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]
88
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
The beauty of the film is in its quietness.
80
Washington PostDesson Thomson
Washington PostDesson 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.
80
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
The film's warmth and sympathy are underlined by some intelligence.
With lyrical beauty and memorable performances, The Postman articulates many feelings that seem to defy explanation.
75
USA TodayStaff [Not Credited]
USA TodayStaff [Not Credited]
The Postman (Il Postino) is slight, but it's tough to imagine anyone not liking it.
70
TV Guide Magazine
TV Guide Magazine
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.
60
VarietyDerek Elley
VarietyDerek Elley
Pic's potentially inspiring story too often remains grounded by a problematic script and unshapely direction.
50
San Francisco Examiner
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.