Il Postino: The Postman
Metascore
81 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Peter Stack
    100
    An unforgettable, poetic romance from Italy whose disarming humor, blushing encounters and bittersweet flavors are certain to set off a groundswell of smiles, tears and regret.
  2. ReelViews
    Reviewed by: James Berardinelli
    100
    A charming piece of cinema that takes several comfortable formulas and expands upon them in ingenious and emotionally-satisfying ways.
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kenneth Turan
    90
    Made under unique and wrenching circumstances, it gained poignancy and a kind of purity from its troubles, and an already affecting film ended up suffused with emotion.
  4. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Elvis Mitchell
    90
    A rueful, warmly affecting film featuring a wonderful performance by Mr. Troisi, The Postman would be attention-getting even without the sadness that overshadows it. [14 June 1995, p. C15]
    All this critic's reviews
  5. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    88
    The beauty of the film is in its quietness.
  6. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Desson Thomson
    80
    The screenplay (which is credited to a small crowd: director Michael Radford, Anna Pavignano, Furio Scarpelli, Giacomo Scarpelli and Troisi) is refreshingly witty and restrained.
  7. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Hal Hinson
    80
    An enchanting Italian serio-comedy about the most unlikely of cinematic subjects-the origins, structure and reach of poetry.
  8. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Rosenbaum
    80
    The film's warmth and sympathy are underlined by some intelligence.
  9. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Alison Macor
    78
    With lyrical beauty and memorable performances, The Postman articulates many feelings that seem to defy explanation.
  10. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Staff [Not Credited]
    75
    The Postman (Il Postino) is slight, but it's tough to imagine anyone not liking it.
  11. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not Credited)
    70
    The film has a gentle political edge, knocking Marxists and Christian Democrats with equal cheerfulness, and Troisi's self-deprecating humor, sly delivery, and melancholic charm are inimitable.
  12. Variety
    Reviewed by: Derek Elley
    60
    Pic's potentially inspiring story too often remains grounded by a problematic script and unshapely direction.
  13. San Francisco Examiner
    Reviewed by: Barbara Shulgasser
    50
    Troisi, who was a star in Italy, hasn't been seen widely in the United States, and from this film it is difficult to be certain how he achieved his fame.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 2 out of 8
  1. RuthC
    9
    A beautiful film. The scenery alone is worth watching it for, if not the poetry, then the great performances.
  2. DamindraL.
    7
    This movie has a very sentimental and poetic plot, which diffrentiates it from some hollywood movies. The reason people seem to more or less dislike this movie is because it does not have tragic and dramatic twists in its plot. Il Postino can be appreciated by an older audience rather than the younger. Overall, the movie wasn't terrible however it wasn't great either.… Full Review »
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