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Must Go!
Avg. Critic Score: 81 out of 100 Universal acclaim Metascore® based on all critic reviews
Information for Parents:
13 OK for kids 13+
Read Common Sense Media review

Critic scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 100
    San Francisco Chronicle | Peter Stack

    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. Read full review

  • 90
    The New York Times | Elvis Mitchell

    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] Read full review

  • 90
    Los Angeles Times | Kenneth Turan

    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. Read full review

  • 88
    Chicago Sun-Times | Roger Ebert

    The beauty of the film is in its quietness. Read full review

  • 80
    Washington Post |

    An enchanting Italian serio-comedy about the most unlikely of cinematic subjects-the origins, structure and reach of poetry. Read full review

  • 80
    Washington Post | Desson Thomson

    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. Read full review

  • 78
    Austin Chronicle |

    With lyrical beauty and memorable performances, The Postman articulates many feelings that seem to defy explanation. Read full review

  • 75
    USA Today | Staff [Not Credited]

    The Postman (Il Postino) is slight, but it's tough to imagine anyone not liking it. Read full review

  • 60
    Variety | Derek Elley

    Pic's potentially inspiring story too often remains grounded by a problematic script and unshapely direction. Read full review

  • 50
    San Francisco Examiner |

    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. Read full review

View more reviews for Il Postino on Metacritic

Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says OK for kids 13+ Romance, gorgeous words, and the beauty of Italy.
What Parents Need to Know Parents need to know that this movie's subtitles and adult themes, although never offensive, push it away from what's comfortable for preteens.
  • Families can talk about historical fiction. Are movies a good source of accurate information? Why do film writers and directors make changes in real stories, people, and events? Parents may also want to use this movie as an opportunity to expose their teens to some of their favorite poetry.
The good stuff
  • message true0 Positive messages: Not an issue
What to watch for
  • violence false0 Violence: Brief glimpses of beatings at a political rally.
  • sex false0 Sex: Romantic seduction.
  • language false0 Language: Not an issue
  • consumerism false0 Consumerism: Not an issue
  • drugsalcoholtobacco false0 Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology. © Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

Il Postino Movie Ratings + Reviews

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Must Go! 1 fan reviews

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