Il Postino Reviews

• Charming and poignant

  
  By A23GFTVIETX7DS on 2003-09-26
  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.
  
  

• Il Postino is an Excellent Movie

  
  By AKAVJO3181H5B on 1999-12-17
  Il Postino is a wonderful and heartwarming adaptation of Antonio Skarmenta's novel, El cartero de Neruda, which is not likely to disappoint audiences who are prepared to watch a foreign film with sub-titles. The movie is certainly not a tear-jerker, but any viewer will find themselves becoming emotionally attached to its characters and highly affected by the fate which befalls them.

  The film, directed by Michael Radford, is the story of a humble Italian postman who is greatly changed by the famous Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda for whom he works for in a small Italian village. As the audience, we observe their acqaintanceship as it changes and eventually develops into a true and unforgettable friendship. Without a doubt, some audiences will find Il Postino tedious because of the simple plot and the lack of sex and violence. Nevertheless, it is an an emotional and powerful movie that I highly recommend because of its strong character portrayal. In my opinion, Il Postino is truly successful because of its wonderful acting by Massimo Troisi, who accurately portrays the innocent postman as well as Philippe Noiret, who is a very endearing and astonishing Pablo Neruda.

  In addition to the acting, the Italian landscape is a breathtaking and integral part of Il Postino. Radford effectively incorporates the beautiful mountains and seascape as the story's background. It is a refreshing decision by Radford which only adds to the poetry which Noiret recites periodically throughout the film.

  I am certainly the type of person who prefers the book to the movie, but in this particular case, I feel that the movie surpasses the Skarmenta's novel by far. I recommend this movie to anyone who is tired of movies with gratuitous sex and violence as well as hackneyed forumlas. The sub-titles are by no means a hinderance to the film and I guarentee by its end that you will be fascinated by the Italian language.
  
  

• What an Amazing Movie!

  
  By A2KPYFK51LXRET on 2000-03-08
  I first came across Il Postino whilst watching the British equivalent of the Oscars, the BAFTA's, when I believe it won Best Foreign Film. Following that show I rented it from my local Blockbuster, what followed was something I will never forget. A film with such grace, elegance and passion I was sincerely moved. The scenery which is complemented by a wonderful soundtrack shows how movies can capture the hearts and minds of everyone.

  Telling the story of Mario Ruopollo a poor son of a fisherman, Il Postino charts the months following the arrival of exiled Chilean poet Pablo Neruda to the small Italian island where Mario lives and how the poet of love helps Mario win the heart of latest Bond Girl Maria Grazia Cucinotta. A story of love and friendship that will surely capture the viewers heart and stay with them forever!
  
  

• A gentle, yet passionate film

  
  By A3QZCA4LTTVGAD on 2001-01-27
  "Il Postino" ("The Postman") tells the story of the friendship between Chilean poet Pablo Neruda and the shy postman who delivers his mail while Neruda is living in Italy. This Italian film, directed by Michael Radford, is a beautiful and gentle work of art that celebrates love, friendship, and the power of poetry.

  The performances are outstanding. Massimo Troisi brings an awkward charm to his role as the postman, Mario, and Phillipe Noiret is both majestic and appealingly down-to-earth as the revered poet. The supporting players are also superb, but it is the chemistry between Troisi and Noiret that really brings magic to the film.

  The dialogue of "Il Postino" thoughtfully explores such issues as fame, political commitment, and the art of poetry. I especially love the line, "Poetry doesn't belong to those who wrote it, but to those who need it." But this is also a wonderfully funny film. Some of the scenes gave me some hearty belly laughs! The romance between postman Mario and a local girl is a particularly rich source of comic material.

  If you are one of the millions who love the passionate poetry of Pablo Neruda, you should really see this film. And if you see the film before having read Neruda's work, I recommend that you read some of Neruda's poetry. To sum up, I highly recommend "Il Postino."
  
  

• A Film That Will Make You Want To Write Metafore

  
  By A1X4DZ56GZM0JA on 2002-02-15
  The other day I had to watch this movie for my Italian class. The movie was fabulous. In the beginning of the film I felt bad for Mario (brilliantly acted by Massimo Troisi), he just seemed so awkward, and because he didn't like fishing, it seemed like he was a failure to his father and the rest of the village. This begins to change when Mario becomes a postman, delivering mail to the Chilean love poet Pablo Neruda. Mario and Neruda develop a great friendship + Mario becomes more confident and falls in love. I had heard very good things about this movie, but watching it was a fabulous experience + it was better than I expected.

  Today in Italian, we watched an interview with the director and the TV special about Neruda that are included on the DVD. I didn't know, while watching the film, that the star Massimo Troisi was dying during filming. Learning that he was holding on to life just to complete this film, made it all the more special and sad. I also learned that the actor who played Neruda (Philippe Noiret) acted in French and was later dubbed into Italian. I thought that was a really interesting fact.

