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The Postman

The Postman

Science Fiction · Adventure · Action · 1997

In 2013, there are no highways, no I-ways, no dreams of a better tomorrow, only scattered survivors across what was once the United States. Into this apocalyptic wasteland comes an enigmatic drifter with a mule, a knack for Shakespeare, and something yet undiscovered: the power to inspire hope.

Movie details

The Postman

“The year is 2013. One man walked in off the horizon and hope came with him.”

1997 Science Fiction · Adventure · Action 2h 58m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

6.3 / 10

Community rating

In 2013, there are no highways, no I-ways, no dreams of a better tomorrow, only scattered survivors across what was once the United States. Into this apocalyptic wasteland comes an enigmatic drifter with a mule, a knack for Shakespeare, and something yet undiscovered: the power to inspire hope.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over The Postman?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

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Where it lives

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

Kevin Costner

Written by

Eric Roth · Brian Helgeland

Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner

The Postman

Will Patton

Will Patton

Bethlehem

Larenz Tate

Larenz Tate

Ford

Olivia Williams

Olivia Williams

Abby

James Russo

James Russo

Idaho

Daniel von Bargen

Daniel von Bargen

Sheriff Briscoe

Tom Petty

Tom Petty

Bridge City Mayor

Court is in session

Put The Postman on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Adrenaline Seeker

“Momentum is a formal choice.”

The velocity sharpens instinct and tension, making every beat land before self-importance can settle in.

The prosecution The Auteur Devotee

“Speed as an alibi.”

The film races past its weak spots and hopes acceleration will keep the audience from inspecting the evidence.