Metacritic reviews

A charming piece of cinema that takes several comfortable formulas and expands upon them in ingenious and emotionally-satisfying ways.

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]

The beauty of the film is in its quietness.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.