  All in all this is a great film. It will make you cry. It will make you want to read Neruda's poetry, and even more so, it will make you want to write poetry of your own.
  
  

• il postino incomplete on amazon.com
  By AX2URDMSBF4LA on 2000-02-15
  This charming story has been harmed with the omission of the most sensual scene, between the postman and the lady he loves, when she is playing on the soccer game with him in the bar. In the original film she uses the ball as bait, rolling it enticingly between her breasts and completing the captivation of her ardent admirer. This little bit of interplay has been cut out almost entirely, definitely damaging the impact of the film. I would not have purchased it knowing of this in advance. It is amazing that a little sensual interaction is not acceptable in a world where violent death is. This is a four star movie that has been cheapened by "cleaning it up."
  
  
• "MAN HAS NO BUSINESS WITH THE SIMPLICITY OF COMPLEXITY"...
  By A1L8HRCM60W0W7 on 2004-06-15
  What a poignant and bittersweet Italian comedy about the friendship between exiled Chilean poet Pablo Neruda and his shy postman (played by Troisi), made so in no small measure by Troisi's quietly contained but gripping performance.

  The lyrical screenplay perfectly balances the intimate story of a local postman with the social and political realties of 1950s Italy, suggesting that the backwater, impoverished Italian "Mezzogiorno" could find new potentials just like the movie's protagonist.

  In weaving its leisurely unfolding tapestry (hint: the movie may feel slow to people who're used to Hollywood's wham-bam), the film works on many different levels -- a tribute to the power and beauty of poetry; a tale of brotherhood; a charmingly quirky romance (between Troisi and barmaid Maria Grazia Cucinotta).

  Unfortunately, the ending of the film is somewhat mishandled with couple of unnecessary scenes, but it is this very ending that I found the most memorable because it eerily corresponds with the tragedy of real life behind cameras.

  Couldn't recommend this lyrical gem highly enough.
  
  

• The film that broke my heart.....
  By ADS5APY1NKTL4 on 2004-11-26
  I will never forget this beautiful, warmly humorous, sensuous and, ultimately, tragic cinematic masterpiece. "Il Postino" was my first introduction to Pablo Neruda, the poet who changed my life and first inspired my lifelong love of writing poetry. Though, I was an avid poet before, I owe a great thank you to the spirit of Pablo Neruda for bringing inspiration to my voice as a writer.
  
  For starters, this film was masterfully directed, the cast couldn't be better, and it is definitely a great cross-over film that can be enjoyed by men, women, young people, old people, and even children. (Personally, I don't think anyone younger than thirteen should see this film.) It was, in fact, based on a novel of the same name (I much prefer the film to the novel, though---personal opinion.) . Mario Ruopollo (played by the late, great Massimo Troisi--who died twelve hours after the film was completed), is a fourty-year old postman in a sleepy fishing town in Italy. The shy man's life is centered around his job of delivering mail, until a chance encounter with the legendary, exiled Chilean poet , Pablo Neruda (Philip Noiret), changes his life forever. He finds himself learning about poetry what a metaphor ("metafore" in Italian) is. Of course, the learning curve is, at first, quite steep. Neruda asks Mario what he thinks of when he pictures the sea, and he says, "I feel seasick." Poetry takes front and center stage when Mario finds himself falling for Beatrice Russo (Maria Grazia Cucinotta), the most beautiful woman on the island. This is when the "Cyrano De Bergerac" element of the story begins, and Neruda becomes the written voice for Mario to win Beatrice's heart.
  
  This film stirred me so much when I first saw it. I laughed, I pondered and I finally burst into tears. You will have to see it for yourself to understand the power of this film. I guarantee you will probably be looking up "Pablo Neruda" in a key word search when the film is long over. What a wonderful way to honor the man, his great body of work and how poetry touches the heart and soul.
  
  
• A film of friendship, love, and poetry!
  By A2KJ3HKJI0QHIB on 1999-12-16
  Il Postino is a beautiful story of relationships. A postman develops a friendship with Pablo Neruda, a famed poet, and acquires a love for poetry. With light humor, Mario uses his new poetic talents and the help of Neruda to gain the love of women, Beatriz in particular. Neruda deeply influences the life of Mario and helps him to appreciate the metaphors of life. The story of Il Postino is timeless and effectively demonstrates how one person can change the life of another. Neruda becomes a father-figure to Mario and Mario looks up to Neruda with awe and respect. Anyone who has had a special effect on another human being's life or whose life has been positively influenced can appreciate this story.

