Il Postino

Starring: Massimo Troisi, Philippe Noiret, Maria Grazia Cucinotta, Renato Scarpa, Linda Moretti, Carlo Di Maio, Anna Bonaiuto
Directed by: Michael Radford
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama, Comedy
1995

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: An Italian postman (Massimo Troisi) befriends a renowned poet (Philippe Noiret), whom teaches him about life and the power of words.

Review:

Tim: Il Postino is a powerful, beautiful Italian film that takes on even greater significance when you read the context behind it. I thoroughly enjoyed the film- it's one that I won't soon forget. The movie is quiet, poignant, subtle. It's an especially well-made movie and one worth seeing.

The story is powerful- we start by being introduced to Mario. He seems adrift, a small man in a small town, seemingly destined to lead a small, ordinary life. He happens into a job as a postman in his small Italian village. There's no cars on their island, so he rides his bike. His only real client is a world-famous poet recently emigrated to the small village, fleeing the controversy and condemnation of his work. The two begin an unlikely friendship, and Mario is vastly changed by his brush with greatness. He funnels his energies into wooing Beatrice, a beautiful Italian woman seemingly out of his league. The story is tackled with heart and compassion, as we learn about each of these individual people and how their interactions with each other change the course of their lives. It's a poignant reminder of the power of people- each of our lives have been radically altered by who we spent time with. To see that happen here, especially to the character of Mario- to see his transformation simply because he took a chance by pushing his friendship upon a brilliant man- it's all wonderfully told and so entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and seeing how Mario, the poet Pablo Neruda, the lovely Beatrice, and the others were all impacted by the words and actions of the others. It's a wonderfully quiet story told with big emotions.

Massimo Troisi is fantastic as Mario. He delivers an emotional performance, but one marked by restraint. He seems so vulnerable as you watch, it feels impossible not to connect with and eventually love this character. His quiet strength shines through and you just find yourself so emotionally invested in this character. After watching the film, I learned that Troisi co-wrote the film, in addition to starring in it. He was severely ill during filming, able to film only an hour or two a day. He had a stand-in for many scenes because he was so ill. He put off having heart surgery to complete this film. A day after principal filming ending, he died. The movie was finished posthumously. I don't know how you watch a movie like this, read that story, and not feel a bit devastated at that news. Troisi risked his life, gave his life, to complete this film. The vulnerability his character displays feels so authentic because he was so close to the end of his life. He poured everything he had into Il Postino, and he created a beautiful, wonderful film. I felt so sad that this was his final performance- he still seemed so young, so talented. Troisi definitely looms large over this film.

Philippe Noiret delivers an exceptional performance as well. The whole concept of the story seems a bit farfetched- why would this famous, brilliant poet befriend a small town postman- a man with no real education, no real prospects, so little (seemingly) to offer? Noiret sells this- we learn to appreciate much about Pablo Neruda- the way he seems the world, the way he is generous with his time. The growing friendship between Pablo and Mario is the heart of this film. Seeing them interact- seeing Troisi and Noiret sell these roles, giving such authentic performances, well, it's all so beautifully done. I loved the work Noiret did here.

Finally, Maria Grazia Cucinotta likewise gives a strong performance. Beatrice is an interesting character and Cucinotta brings energy and spark to the role. She's what you might expect from a strong Italian character, but she subtly brings uniqueness to this character. She's shortchanged a bit, but is part of one of the strongest moments of the film, towards the end. I really enjoyed her performance here.

Il Postino is definitely an exceptionally made, powerful film. The film was nominated for 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Massimo Troisi was nominated for Best Actor, posthumously. That is a testament to his final, brilliant performance. The film did win 1 Academy Award, for Best Music, Original Dramatic Score. I agree, the score was excellent and it added much to the drama of the film. This is certainly a special movie, one I'll remember for a long time.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Life is Beautiful