Film Night: Javier Pastore's five recommendations!

The Argentine playmaker is back in training ahead of the restart to the Serie A season, but in his spare time he loves to watch films - especially at the cinema.

“My wife and I really love to go to the cinema,” Pastore said.

“When we were in Palermo we would go at least once a week.

"In Paris we went a bit less, but any weekend we were in Italy – whether it be Rome or Milan – we would take advantage of that to go and watch a film.”

Here are his five recommendations...

La Vita è Bella ('Life is Beautiful')

“I saw this film so many times when it came out, when I was a kid.

"I really like the story of it, that shows what a father will do to protect his son, to shield him from the horrors of the world they are really living in.”

A Knight's Tale

“I really like films like this, a guy that becomes a knight despite the fact he doesn’t have noble blood. Beyond that, of course, there is the ongoing rivalry he has with another knight for the love of a princess, eventually leading to a decisive duel to secure his place in that world.”

Gladiator

“Any time I come across this film on TV I have to stop and watch it, even if it’s already halfway through.

"I really like seeing what it was like back then, when the battles in the stadiums were a bit like sport is today. And, of course, it’s great to watch the film and then be able to go out and see the Colosseum is still there, standing proudly.”

Man on Fire

“I really like this film, and not just because the main actor, Denzel Washington, is one of my favourites.

"In this one he plays the bodyguard of a little girl in Mexico City. Initially he is jaded, but over time he develops a nice bond with the girl. But then she is kidnapped, and he has to go on a vengeful mission to try and save her.”

Titanic

“It’s a classic, another film that I can’t help but sit and watch if I come across it on TV.

"I have always liked watching what it was like on that boat, which these days seems so normal but at the time was such a groundbreaking idea. And of course beyond that there is the storyline, which keeps you engaged until the end.”