  From England, Michael Radford is the Director of Il Postino which was filmed in Italy and based on a Chilean novel. He does an extraordinary job incorporating a few historical and political references into the story, as it develops during the 1950's and communist revolts are occurring. Also, the friendship between Mario and Neruda is accentuated by the references to poetry and metaphors throughout the movie. There are many scenes where pure metaphorical conversation dominates and the beauty of language is expressed. Even though English subtitles are displayed, the charm of the Italian language is still heard. I thoroughly enjoyed Il Postino's story of a meaningful friendship and an expressive language of poetry and metaphors and I recommend it to you!
  
  

• A pleasant surprise: intelligent as poetry.
  By A1CIW2OEVAJRM2 on 2003-08-05
  I definitely didn't plan on watching this movie. In fact, I had asked for a science fiction flick set in the future recommended by my brother, a movie which just happened to have the same English title. Imagine my shock when instead of seeing a futuristic picture set in 2010, at home I find myself watching an Italian romantic comedy set in 1954. But my shock soon changed to pleasure as I began watching. Il Postino (sub-titles in English) is about a remote Italian island that becomes home to the world-famous poet Pablo Neruda (a Nobel prize winning poet in real life), who is exiled from his home country of Chile. He is befriended by the gentle Mario, a simple postman who delivers his mail and is eager to discover the secret and power of poetry which seems to have women worldwide at Neruda's knees. A beautiful relationship of understanding develops between these two men, as the inarticulate Mario uses poetry to woo the beautiful woman with whom he has fallen in love: Beatrice Russo. The passion that leads to love at first sight is not credible, but there's no arguing with the power and passion of the poetry, although it's certainly not appreciated by his love's aunt: "When a man starts touching you with words, his hands are not far behind. I'd prefer a drunkard at the bar that touches her bum than a man who says Your smile spreads like a butterfly." But don't be fooled - the movie is not primarily about the romantic relationship between Mario and Beatrice, but more than anything it is about the tender relationship between the poet and the peasant postman that comes to the foreground. The beauty of this relationship offers much more than the average big-screen love story. Italian movies, it seems, are able to achieve something that seems to be out of reach of the standard Hollywood blockbuster - gentleness, beauty and charm, without the distractions of sex, profanity and violence. The poetry offers an intelligence sadly lacking in many other movies, with many memorable lines such as: "Poetry doesn't belong to those who wrote it, but to those who need it."

  Much like the Italian "Life is Beautiful", the movie consists of two acts, the second act occurring several years after marriage. Here there is a rapid change of gears and tone, as Neruda departs the island, and postman Mario and his wife go into a crisis. The initial romance and comedy turns to tragedy as Mario heart-wrenchingly tries to come to terms with the fact that his poet and friend appears to have forgotten him, and makes a sound recording of the island so that Neruda can remember its poetic beauty. Here we see the profound results of Neruda on Mario - he sees the world in a whole new way, even though his new outlook on life comes with a tremendous cost. As Neruda returns to the island and listens to the recording, by means of flashbacks we are shown the terrible tragedy that ensues as Mario deals with political corruption and follows the communist ideals of his poet and friend.

  The tragic note is powerful and sad, and yet deeply mysterious - quite honestly the precise purpose of the ending eluded me, although the final note seemed significant in a way that I couldn't quite understand, despite being unsatisfying. Perhaps it is simply to reflect on the powerful effect that the poetry, politics and person of Neruda had using Mario as a microcosm. Center stage is not romance, but the power and passion of poetry and friendship, and their ability to change and enrich an individual's life, although this point doesn't come out with the clarity as one might hope. Despite the somewhat perplexing ending, what lingers in the mind is this tender and beautiful relationship between a poet and a postman, and the poetry that bonded them together. It's a slow and gentle ride - far from the action of the futuristic science fiction flick I was expecting - but there is a haunting and lasting beauty about this movie, matched by the breathtaking Italian landscape and a hauntingly beautiful dramatic score that won an Academy Award. Although not quite as good as "Life Is Beautiful" (there are many similarities between the two), it's still no wonder that "Il Postino" was an overwhelming success and gained several Academy Award nominations including "Best Picture". Massimo Triosi puts in a wonderful performance as the simple Mario. It turns out that it was his last, because he died of heart failure the day after filming was completed, his physical weakness perhaps making his characterization even more successful. His final contribution to cinema is not to be missed. This film is a passionate poem, a work of art. -GODLY GADFLY
  
  

• Simplicity elevates tale of poetry, love, and devotion
  By A2PNTEDGMOLMOY on 2005-10-08
  "Il Postino," by British director Michael Radford, provides a powerful reminder that even in this age of special effects and mega-buck blockbusters, the key to any good film is a good story. The rest is all window-dressing -- which can be entertaining, but a movie is never elevated to greatness by window dressing.
  
  This movie, set in the early 1950s, starts with an incredibly basic "fish out of water" premise, and slightly tweaks it. Our hero, Mario Ruoppolo (Massimo Troisi, who may have the most soulful eyes of the 90s), is a fish very much of the waters of his small, rustic Italian island. The fish out of water is the famous poet Pablo Neruda (Philippe Noiret), exiled from Chile. Mario is unemployed, so he takes the low-wage job of postman for the famed Neruda, who lives with his gorgeous wife in a picturesque, isolated villa.
  
