inocchio (Benigni) first appears as a log stacked among fellow logs being carted through a village. An unexpected jolt sends the log falling off the cart, then bouncing wildly through the village streets until it lands at Geppetto's doorstep. Geppetto (Giuffré) carves a life-size puppet from the log and, because it's made of pine, names it Pinocchio.
Geppetto desperately wants a son, and Pinocchio springs to life with the energy and wide-eyed wonder of a toddler, exploring everything in sight with never-ending enthusiasm. He unintentionally wreaks havoc throughout the village, and Geppetto is arrested until he can pay for the damage. When he is left on his own, Pinocchio's misadventures begin.
Although Pinocchio means no real harm, he can do nothing but get in constant trouble. Once released from jail, Geppetto strives to keep Pinocchio on a straight and narrow path, telling him to be a good boy and go to school. Geppetto even sells his only warm coat to buy a schoolbook for Pinocchio, who understands and appreciates Geppetto's sacrifice. But the constant temptations of the world keep luring Pinocchio from setting foot inside a schoolhouse. Pinocchio wants to play and have fun, and the world has plenty to offer.
As he walks to school, Pinocchio can't resist checking out a grand puppet theater, where he's joyfully embraced by puppet performers but nearly eaten by their giant master. Egged on by his new puppet friends, Pinocchio lies his way out of the predicament, earning five gold coins that act as the catalyst to myriad problems.
Pinocchio's determined to take his newfound wealth home and buy Geppetto a new coat, but a chance meeting with the Fox and the Cat puts Pinocchio on an ill-fated path, and he'll need all the help he can get from his mysterious and magical guides, the Blue Fairy (Braschi) and the cricket.
A puppet freed from Disney's strings
Forget Disney's story of the wooden puppet who wants to become flesh and blood. Pinocchio is a 120-year-old Italian story by Carlo Collodi, and Benigni spins the tale based on its original intent.
Although this is definitely a children's movie, anyone interested in Italy or fairy tales should consider seeing Pinocchio. Made in Italy by Italians, this movie captures an essence impossible to find in any project touched by Hollywood. The Italy portrayed is magical and lush, as well as rustic and old.
Because Benigni had no previous experience with CGI, he called on Rob Hodgson, the man who headed up the effects for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The most dazzling effects include the pine log rollicking through the village, hundreds of mice drawing the Blue Fairy's coach, and a terrifying shark that swallows Pinocchio and Geppetto. Benigni reports receiving letters from children who say the shark scene is their favorite part.
As Pinocchio, Benigni captures the essence of what it means to be a young child. His energy is boundless. He wavers between innocence and greed one moment, between trust and cruelty the next. Despite his age and size, Benigni's stylized and specific performance is one to which children can easily relate.
Pinocchio is a movie likely to keep parents as engaged as children, with some exceptions. There are times when the main character threatens to wear adult nerves a little thin, like a child who won't stop whining. Sometimes the pace drags a bit, but those moments are rare. The visuals are stunning, and the effects are state-of-the-art. It's an adventure story laying out the perils of how children can eventually suffer if they avoid school in lieu of play. Pinocchio is a very entertaining film, lighthearted and fun, but with some darker moments that underline the serious message of the story.
