The Postman, Review

The Postman

1997, *****, Action-Adventure-Sci-Fi

Remember some of the anxiety the world went through before Y2K? Well, even if you weren't worried, have you ever wondered what the world would we like without grocery stores, electricity, or government? Here's a film that will give you a flavor for what might happen if all hell were to break loose in our vulnerable and dependent society, in The Postman.

It is the year of 2013 in the western part of the United States and (Kevin Costner) is roaming the land with his horse seeking food from villages of people, by using his craft of reciting Shakespeare.

War has done the inevitable and there is no electricity, no food stores, and no authority or government to speak of, other than a dictator of rebels trying to control what is left of society. This rebel leader (Will Patton) is feared by most, except for The Postman (Costner).

As Costner tries to avoid recruitment for General Bethlehem's (Patton) rebel army, he comes across an abandoned U.S. postal truck. As another source for him to survive he gathers the old letters and a uniform and heads for the nearest town. He essentially restores faith in the local community that government has been re-established back east.

The word slowly begins to spread and soon enough (Costner) becomes a hero. Not only does he restore happiness within the people, but the hope for a better life. This film is a rather excellent depiction of how easily our society could go back to the days when we read by candlelight.

I like this film because it makes you understand how people would cope under these life-altering circumstances. Many people couldn't handle such changes at first, but then realize they must manage and get along with people in order to survive.