  Mario is naturally star-struck by this celebrity who can move thousands with his words. Mario is a quiet, uneducated man living among quiet, uneducated islanders (the only jobs seem to be fishing and serving wine to the fishermen). And yet Mario has a romantic soul and an inquisitive mind, and soon his honest, naive questions have struck a chord in Pablo's heart. The poet takes Mario under his wing, teaching him the basics of poetry.
  
  This is great timing for Mario, for he is struck by the thunderbolt of love when he sees the beyond-beautiful Beatrice Russo (Maria Grazia Cucinotta -- you will be thunderstruck when you see this beauty). Mario's dumbstruck awe is hilarious during a foosball game with this angel. But taught by Pablo, can he fail to win Beatrice's heart?
  
  But this is Italy, a land of sorrows, and while Mario may get the girl, he loses Pablo. The political winds change, and Neruda returns to Chile. His departure injects a melancholy into Mario's life, but Mario now has the craft to give voice to all his ideas of love and justice. Soon, Mario is taking a stand not just for his own emotional well-being, but for the political future of the island and its people.
  
  An emotional ending provides many surprises, and a few tears.
  
  This is a beautifully shot movie, but uses a realistic eye. This is not a glossy coffee-table book of a movie like "Under the Tuscan Sun," which pummels you into acknowledging that Tuscany is gorgeous. Rather, "Il Postino" is shot in such a way as to remind you of the beauty we see in our everyday life, including the rush of the waves over the pebbles, or the unadorned view of stars in the Italian sky. Cinematographer Franco Di Giacomo outdid himself here.
  
  The realistic beauty of this Italian island is almost topped by the understated soundtrack, which relies heavily on traditional Italian instruments like the accordion. Isn't it amazing how the accordion gets so little respect in the United States, and yet it often provides the perfect tone for movies? While this isn't a hyper-witty soundtrack like "Swingers" or "Pulp Fiction," it is safe to say that this soundtrack is one of the most effective in recent years.
  
  As you can tell, I am a huge fan of this movie. It is very political for a "romantic comedy," and don't go in expecting a European attempt at a Meg Ryan film. "Il Postino" tells a wonderful story of simple people living their lives in a simple, earnest way. It will irresistably melt your heart.
  
  
• If you can't see the beauty of this story, you need a life.
  By A82P77NA80XST on 2005-03-06
  Those reviewers who were disappointed in this movie must be from another planet. What is not to like about this touching tale of the power of poetry and love? If you think this is somehow a political movie, you've missed the point entirely.
  
  
• Beautiful, low-key and touching
  By A2FS38D943KX12 on 2003-04-25
  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.
  
  

• A wonderful film which floats on the love of words, rhythm, and imagery...
  By AGZVS6M8XJGN6 on 2007-01-11
  Nominated for Best Actor (Massimo Troisi), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Music, Best Director, and Best Picture, "Il Postino" is a tender tale of love and poetry on a small island in the Mediterranean Sea, inspired by an incident in the life of Pablo Neruda, the Chilean poet who was briefly exiled, in 1952, for his communist ideas which have often got him into trouble...
  
  'Il Postino' is a beautiful, heartbreaking movie, funny in its simplicity and honest dialog...
  
  Massimo Troisi leaves his final legacy in the role of a shy, hesitant and uncultured postman who possesses the heart of a poet with truly peculiar observations, such as 'the whole world is the metaphor for something else,' often without realizing how exciting his comments are...
  
  Director Michael Radford had the care to create a wonderful film which floats on the love of words, rhythm, and imagery... His movie is much heightened by a music score that includes quotes, paraphrases and Argentinean tangos...
  
  His film turns out to be a great little movie... It deals with a friendship between a lethargic villager, who takes the modest job of delivering letters to the celebrated poet living in a secluded area... Poetry becomes their connection...
  
  Mario Ruoppolo is a simple man with a complicated set of values who rides his bicycle climbing the hard road to Neruda's cozy home and with his timid manners delivers the armful of correspondence to the single customer of the island...
  
  A polite Neruda shows little interest in his personal postman, but he favors him, one day, with his autograph, signing one of his books with the words 'Regards, Pablo Neruda.' Nevertheless as time passes the 'poet of love' becomes a bit more friendly, intrigued by Mario's enthusiasm regarding his poetry and poetic manner of speaking...
  
