classicsoncall The subtext of Pablo Neruda's (Philippe Noiret) Communism was brought up a distractingly excessive number of times in the movie, and wasn't even necessary to tell the story, except that it was the reason for Neruda's exile. His romantic views of Communism obviously looked askance at the dehumanizing effect the ideology has which promotes subservience to a governmental authority. There's no poetry in that to my mind, but somehow he got many believers to hear his message. Other than that, this is a gentle story that reveals a developing relationship between Neruda and his dedicated postman Mario Ruoppolo (Massimo Troisi) on an Italian island. I liked the way their friendship evolved over the course of the story, and how Mario came to be a lover of poetry. So much so that he asks for Neruda's help in writing a poem that would win him the heart of a pretty waitress in town. Though it didn't appear that the lovely Beatrice (Maria Grazia Cucinotta) had any other romantic prospects available, I personally didn't quite understand the connection she felt for Mario. Obviously uneducated with a limited grasp of reading and writing, Mario didn't have much to offer Beatrice in the way of comfort and security. However once he proclaimed that her smile spread like a butterfly, she was a goner. I hate to be cynical, but I think it would have taken more than that to close the deal with someone of Beatrice's bearing and Mario's lack of. There's a disturbing sense of closure to the story when it's revealed that Mario died shortly before the birth of his son, with Neruda gone and Beatrice raising their young boy alone. Mario was never able to reconcile with the loss of his friend, who returned to his home country of Chile when an arrest warrant against him was revoked. It's strongly suggested that Mario died at the hands of authorities while protesting his pro-Communist leanings at a demonstration that got out of hand. For such a tragic ending, no metaphors are sufficient.

Kirpianuscus the first name to associate with the film. and, at first sight, the actor who gives charm and force and light to the film. a film about an exile. and a beautiful friendship. a film about miracles and about innocence, about an unknown Neruda and about the passion to live as part of the other. Massimo Troisi has a great merit in this story of a poor man's happiness. but not the only. the music, the landscapes, the small events, the political frame, Philippe Noiret as a kind of Ovidius, far by the ordinary battle, discovering simple life are pieces who transforms Il Postino in memorable experience. a film about human links. poetic, touching, beautiful. maybe, useful.

Chrysanthepop 'Il Postino' is one of the most authentic love stories on screen. Set in a beautiful exotic Italian island, director Radford tells the story of a poet and a postman. Poetry brings them together and poetry is what creates a strong bond between them. I loved how the story is treated with such sincerity. Radford cleverly avoids clichés and keeps the movie pure. 'Il Postino' is an incredibly romantic film and yet it doesn't appear syrupy or corny, a risk most films of this genre run into. Radford avoids showing the romance between Beatrice and Mario under an overtly sentimental light. He captures the landscape marvelously through first-rate camera-work. The soundtrack too is one of the most romantic ones I have ever heard and it beautifully supports the movie like scent does to flowers. Philippe Noiret brings wisdom and compassion as poet Pablo Neruda. Maria Grazia Cucinotta sizzles on screen with a natural sex appeal. But, 'Il Postino' belongs to the late Massimo Troisi who delivers a memorable final performance. It is indeed very sad that he died just twelve hours after completing shooting but I admire his courage and passion to go on making this film. The end of the film also echoes the departures of this fine actor. Neruda's poetry is also wonderfully utilized within the story giving the film a poetic rhythm. This movie should be shown in poetry class. 'Il Postino' is one of the finest of its genre, a classic lyrical gem.

Eumenides_0 What can be said of Michael Radford's Il Postino? This is what all cinema should be: a beautiful story with heartfelt performances by amazing actors. Drawing inspiration from Antonio Skármeta's novel, Radford crafts a love story about an average postman who admires Pablo Neruda's poetry and seeks his help to win the heart of the woman he loves. It's a fantastic premise and wonderfully accomplished by Massimo Troisi and Phillipe Noiret.Noiret gives an unforgettable performance as a Neruda, made more startling by their likeness, but the meek and mild-mannered Troisi is the real heart of the movie, playing a rather ignorant, insignificant man who worships Neruda and is inspired by him to become a poet too.Their relationship is realist, which also means cruel; for if Neruda means everything for the postman Mario, for Neruda Mario is just an entertainment, someone to talk to but someone he'll forget nonetheless once he ends his exile on the Island.The finale is one of the saddest and most emotional I've ever seen in a movie, not just for its crushing irony, but also for the melancholy music composed by Luis Bacalov.In the end, this is a very simple movie, but it does everything right. The same can't be said of many masterpieces.