Il Postino [1995]

"Il Postino" is usually described as a romantic comedy, but I would call it a poignant drama, focusing on the changes in Mario's life after he meets and befriends the poet. The film is dedicated to Massimo Troisi who plays Mario. Making this movie was his dream, even though he was ill, and, in fact, he died only hours after filming was completed. He gives a wonderful performance as the sensitive young man who grows to appreciate the beauty around him and the power of words. The ending is quite surprising and touching. The movie is in Italian with English subtitles.

Kona


Profoundly uplifting, mesmerising.   March 2, 2000
Mr. R. Jobanputra (Kainat)
31 out of 31 found this review helpful

With films being churned out at a ghastly rate in our nihilistic age, with millions and millions being spent on special effect scenes which may not even last a minute, it is a joy to watch a film like 'Il Postino', No guns, no violence, no swearing, no sex or nudity, no malice or vanity or egoism, just a beautiful story told simply and innocently. This film is a joy, a precious stone in a film industry which often resembles a dark mine. Superb acting, music so beautiful your ears will cry with joy, a tender story of love and friendship, a hysterically funny aunt, and all based on the sublime poetry of Senor Pablo Neruda, may his divine soul rest in peace. How can anyone fault a film which makes your heart ache with perfectly compatible joy and sadness?


Glorious!   August 28, 2001
24 out of 24 found this review helpful

Simply a wonderful film. Beautifully filmed and acted, with scarcely a line out of place, the fact that Troisi died as this masterpiece was finished adds to an already poignant story. Funny, charming and heart-breaking when it should be in turns. The scene when our postman is "struck by the thunderbolt" of love when he first sets eyes on the beautiful Beatrice playing table football somehow manages to be one of the sexiest scenes in a film I know. This and the breathtaking scenery are two of a myriad of reasons to watch this film and feel better about life.


Endeering, a wonderful journey in a poetic fisherman   November 24, 2005
Manolitos (London)
15 out of 15 found this review helpful

At first this movie seemed to be this kind of beautiful love story with in the background some politics events and Pablo neruda exil to Italy. At first Massimo Troisi managed to give to his character a wonderful depth and it's very easy to stick to the story and starve for more about this story. Noiret is very efficient in his role of Pablo neruda giving some brightness to the character. the relation between Neruda and the fisherman relates more to brotherhood than a simple friendship. My favourite part was when the poetic fisherman started to write his own poetry based on the sounds of this small harbour. In few words this story is everything but dull, Troisi is for me a revelation in his role and will remain for the years to come his own masterpiece. To be seen, again and again!!!!!


Indimenticabile!   June 4, 2004
36 out of 38 found this review helpful

Il Postino is a truly wonderful piece of cinema. Phillipe Noiret is fantastic as the Cuban exiled poet, Pablo Neruda. His poetic words spoken by the dramatic coastline of Sicily are an experience never to be forgotten. So to is the superb performance of Massimo Troisi as the fisherman who becomes a postman and begins to write poetry under the influence of the enigmatic Neruda to whom he delivers letters on a daily basis. His poetry wins the heart of the beautiful but stern Maria (la principessa) and he is able to begin a new life with her. He even becomes an activist fighting for the very causes for which Neruda was exiled from his beloved country. His life is sadly cut short without him seeing Neruda who hasn't contacted him since his exile was lifted. His performance is made even more poignant by the fact that Troisi was actually dying throughout the film and lost his life on the day the film was completed. Beautifully shot, and beautifully acted-a joy!