The Postman (1994) is a unique blend of post-apocalyptic drama and poetic science fiction, directed by Michael Radford and starring Rutger Hauer, Sammi Davis, and Harvey Keitel. Not to be confused with Kevin Costner’s 1997 film of the same name, this version is a philosophical Italian-British drama about art, language, and the transformative power of words.
Detailed Summary
The Arrival on a Quiet Island
The story begins on a remote island off the coast of Italy in the 1950s. Mario Ruoppolo (Massimo Troisi), a simple fisherman with little education, lives a modest and uneventful life. He dreams of something more meaningful than catching fish all day. When a new post office opens on the island, Mario is offered a job as the local postman, delivering mail to only one recipient—the exiled Chilean poet Pablo Neruda (Philippe Noiret).
Friendship and Poetry
At first, Neruda seems distant and uninterested in Mario’s naïve curiosity. But Mario’s genuine fascination with the poet’s words and ideas gradually draws them together. As Mario delivers letters and poems from Neruda’s admirers, he begins to ask questions about poetry and love. Neruda, amused by the postman’s innocence, becomes his mentor.
One of the most significant developments is when Neruda teaches Mario about metaphors—how words can capture emotions that plain speech cannot. This discovery awakens Mario’s soul, and he begins to write and express himself in ways he never imagined.
Beatrice and the Power of Words
Mario soon meets Beatrice Russo (Maria Grazia Cucinotta), a beautiful young woman who captures his heart. With Neruda’s poetic lessons, Mario courts her using metaphors and poetic lines. However, his newfound eloquence gets him into trouble with Beatrice’s protective aunt, who fears the seductive power of poetry. Despite the resistance, Mario and Beatrice fall in love and eventually marry.
The Political Climate
While the film appears lighthearted, there’s a subtle undercurrent of political tension. Neruda is in exile because of his communist beliefs, and the island’s authorities keep a close eye on him. Through his friendship with Neruda, Mario becomes aware of social injustice and the larger struggles beyond his small world.
Neruda’s Departure
Eventually, Neruda’s exile is lifted, and he leaves the island. His departure leaves a void in Mario’s life. The young postman continues writing poetry, inspired by what he learned, but now with a deeper awareness of the world’s harsh realities.
Movie Ending
Years later, Neruda returns to the island, only to learn that Mario has died. The details are heartbreaking: Mario had recorded the sounds of the island—the waves, the wind, the laughter—to share with Neruda when he returned. But his involvement in a political protest led to his death before that reunion could happen.
Beatrice, now a widow with a son named Pablito (named after Neruda), gives Neruda Mario’s recordings. As Neruda listens, he hears Mario’s voice describing the beauty of their world and his admiration for the poet who changed his life. The film closes with the sounds of the island fading into the sea, symbolizing Mario’s enduring spirit and the eternal power of words and art.
It’s a deeply emotional ending that reinforces the movie’s central message: poetry and human connection can transcend death, politics, and time.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, The Postman (1994) does not have any post-credits scenes. The movie concludes definitively with Mario’s story and a quiet, reflective tone, fitting its poetic nature.
Type of Movie
The Postman is a romantic drama with elements of biographical fiction and philosophical cinema. It’s not a traditional love story—it’s about the beauty of language, self-discovery, and human connection through art.
Cast
- Massimo Troisi as Mario Ruoppolo
- Philippe Noiret as Pablo Neruda
- Maria Grazia Cucinotta as Beatrice Russo
- Renato Scarpa as the Priest
- Linda Moretti as Beatrice’s Aunt
Film Music and Composer
The hauntingly beautiful score was composed by Luis Enríquez Bacalov, who won an Academy Award for Best Original Dramatic Score. The music enhances the film’s romantic and melancholic atmosphere, using gentle strings and piano melodies that reflect the emotional landscape of the story.
Filming Locations
The movie was filmed primarily on the Aeolian Islands, specifically Salina, off the northern coast of Sicily. The island’s natural beauty—sun-drenched beaches, rocky cliffs, and tranquil blue waters—serves as a metaphor for Mario’s inner world and his journey from isolation to enlightenment.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Award for Best Original Dramatic Score (Won)
- Nominated for Best Picture (1996 Oscars)
- Nominated for Best Actor – Massimo Troisi (posthumously)
- Nominated for Best Director – Michael Radford
- Nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay
Troisi tragically died of a heart condition just one day after filming wrapped, which made the film’s success even more poignant.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Massimo Troisi was gravely ill during filming and postponed heart surgery to complete the movie. He passed away less than 24 hours after production ended.
- Many of his scenes were shot twice—first with stand-ins for rehearsals to preserve his limited strength.
- Philippe Noiret and Troisi developed genuine chemistry off-screen, which shows in their on-screen friendship.
- The production faced extreme heat on the Sicilian islands, making filming physically demanding for the cast and crew.
Inspirations and References
The film is based on the 1985 Chilean novel “Ardiente Paciencia” (translated as “Burning Patience”) by Antonio Skármeta. The novel reimagines the real-life friendship between Pablo Neruda and a fictional postman, exploring themes of love, politics, and poetry.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no known alternate endings. However, a few minor scenes were cut for pacing, including extended dialogues between Mario and Neruda about politics and art. These were later included in some international DVD releases as extras.
Book Adaptations and Differences
In the novel, Mario’s death is less dramatized and more abrupt. The movie expands this aspect, turning it into a poignant emotional climax that ties Mario’s poetic awakening to his fate. The film also gives more attention to Beatrice and their romance, making it a stronger emotional core.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Mario learning what a metaphor is from Neruda for the first time.
- The first time Mario reads a poem aloud to Beatrice.
- Neruda listening to Mario’s recorded sounds at the end.
- The wedding scene, where poetry and reality blend beautifully.
Iconic Quotes
- Mario: “Poetry doesn’t belong to those who write it; it belongs to those who need it.”
- Neruda: “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: “Do you think God loves the postman?”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film subtly uses real lines from Neruda’s poems, especially from “The Captain’s Verses.”
- The café wall in one scene has a poster of Neruda’s real-life political campaign.
- The recording device Mario uses is historically accurate for the 1950s—symbolizing his attempt to “preserve time” like poetry does.
Trivia
- The film was released in Italy as Il Postino, meaning The Postman.
- Massimo Troisi was nominated for an Oscar posthumously, making him one of the few actors in history to receive this honor after death.
- The movie grossed over $21 million worldwide—a major success for an Italian-language film.
- The movie was Italy’s official submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the 1995 Oscars.
Why Watch?
Because The Postman isn’t just a love story—it’s a film about how art transforms ordinary lives. It’s romantic, poetic, and deeply human. If you’ve ever felt that words could change the world, this movie will resonate deeply.
Director’s Other Movies
- 1984 (1984)
- White Mischief (1987)
- Another Time, Another Place (1983)
- Flawless (2007)
