Geppetto - warm, paternal, lovably awkward - than he was as Pinocchio. Even the kids are fine, with Ielapi as the titular protagonist, the naive, stubborn but well-meaning Pinocchio, Baldari Calabria as the quietly mischievous young fairy and Di Domenicantonio as toxic friend Lucignolo.
Special mention to the excellent make-up and costumes.
7,5/10
Performances are solid; Roberto Benigni is much better as Geppetto - warm, paternal, lovably awkward - than he was as Pinocchio. Even the kids are fine, with Ielapi as the titular protagonist, the naive, stubborn but well-meaning Pinocchio, Baldari Calabria as the quietly mischievous young fairy and Di Domenicantonio as toxic friend Lucignolo.
Special mention to the excellent make-up and costumes.
7,5/10
Feels like a Tim Burton film
Horror_Flick_Fanatic31 March 2021
Thank you...
Fanzinho4 June 2020
For making me HATE Pinocchio even more... Wow!
I've always thought that this little wooden boy was such an ungreatful, selfish, cold brat. He simply didn't give a damn about no one, was warned a thousand times and had 100 new opportunities. It gives an awful example to kids that although you are bad, you can do whatever you want, since somehow you'll always have a new chance to start again, even if you make people suffer. Just skip school and have fun. Don't worry about anything. You can be a criminal and there's always a new opportunity.
The film was technically done very well... I dislike the creatures like the monkey judge and the slug... To me they were totally unnecesary. Also, the blue fairy in the animation was so magycal, in this movie she was so lame...
It made me feel angry and tired of the little prick... Roberto Benigni plays himself... always the same.
And that's it. I feel disgusted by the values presented in this story.
The film was technically done very well... I dislike the creatures like the monkey judge and the slug... To me they were totally unnecesary. Also, the blue fairy in the animation was so magycal, in this movie she was so lame...
It made me feel angry and tired of the little prick... Roberto Benigni plays himself... always the same.
And that's it. I feel disgusted by the values presented in this story.
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