Cheap The Postman (DVD) (Kevin Costner, Will Patton, Larenz Tate, Olivia Williams) (Kevin Costner) Price

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Customer Reviews of The Postman

Hey, I admit it, I'm a Kevin Costner fan. I've liked almost everything he's been associated with. While "The Postman" is not a great movie (although it could have been), it is a good movie. The audience in the theater applauded loudly when the credits rolled up...and no, not because it mercifully ended;-). Note: I saw the movie before most of the negative reviews poured in (probably the first time in history that critics agreed with each other).

"The Postman", loosely based on David Brin's novel, is about a post-apocalyptic world struggling to survive. The scattered remnants of humanity have banded together in small towns and hamlets, and are isolated from each other and the rest of the world because a powerful rogue band of survivalists (known as Holnists) patrol and control the countryside. A lone scavenger (Costner), who by chance comes across a wrecked postal truck filled with 16 year-old mail, figures he can 'glean' food and favors from these villages by telling them that he is an official postman and that the United States government is being restored. For the first time in 16 years, people have been given hope, and what starts out as a simple con, soon grows out of proportion and is beyond his (or anyone's) ability to control.

Although the movie is three hours long and has several embarrassing "Costner" moments (including a somewhat corny and anti-climactic ending), it was never boring. Although this movie won't be to everyones' liking, I found it very entertaining and David Brin's premise original, if not down-right brilliant. Even with the problems stated above, I give "The Postman" 7 out of 10, and a word of caution: Don't believe everything you read from movie critics (good or bad).

Note: David Brin's novel: Although I am probably in the minority here, I have to say that I was disappointed in Brin's novel, or at least in the development of his characters. Brin never made me care for anyone other than Gordon (the postman). Even Gordon's love interest (Dena), wasn't developed to the point where I cared one way or another about her. Because of this, I can't recommend the novel.

POST-"apocolyptic"-MAN
It is difficult to review a film that you like, when every professional critic has slammed it. On the other hand, I have to believe I am not alone in my tastes, so, here is some praise for "The Postman", Kevin Costner's cinematic version of the great book of the same name, written by David Brin.

After the success of "Dances With Wolves", it's pretty clear that Costner has been trying to recapture that epic feeling. But where "Water World" was silly to the point of being a caricature of a sweeping drama, "The Postman" avoids the trap. The nemesis, General Bethlehem is played seriously by Will Patton and the situation in general is believable if not completely explained.

I admit there were a few moments that were too heavy handed, the most memorable when the Postman gallops back to snatch a letter from a boy's hand. Even so, I can forgive a little over enthusiasm when it is mixed with a stirring tale. I know that during times of war, rhetoric is grist for the mill and so, the character's obsession with the American way, is understandable, given that it no longer exists.

You see, civilisation has fallen. It's implied that nuclear weapons were used, perhaps even biological weapons. Whatever the cause, people survive precariously, huddled together in fortified towns dreading the next visit of the Holenist army. A band of thugs created during the last days of the war and now led by General Bethlehem towards some nebulous vision, who's only constant is that Bethlehem will be the one in power.

Enter stage left, an unlikely hero. Kevin Costner's character may have a name but it is not revealed during the film. At first he is known as Shakespeare because he is a wandering loner who is sometimes driven to produce one man, one mule, productions of the Bard in the hopes of winning a meal from his audience. His aimless existence is abruptly ended when he is roughly drafted into the Holenist army.

From the first he stands out from the crowd of beaten hopeless recruits and so is singled out for special torments and duties. The army life is brutal enough without having earned the enmity of your squad leader. One thing leads to another and escape presents itself for Shakespeare. Without food or any other protection he stumbles on the remains of an old mail van and spends a night huddled in its dubious warmth, kept company by the body of a US Postal worker.

Whether by chance, destiny or foresight, he dons the guise of a postman and scams his way into a local town. "The mailman's here. Lock up your dogs." So long starved of civilisation, the bedraggled townsmen clamour for news of the world, the government, the future. He has little choice but to answer their questions, with creative and plausible fictions. It is here that the wheels of fate start turning.

The idea he has created, of a new America, is too big for one man to control. The film takes us on a steamroller ride headed straight towards the Holenist army. People with hope demand action. The desire for action creates leaders. Leaders are often forced to carry out the will of the people despite a lack of talent, desire or knowledge.

In this case, a young man, self named Ford Lincoln Mercury, forces the Postman to become a symbol of civilisation and eventually the symbol of resistance. Ford's passion and his actions are resisted for a long time but eventually the Postman comes to share the myth. One man can stand up to tyranny, especially with the help of a few courageous friends and the trust of one strong willed woman.

Love this movie
Simply put, It should have won an oscar. Once you get past the slow start (which is necessary to explain the rest of the movie) it becomes so moving. Reminds me of the Pony Express...and our American determination to be free. Even more moving since 911.