  Mario, impressed that almost every letter delivered to Neruda is from a female, couldn't understand how his new resident, despite his advancing age, has such magical power over women... So he tries, with his simple way of thinking, to understand all the secrets of the exalted poet, sharing his thoughts with him... He becomes increasingly curious, asking a lot of questions about the mystical creation of poetry, forcing the fascinating celebrity to reveal some of the unexposed materials of his artistic vision... Neruda introduces Mario to the verbal rupture of metaphors, attempting to teach them to his anxious pupil... The two men discover an unexpected friendship based on their mutual view that life should be a framework for seduction and romance...
  
  As the film goes on, Mario, crafted with a tender spirit, attempts, through Pablo, a gentle intervention and poetry to win over the woman he has fallen for, Beatrice Russo - played by Sicilian fashion model Maria Grazia Cucinotta...
  
  Becoming in a slow way his 'Latin Cyrano de Bergerac,' Neruda guides his postman into romance, but refuses to write a poem that could charm his young passionate Beatrice...
  
  To attract the prettiest girl in town, Mario becomes a bit of a poet himself... But when he finds his own words insufficient to his romantic mission, he appropriates one of his tutor's sensuous poems, and protests, when discovered, that "Poetry doesn't belong to those who write it, but to those who need it."
  
  Unbelievably his 'lyrical words' fascinate the sensual bombshell who was playing a mean game of table soccer in a low cut dress, but disturb greatly her disapproving aunt Donna Rosa, who sees that Mario is contaminating her niece with his nice words... Nevertheless the postman wins the beautiful Beatrice and convinces her to marry him...
  
  Heartbreak comes when Neruda receives a telegram that he can return to the country he loves so much... From here on, an extended epilogue with smiles, tears and regret, takes the story on... And the film almost breathes lyrical tenderness in its depiction of an honest man who longs so much for love...
  
  Mario, who has not received any word or greeting from the poet and had remarked that it's quite normal for the poet not to remember him, returns to the poet's villa to revisit the place that had once been alive with the sounds and sights of emotional discovery... In the silence that now surrounds it, he realizes that the poet has taken all the beautiful things away with him...
  
  He gets the idea to create a 'live' poem for his dearest friend Don Pablo... An outdoors tape to let him listen to the wonderful sounds of the island, from the small and big waves at the Cala di Sotto, to the wind on the cliffs, to the wind through the bushes, to the sad nets belonging to his father, to the church bell of Our Lady of Sorrow, to the starry sky over the island, to Pablito's heartbeat...
  
  Philippe Noiret (best remembered for 'Cinema Paradiso') charms us once again as the affectionate mentor to Mario... He convinces the postman that poets are quite human but warns Mario about the old Dictaphone saying, 'Even the most sublime ideas sound ridiculous if heard too often.'
  
  The sets and the cinematography, accompanied by an Oscar Winning Score, create a wonderful atmosphere of the remote poor island with no running water, of the modest houses with pealing plaster, of the Rocky cliffs overlooking the blue Mediterranean, of the post-war fishing village under the shades of rose and salmon...
  
  Like love itself, some great movies seem surprisingly human... Delbert Mann's 'Marty' was one, Cameron Crowe's 'Say Anything...' was another, and now Michael Radford's "Il Postino" is exceptional... His film stands tall in its own right as a 'must see' movie... It's tough to imagine anyone not liking it... It simply revives our memories, and breaks our heart...
  
  
  
  
• Poetry Gets the Girl!
  By A2E1EFNIZL2FVA on 2002-06-17
  Il Postino, a 1995 Miramax foreign film won an Oscar for Best Original Dramatic Score in 1996; it was nominated for Best Picture. It also won in numerous categories from other award shows, Broadcast Film, Chicago Critics, etc.

  The story is set in early 50's in Italy where a young man (Mario Ruoppolo) works with his father, an Italian fisherman. It is subtitled in yellow, easy to read and follow. The movie exudes softness even when it takes a turn into the political upheaval.

  Taking a job at the postal unit, he is assigned a route up a mountain to deliver mail to one man and his wife. The man, a poet, is living in exile as his communist ideas got him in trouble. Pablo Neruda writes poetry and is extremely popular with the women. It is in these mail delivery trips that shy Mario befriends Pablo and asks him to help him with poetry as he is wanting to attract the attention of a voluptuous waitress who works and lives with her meddling old aunt (Donna Rosa).

  There are some memorable quotes about this wonderful movie about the love and power of poetry. Neruda the poet says. "When you explain poetry, it becomes banal. Better than any explanation is the experience of feelings that poetry can reveal to a nature open enough to understand it."

  Mario says of the poetry: "Poetry doesn't belong to those who write it; it belongs to those who need it."

  With the use of metaphors to relay his poetry, Mario learns from Pablo how to express himself. The beautiful waitress is impressed when he tells her that her smile spreads across her face like a butterfly.

  When her meddling old aunt asks "what did he tell you? "Metaphors" she says, The aunt asks, "what metaphors did he do to you? Skeptical, she then steals more poems and takes them to the priest. When they read the words, "naked you are as thin as bare wheat, naked you are blue like a Cuban night" panic starts as she feels her niece has been touched and seduced.

