Il Postino

Michael Radford, Italy 1995, 108 minutes

Il Postino was the last film of Massimo Troisi, its leading actor, before his death shortly after filming wrapped. It is the tragic yet heart-warming story of a young postman who meets a famous exiled poet who helps him to win the heart of the girl he loves.

The British director Michael Radford was called in by Troisi to take over directing duties when the star felt he was to ill to be able to fulfil both roles. In spirit at least, Radford has managed to keep the film true to its roots and it became the first foreign language film for many years to be nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. How much of this was due to the sympathy vote, and how much to its distributors excessive hype and marketing is unsure, but the film stands as one of last years most delightful pieces, accompanied by an Oscar-winning score which will stay with you for a long time. The island scenery is also impressive and lends a gentleness to this tale of whimsical but genuine emotions. If this film has flaws it is that it is prone to sudden jumps in the narrative with significant events happening off-camera, to the consternation of the viewer. However, even with the lightness of the content, Troisi pulls off an assured performance as the shy, hesitant young man whose life is transformed and heart blossoms.

"Troisi, with his face that registers every thought, is sheer bliss." - Film Review

Review by Neil Chue Hong
Taken from EUFS Programme 1996-97