The Postman (1997)

Falling from the Oscar-winning glory of Dances with Wolves to the opposite end of the critical and box-office scale, Kevin Costner must have been deeply humbled when this three-hour postapocalyptic tale--his sophomore effort as a director--was greeted with a critical thrashing and tepid audience response. One of the most conspicuous flops of its decade, the 1997 release must have seemed like a sure thing on paper: a kind of futurist Western starring Costner as a charismatic drifter-turned-hero who leads the resistance against a military tyrant (Will Patton) by reviving the long-dormant postal system to reunite isolated communities in their fight for freedom. The movie bombed, but, like many audacious failures, it's got qualities that make it at least partially endearing, and its earnestness (although bordering on corny) keeps it from being entirely silly. Faint praise, perhaps, but Costner's ode to patriotism is occasionally stirring and visually impressive. The dual-layered, widescreen DVD includes a documentary segment about the creation of the film's special effects sequences, featuring a running commentary by the special effects creators. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

The Postman

I LOVE this movie! I am still of the generation that loves real MAIL. As much as I love modern technology and use it, there is still NOTHING as awesome as opening my mailbox and seeing a letter from a close friend or loved one! When the "mayor" yells out--as he's being shot--with the letter he'd received from his sister via the Postman, "Ride, Postman! Do you hear me? Ride!"--I cry like a baby with goosebumps all over my body! It's true. We have become so dependent upon emails and text messaging that we have gotten away from the truest, best form of communication: a simple letter. Amazing movie. I wish more people would realize the amazing value of this great movie! June 2, 2008

The Postman

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. The story and acting are great, but there are a few episodes in the movie that don't seem believable. Still, it opens ones eyes to what could be ahead and the benefits of working together instead of being alone in the World. May 25, 2008

Worse than Waterworld

Its baffles me that anyone could think this a 3 star movie, but 5 stars? This plays like a hodge-podge assembled from two or three different scripts based on different short stories, with casting giving it a PC spin, probably done to try to deflect the deserved harsh criticism. Of course, the entire story of the savior postman is enough to make most sane people embrace the apocalypse.

Perhaps if Tom Petty had starred as the singing postman it might have worked better as an intentionally funny send up of pop culture fashioning new messiahs. April 30, 2008

The film's length is it's legacy

The Postman is a long movie, but it is that length which helps to create the desperate tone of the movie and bring you into the world of the characters.

The post-apocalyptic reality which the film presents appears somewhat plausible, but really is brought to life by the individual characters the Postman meets along the way.

From the townspeople who he deceives into thinking he is a postman, to his fellow Holenest recruits, to Mayor Tom Petty, each character is unique and teaches him something about being an inspiration, a hero.

Of course the most memorable moments are those featuring copy salesman turned military leader General Bethlehem. The most moving being the final battle scene, where the war is settled by a one on one fight between as the Postman describes them, "the a** holes who started it".

The only time the length of the movie is evident is during the scenes with the love interest, which really don't add up to much by the conclusion of the film.

Again the best part of this movie is its length, which allows the viewer to understand the back story of the characters and in turn appreciate the point of view and needs of each.

While not acheiving the status of an epic film, there are some emotional moments and characters you care about.

Give it a watch. April 29, 2008

Guaranteed to shed a tear!

The Postman brings to the screen the story of a drifter in a post-apocalyptic United States where the government has collapsed, bandits are roaming the land terrorizing survivors, and hope is at an all time low.
It is a film about love, hope, and inner strength, but also about patriotism, duty, loyalty, devotion and integrity; qualities that sadly seem to have all but vanished from every day life.
The Postman was a very pleasant surprise considering how the "professional" critics, once again being completely out of touch with the people, gave the film low marks and reviews.
Kevin Costner, Olivia Williams, Will Patton, Giovanni Ribisi (!), Tom Petty (!), and the rest of the cast, have truly outdone themselves with their performances, which are outstanding to say the least! All the actors, without exceptions, give it their 100% and it really shows (the chemistry is AMAZING)! Very well written and very well presented, it combines drama, action, and adventure, making it one of the best films of its kind. The movie is without a doubt guaranteed to provide more than just a few thrills, not to mention a few tears.
The setting, the plot, the dialogues and the music are all wonderful!
In short, The Postman is a movie definitely worth watching and one to seriously consider adding to your movie collection!
Strongly recommended along with post-apocalyptic Waterworld, also starring Kevin Costner!
March 17, 2008

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