  The aunt says: "When it comes to bed, there's no difference between a poet, a priest, or a communist! The conclusion of the love story takes a slight twist. See this!......MzRizz.
  
  

• The Magic of Poetry
  By A2Z7TU96G2WB9B on 2005-01-19
  Although this movie tracked a man who took a postal job, the movie also tracks are common preconceptions about poetry. After watching this movie, I can easily see why it won so many awards.
  
  If this were merely a love story, it would have stopped a lot sooner. After taking a job as a postal delivery man, Mario meets, and later befriends, a famous poet who has moved to their small Italian town due to exile. Mario believes that poetry will win him a wife, so he solicits help from his new friend and woos Beatrice.
  
  But Mario's story doesn't end for us here. The poet goes home, and people comment about how he seems to have forgotten them. The townspeople, especially Mario, are thinking new thoughts. They are questioning authority. This is where the director, and by extension the author, show us how poetry does more than woo women. Poetry has the power to move us, and this movie does a fine job of showing us that.
  
  I would highly recommend watching this movie.
  
  
  
• An achingly beautiful movie that will come back to you again and again
  By A15J07RXB3W0YX on 2006-09-23
  You have probably read the plot summaries above and you know that this is the story of a postman (il postino) and a poet-Pablo Neruda. It's the story of their relationship during a period (1949-1952)when Neruda was exiled from Chile for his political activities and settled on a small italian island.
  
  The easiest story to understand in this movie is the one about the postman's love for the tavern keeper's neice and how Neruda helps him frame his feelings in words and win the girl's heart. It's a variation on the Cyrano de Bergerac/John Smith story and very sweet. There's another, more indirect story of il postino's growing love for his island and its beauty.
  
  There is also the poignant subtext of the movie itself: the actor Massimo Troisi, who plays the postman died of heart failure (heart failure after filming a love story!) a few days after shooting was completed. He knew as the film was being made that he was unlikely to live to see it edited and exhibited.
  
  But the surprising and subtle part of the story is the combination of affection and indifference that the great poet showed for his humble acolyte. Most American viewers can't help but wish for Neruda to remember his postman after he leaves the island, to stay in touch. We hope for a great democrat in a great artist.
  
  Alas, Neruda was a lover of The People, but not necessarily of persons. His distance is realistic, even if not emotionally satisfying to the viewer. After all, most Nobel Prize winners probably don't remember the fellow who brought them the mail at the house they occupied in exile.
  
  Anyway, a few days ago I came on this poem by Neruda. It's called 'A Dog has Died' I read it because my dog too has died and . . . . well anyway, here it is:
  
  No, my dog used to gaze at me,
  paying me the attention I need,
  the attention required
  to make a vain person like me understand
  that, being a dog, he was wasting time,
  but, with those eyes so much purer than mine,
  he'd keep on gazing at me
  with a look that reserved for me alone
  all his sweet and shaggy life,
  always near me, never troubling me,
  and asking nothing.
  
  And suddenly I understood a bit more about Neruda and il postino. I think I'll watch the movie again.
  
  
  Lynn Hoffman, author of The New Short Course in Wine and the forthcoming novel bang-BANG from kunati press.
  
  
• Wonderful Film
  By ATM1TDYALJ4PU on 2006-01-25
  I haven't read all of the reviews for this film so maybe someone has already said what I am going to say. Several people mentioned that the movie was slow. But my opinion is that it wasn't slow. Rather, it was deliberate in conveying Mario's character prior to meeting Neruda so the audience could understand the level of influence he had on Mario. It's much more poignant to see this type of transition in its entirety.
  
  I didn't know anything about Massimo Troisi prior to the film and actually didn't know until after I saw it that he had died on the last day of production. To me that has an even greater impact on the film. This film makes you think - which I happen to like. So if you're just watching purely for entertainment sake, you may not enjoy it. However, if you like movies that cause intellectual stimulation, this is a must see. It's a very beautiful film that I will watch over and over again.
  
  
• Poetry Can Win That Special Someone
  By A1YQ6QB2127AJ4 on 2005-06-08
  "Il Postino" ("The Postman") is a triumphant italian film released in 1995 starring renowned italian star Massimo Troisi. It received five Oscar nominations including Best Picture and won one (Best Original Score). This film follows the true events of a shy man Mario who falls in love with a young beautiful woman Beatrice. His inspiration to win over her heart was world-famous Chilian poet Padro Neruda. The two stories combine create a film that follows friendship, love, and politics. Everything happens after Mario accepts a job at the post office, riding his bike to deliver mail. These passionate events lead to an unforgettable conclusion that will leave audiences breathless.
  
