The Postman Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dude finds a dead mailman’s outfit and suddenly everyone believes the government is back, leading to a surprisingly violent revolution powered by…junk mail?

🍿 The Postman: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Post-Apocalyptic America

In a war-torn 2013, a nameless drifter (Kevin Costner) wanders a desolate America, performing Shakespeare for meager scraps. Survival is a daily struggle against the elements and ruthless groups like the Holnists, led by the tyrannical General Bethlehem (Will Patton). These groups terrorize settlements, forcing people into servitude and hoarding resources.

Becoming the Postman

Captured and forced into the ranks of the Holnists, the drifter eventually escapes. He stumbles upon an abandoned postal truck containing a skeleton in a postal uniform and a bag of undelivered mail. Seizing an opportunity for survival, he dons the uniform and begins delivering the mail, claiming to represent the restored United States government.

A Symbol of Hope

Initially, his claim is met with skepticism, but the simple act of delivering mail ignites a spark of hope in the hearts of the downtrodden. People begin to remember the ideals of unity and freedom, finding strength in the notion of a revived nation. The drifter, now known as ‘The Postman,’ inadvertently becomes a symbol of resistance against Bethlehem’s oppressive regime.

Building a Nation

Inspired by the Postman’s actions, others join his cause, establishing a network of postal routes and spreading the message of hope. They face constant threats from Bethlehem and his forces, who see the Postman and the idea of a united nation as a direct challenge to their power. The Postman’s actions begin to impact the morale of Bethlehem’s troops.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• The Postman (Kevin Costner): A drifter who inspires hope in a post-apocalyptic America by impersonating a postman and reviving the postal service.
• General Bethlehem (Will Patton): The tyrannical leader of the Holnists, a fascist military group, who seeks to control the post-apocalyptic territories.
• Abby (Olivia Williams): A woman in Pineview who, along with her husband, helps the Postman and later becomes his lover and the mother of his child.
• Ford Lincoln Mercury (Larenz Tate): A young man who is inspired by the Postman and becomes one of the first new postal workers.
• Idaho (James Russo): A tough Holnist enforcer and second-in-command to General Bethlehem.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• The Postman: “Wouldn’t it be great if wars could be fought just by the assholes who started them?” – The Postman reflects on the futility and unfairness of war in a cynical, yet poignant manner.
• General Bethlehem: “I am the law. I am the way.” – General Bethlehem proclaims his absolute authority, highlighting his tyrannical rule.
• Ford Lincoln Mercury: “The Postman always rings twice.” – Ford Lincoln Mercury misquotes the title of a novel/movie, as a sign of the fallen civilization.
• The Postman: “We’re the United States. We deliver.” – The Postman inspires hope and unity, rallying people to rebuild society by emphasizing service and connection.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $80,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $17,626,234
• Worldwide Gross: $17,626,234

💥 The Postman Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I’ll admit it, I actually enjoyed parts of *The Postman*. Sure, it’s cheesy and overlong, but there’s something endearing about the sheer audacity of the concept. Costner’s earnest performance, despite its flaws, kept me somewhat invested. The scene where the townsfolk rally around the idea of a postal service was surprisingly uplifting, even if it was a bit corny. I can understand why it got so much hate, but I think some of the criticism is a little harsh. If you’re in the mood for something shamelessly sentimental, give it a shot.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of post-apocalyptic fiction”
  • “Viewers interested in stories of hope and rebuilding”
  • “Those who appreciate western-themed adventures”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and action sequences”
  • “Thematic elements of societal collapse”
  • “Brief suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Despite its ambitions, *The Postman* delivers a muddled message with questionable acting, and is drowning in self-indulgence. A film as uninspired as it is long.
• Common Sense Media: “A three-hour, post-apocalyptic drama that lacks the focus to justify its bloated run time. The story is muddled and predictable, and the acting isn’t strong enough to elevate the material. There is some violence, but it’s not overly graphic.
• AllMovie: “A misfire of epic proportions, *The Postman* is a bloated, self-indulgent mess. Costner’s direction lacks subtlety, and the script is filled with clichés and ham-fisted patriotism, resulting in a film that’s more laughable than inspiring.

Audience Reactions

Some viewers found the movie surprisingly moving and inspiring, despite its flaws.: Many praise the film’s positive message and uplifting themes, even if the execution is somewhat flawed.

Fans appreciate the film’s ambition and scope, viewing it as an epic adventure with memorable characters.: Supporters enjoy Will Patton’s performance as the villain, finding him compelling and memorable.

Overall Consensus: *The Postman* is a polarizing film that was critically panned but has garnered a small cult following for its earnestness and positive message, despite its flaws and excessive length.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the 1985 novel of the same name by David Brin, although the movie significantly deviates from the book’s plot and themes.”
• “Kevin Costner both directed and starred in the film, marking his second directorial effort after the critically acclaimed ‘Dances with Wolves’.”
• “Tom Petty appears as himself in the film, as the mayor of Bridge City, adding a surreal and self-aware element to the post-apocalyptic setting.”
• “The film was a major box office bomb, grossing only $17.6 million against an $80 million budget, and was widely criticized, earning several Razzie Awards.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Postman?

The Postman is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability as options may change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Postman, you might like these similar films:

• Waterworld (1995): Also directed by and starring Kevin Costner, features a post-apocalyptic setting with a focus on survival and the rebuilding of society.
• A Boy and His Dog (1975): Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the breakdown of social order.
• Mad Max (1979): Features a desolate, post-apocalyptic world and the struggle for survival against violent gangs, capturing a similar sense of lawlessness.
• The Book of Eli (2010): Set in a post-apocalyptic America, revolves around a lone wanderer protecting a sacred book that holds the key to humanity’s survival and redemption.

🛒 The Postman Related Products

• The Postman (Novel) by David Brin: The original science fiction novel that inspired the film. A must-read for fans who want to delve deeper into the story.
• United States Postal Service Eagle Logo T-Shirt: A humorous and ironic nod to the movie. Wear it to your next movie night and see how many people get the reference.
• USPS Mail Carrier Costume: Dress up as the hero of the movie with an authentic-looking postal uniform, perfect for Halloween or cosplay events.
• Shakespeare Complete Works: The complete works of Shakespeare in a high-quality edition. A nod to the Postman’s earlier profession.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Postman features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice” – performed by Amy Grant and Kevin Costner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Everything Wrong with Us in Doppelganger Minutes Or Less

Ever wondered if ‘Us’ made *too* little sense? CinemaSins hilariously breaks down all the plot holes and head-scratching moments. Some of their points are surprisingly accurate!

✨ Rate