Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- whimsical
- eerie
- tender
- family movie night
- fantasy film marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the adaptation visually stunning and emotionally sincere, praising its fidelity to Collodi while recognizing its strange, naturalistic tone.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film closely follows Carlo Collodi's 1883 children's novel, retaining episodes such as the Land of Toys, the Field of Miracles, and the giant fish.
Critics specifically praised Garrone's practical effects and the richly realized imaginative creatures and locations.
Pinocchio is repeatedly tricked, kidnapped, and chased by bandits in a world combining whimsical humor with disturbing encounters.
The film is an Italian-language Matteo Garrone production shot in Italian locations, with a naturalistic treatment of Collodi's fantasy.
Films like Pinocchio, and why
The Tale of Tales
whimsical cinematic fairy tale world, practical creature effects, and a darker emotional register beneath child-oriented adventure
The Brothers Grimm
visually elaborate fantasy storytelling, strange creatures, and a balance of wonder, menace, and moral instruction
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
family fantasy adventure centered on a child navigating an imaginative realm with unsettling episodes and heartfelt themes
The NeverEnding Story
stylized fairy-tale atmosphere, practical effects, and a child protagonist confronting danger, temptation, and transformation
Movie Details
- Director
- Matteo Garrone
- Release Date
- 2019-12-19
- Runtime
- 124 min
- Rating
- 6.6 / 10 (1597)
Cast
- Federico Ielapi
- Roberto Benigni
- Marine Vacth
- Gigi Proietti
- Massimo Ceccherini
- Rocco Papaleo
- Alessio Di Domenicantonio
- Marcello Fonte
- Davide Marotta
- Gigio Morra
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Pinocchio about?
- Matteo Garrone transforms Collodi’s mischievous puppet fable into a richly tactile Italian fantasy adventure about temptation, love, and becoming human.
- What is Pinocchio like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Pinocchio as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Pinocchio violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Pinocchio as mild.
- What did critics think of Pinocchio?
- Critics broadly found the adaptation visually stunning and emotionally sincere, praising its fidelity to Collodi while recognizing its strange, naturalistic tone.
- Which films are like Pinocchio?
- Films with a similar feel include The Tale of Tales, The Brothers Grimm, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, and The NeverEnding Story.
- How long is Pinocchio?
- Pinocchio runs 124 minutes.
- Where can I watch Pinocchio?
- In United States, Pinocchio is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