  This film is told wonderfully through poetry. Yet, the poetry and the screenplay writing distinguishes itself perfectly to tell the story of Mario's sudden emotions. Therefore, the characters aren't always speaking poetically. The impressive creativity within the writers separates their efforts from most other films. Throughout the film, the emotional stance maintains its loveliness within love and past hardships endured by a certain man. Somehow, they manage to fit the wonders of living in Italy beautifully.
  
  These words are expressed wonderfully through the actors. Though all the performers worked great, Triosi and Phillippe Noiret state their presence most powerfully. Triosi's powerful theme goes beyond his sudden death one day after filming. His Oscar-nominated efforts (Best Actor) as Mario proves his passion for this film. He leaves the acting scene with his best performance in his fifteen-year career. Noiret's underrated performance as Neruda maintains the political stance of the film beautifully. His efforts give great homage as the influence of the film events.
  
  Such film quality makes "Il Postino" great viewing pleasure for a variety of audiences. This is sure to continue pleasing its audiences for some time to come.
  
  
• Go Mario...
  By AACEZE2YPTJ5D on 2008-02-16
  This movie is set on an island in Italy in the 40's and 50's. Massimo Troisi brilliantly plays Mario, a simple awkward adult son of a fisherman who is not built for the hardships of the sea. His Father encourages him to find another job and he lands a part-time postman role delivering mail to a single client - the Nobel Prize winning poet Pablo Neruda. Neruda, who is exiled from Chile, opens Mario's eyes to the beauty of poetry and the power of words - which helps Mario capture the heart of Beatrice, a stunning beauty - who Mario falls in love with at first sight. While the movie had funny parts (Beatrice's mother protecting her daughter from the unaccomplished Mario), I wouldn't describe it as a comedy. I found the movie to be a beautiful story providing many lessons in appreciating the simple things in life along with the power of love, hope, friendship and poetry. I highly recommend this "feel good" movie.
  
  
  
  
• "Your smile spreads like a butterfly"
  By A2GPEV42IO41CI on 2005-09-14
  "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
  
  
• Enjoyable and delightful film!
  By A16CZRQL23NOIW on 2004-07-05
  Massimo Troisi's last work as Il postino became his undesired cinema testament. His acting became in one of the most expressive performings ever given : amazing, charming, overwhelming , powerful and sincere.
  Noiret is a multiple skill gifted actor ; his presence literally invades the whole screen and his performance as Neruda is top notch.
  The landscapes are arresting : the plot is full inspired and the direction is towering . Radford got a sublime work : an unforgettable artistic work. Besides the music is another brilliant actor: even there is a jazz version of the Yellowjackets.
  And don't forget the funny and clever statement of il postino : "The poem doesn't own to the poet but whom needs it*
  
  
• I Owe This Movie So Much
  By A1XTWXIMUCDGQE on 2001-05-10
  Il Postino is one of my top two or three movies. It is just so beautiful any way you look at it, and it has actually helped to make a change in my life.

  Il Postino is about Mario, a mailman who has problems expressing himself. Of course, he has fallen in love with the local beauty and can't show it. Luckily for Mario, the Nobel-winning Chilean poet Pablo Neruda has been exiled to his island and can help Mario in his endeavors.

  The real beauty in Il Postino isn't this "Cyrano de Bergerac" story, though. This movie is about the poetic depths that Neruda inpires Mario to reach for (Il Postino is really the visual form of Neruda's poem "Poetry"). He inspires Mario to write. He inspires him to recognize the beauty of the world around him. He inspires Mario to think about the people around him and to work to help them. He inspires Mario to see the wonder of love. In short, Neruda, through poetry, teaches Mario how to love life and how to express that love.

  Il Postino has done for me pretty much what Neruda did for Mario in the movie. This brilliant movie can inspire a love of life and a love of poetry. I strongly recommend this movie for anyone who loves movies or literature. It is well acted, well written, and very though provoking. I also urge that people not be scared off by the fact that it is a foreign film. The subtitles are well-done, and I never really notice that I am reading the movie. Also, everything in this movie is applicable to any persons life no matter where they come from. Il Postino is a real joy.
  
  

• Touchy
  By A1B350OHYHQTGX on 2002-08-11
  From the first few minutes Massimo Troisi captures your heart with his looks, simplicity & great acting. The beautiful island, the simple people and the amazing poetry all build up a great love story.

  Massimo Troisi is a man madly in love with his Beatrice Russo (Maria Grazia Cucinotta)... whose smile spreads like a butterfly.

  You never get bored watching this movie... it's fun, love and touchy... feels as if you are reading a bed-time love story.

  Knowing that Massimo Troisi was dying of heart failure while filming this movie even makes the film more touchy.
  
  

• Simply the finest film ever made
  By A1QUIVO5L9TTSD on 2000-12-04
  When people ask me "What is your favorite film?" this is my answer. In the truest sense, it captures love, war, the simple joys of life and brings you into a simpler yet far more complex era. If you think this movie is slow and uneventful, I imagine your favorite flick is "The Matrix".
  
