Il Postino
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Movie Reviews of Il Postino
Movie Review: Charming and poignant
Summary: 5 Stars
I absolutely adore this film, a touching story of the relationship between an timid but passionate postal carrier and the Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda. As Neruda and his poetry instruct the mailman in the ways of love, a courtship blossoms that has all the humor and bittersweet missteps of the real thing. Director Radford uses a light touch to illuminate the unusual relationship between the exiled poet and an ordinary man. Massimo Troisi as Mario (the postman) turns in a fine performance that should not be missed; his characterization of a clueless man desperately in love with both words and a woman cannot be forgotten. Likewise, Philippe Noiret as Neruda provides a memorable portrait of a man who can forget the power of his words.I can't help comparing "Il Postino" to "Life is Beautiful", also an Italian film that relies on initial humor to set up the pain found in the human heart. "Il Postino" is more subtle, however, and more realistic. Still, those who enjoyed "Life is Beautiful" should also like "Il Postino."
I recommend this film highly. You don't need to know anything about Neruda to enjoy it; all you need to be is human.
Movie Review: Beauty can be found in the simple things in Life
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the most amazing movie next to Life is Beautiful for me. Why can South African film makers not tell stories like this? What we all long for is to find true lover or unconditional love. Well Mario, the main character, looks like he's not got much game but after meeting Pablo Neruda, who's in exile, he learns about metaphors. The metaphors of life is all around is in the small things and the big things. The sadness of the rain, the smile of the sun, the wailing wind. My best friend compared my poems to that of Neruda and I read up about him. Simply fell in love with his poetry and now after this movie I want to find out everything I can about this man. Back to the film, the visuals and location is very good. The cinematography is special because so much of the movie is being said without words. Italian film makers seem to do this well as in Malena! The music was also very good although the same score was repeated mostly. I'm pleasently surprised it won an Oscar for best original score. If you want to learn about romance or being more romantic watch this movie because it starts by seeing the world in a more romantic metaphor.Movie Review: "Your smile spreads like a butterfly"
Summary: 5 Stars
"Il Postino" is a lovely, tender story about Mario, a poor Italian fisherman who becomes a postman. His job is to deliver mail to the famous (and real) poet, Pablo Neruda, who has been exiled to this island from Chile, because of his Communist beliefs. The kindly poet opens a new world of words for the postman; they become friends, and with Neruda's help, Mario wins the most prettiest girl in the village. Life is beautiful, until a letter arrives saying Neruda may return to Chile, forever.
"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 was nominated for five Academy Awards. It is in Italian with English subtitles.
Kona
Movie Review: Beautiful, low-key and touching
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the sort of movie that proves that a good story, well-told and well-acted, is really all you need to make a successful effort. The story of love, friendship and the power of poetry has given this movie a following that no amount of slick special effects could have provided.Massimo Troisi, obviously on his last legs, provides a touching performance as the totally shy & awkward postman Mario, who slowly develops an unlikely friendship with the renowned Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, then exiled to a somewhat remote Italian fishing village. Neruda is played by the incomparable French comic actor Philippe Noiret (yes, he is speaking french which is dubbed over in italian --- any Noiret fan will spot this immediately).
The men are worlds apart in outlook and experience, but nonetheless form a strong bond. Neruda helps Mario find his own powers of expression, which strengthens his self-confidence.
This is a wonderful movie, which much deserves the following it has garnered over the last few years. It definitely belongs in any movie-lover's collection.
Movie Review: Such sweet sarrow mixes humility with heroism
Summary: 5 Stars
A painfully humble postman, who longs to hone his inarticulate desires, and a famous poet, a world-renowned master of romantic and sensual words.A bicycle, a pen and paper, a village, a country house, a view of the sea - and what might be... Il Postino juxtaposes bumbling murmurs and ingenius metaphors, knowing and wanting to know, confidence and overwhelming insecurity. It helps that I love bicycles and the coast of Italy as well as the poetry of Pablo Neruda, one of the greatest (and most widely read) poets of the 20th century. Il Postino is a wonderful fable of longing and lust, stolen glances, shyness and gambles, reading and risk taking.
And as Pablo Neruda himself made clear, Il Postino reminds us that poetry and politics are for peasants and well as the powerful, perhaps even more so. We peasants need to be engaged in expressing ourselves and, even if we're shy, even if we shake in our shoes, standing for passion and principle.
Il Postino is one of my very favorite movies of the 1990s. It makes a worthy Italian double feature with Life is Beautiful.