  
• Beautiful
  By on 1999-09-12
  Okay, if you think "Armageddon" is the greatest movie ever made, you probably won't care for this one. But if you'd rather watch a Truffaut or Fellini film than the latest Hollywood special-effects laden blockbuster, you'll truly enjoy "Il Postino."

  This is a story of friendship. A frienship between one of the most famous men in the world and a complete nobody. I loved their story from beginning to end...and that end brought tears to my eyes. Beautiful.
  
  

• To Be Savored Again and Again
  By on 1999-06-03
  If you don't understand or appreciate poetry, you may never appreciate this film. The Neruda poem shown at the end of the movie summarizes Mario's experience in discovering poetry. He learns to truly live by opening his eyes and ears to the life around him. The performances are subtle and textured the way a good poem should be. I have read the reviews here that call this film fare for pseudo-intellectuals. I don't agree. This movie is for all of those whose senses have been sharpened fine enough to perceive even the most minute occurrences of life. This movie shows you that there is real, bubbling, pulsating life in the wind, in the sea, everywhere, and that poetry helps you capture that life an re-release it in words. No, it's not a film for everyone, I guess . . .
  
  
• An ode to friendship, love and poetry
  By ABN5K7K1TM1QA on 2001-02-16
  The scene is Italy, circa 1953, a fisherman's village on a small island, Cala di Sotto, presumably in the south. Internationally acclaimed poet and communist Pablo Neruda and his wife come to the island in exile from Chile. He rents a house on a hill overlooking the sea. Mario Ruoppolo, son of a fisherman who ironically can't stomach being out on a boat, becomes Neruda's postman. The simple fisherman's son and the great poet strike up a friendship.

  The first thing I should say about this poignant and beautiful film is it starts very slowly and you will be tempted to give up on it. Don't! In the tradition of the theater in which the playwright will sometimes make the captive audience squirm a little in boredom (to better set them up for what's to come), Director Michael Radford--an Englishman, by the way--begins slow and then slows down a little. (A German proverb has it that "hunger makes the best cook.") But about one quarter of the way home the story begins to build, and by the time it's over we are in tears.

  Massimo Troisi stars as the postman who wants to learn and use the power of poetry to woe the girl he loves. It is a sad irony that he died just as the picture was completed. Veteran French actor Philippe Noiret is suavely brilliant as Neruda, whose receipt of many letters from female fans intrigues Mario and motivates him to learn the master's secret. Maria Grazia Cucinotta, who plays Beatrice Russo, the café owner's daughter who waits tables, does not appear until the movie is almost half over, but she is more than worth the wait! She has eyes as dark as black night and a figure to rival that of Sophia Loren in her prime. It takes Mario ten seconds to fall in love with her. However, Beatrice's mother wants something more than a part time postman for her daughter, a man whose "capital is the fungus between his toes." Thus we have part of our story. But the larger part of the story is the friendship between Neruda and Mario, and how they inspire and learn from one another.

  There are a number of brilliantly planned scenes that delight. I especially liked the scene in the church as the priest is saying he cannot accept Neruda as a best man since the man is a godless communist, when suddenly in the background we see Neruda in suit jacket and tie knelling at the altar as he crosses himself. Very affecting was the scene in which Beatrice sees Neruda upon his return to the island react to Mario's son and hearing his name pronounced, "Pablito," indicating that the boy had been named after him.

  This is a film about beauty. I think when we realize the beauty, that's a very good sign. There is a little talk about how poetry works with some excellent examples woven into the script. Ironically, the rather crude mother of Beatrice has some of the best lines, i.e., "One touch and he will have you lying on your back," she advises her daughter. When your mother tells you THAT, I think you can believe she knows what she is talking about! When Mario, who is a natural poet, but a primitive, is asked by Neruda for a way to describe the fisherman's nets, he replies, "sad." When he is asked to record something about the beauty of his island he spontaneously says, "Beatrice Russo." There is in the background the struggle between the Christian Democrats and the communists in which Mario and Neruda are participants, each in his own way. But this struggle is not emphasized and is in fact given its true devalued place in human affairs. In the words of Mario, who has more important things on his mind, "So what if we beak our chains. What do we do then?"
  
  

• A delight!
  By AFBHMW9I03M4U on 2007-03-08
  This is a wonderful film. It has romance, poetry, beautiful photography, a lovely score, and a great story. I so enjoyed the rented version that I immediately had to buy it. I will enjoy watching it over and over.
  
  
• The Best Romance Ever!!
  By A266V8ZLKZBTI2 on 2007-01-09
  Love this film. Wish more Romances and Romantic Comedy's had this kind of depth, passion, and thought.
  
  

• Bread and Tulips
• Life is Beautiful
• La Scorta
• The Bicycle Thief
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