MovieChat Forums > The Postman (1997) Discussion > RIP snail mail

RIP snail mail

posted 8 years ago by Diss
5 replies | jump to latest

I do like this movie, it's good, but not great. It has some interesting themes. I can actually believe how important communication would be to people in that situation. It kind of brings people back to a time like around the United States founding in the 18th century when mail delivery was such an important role. That was their hey day if you will. The horses featured so prominently in this film show that even more. A Paul Revere type heroism. Yes I know Paul Revere wasn't an actual postman, but he played an important part in spreading dissent.

Now days mailmen just deliver junk mail and bills. I don't think anyone ever receives touching letters from loved ones anymore. But this movie really shows how important that connection to loved ones are, and I really enjoyed that part of the movie. The movie was a bit uneven, and some parts didn't work, but that part did work well for me. Showing how important communication would be for such a society.

It's a good movie to remember as the postal service kind of fades into obscurity. This movie brings you to a time and place where the postal service would be of monumental importance. I served in the military, and receiving letters from loved ones while out at sea was a welcome experience (we didn't have internet service when I was in). An experience that is lost in the age of email and facebook.

I rate the movie 7 out of 10.

You could say technological improvements have made some of the themes of this movie seem silly. But I remember the old days. Both this movie and the movie One Hour Photo have seen technological improvements make their themes seem a bit weird (although this one takes place post apocalypse so they have that excuse).

No point to this thread, just remembering the old days of mail. Feel free to share your experiences with the old mail system.

[–] nmitrione (293) 7 years ago

Technology has pros and cons. Personally, I don't like the overuse of people's addiction with their cell phones. I remember when I was at sleep away camp in the late 70's/early 80's there was nothing better than getting a long hand-written letter from family and friends. I still find it more personal to send a thank you note in the mail vs. an email.

[–] Bubbathegut (18049) 7 years ago

You were at sleep away camp? What was that like?

https://moviechat.org/tt0086320/Sleepaway-Camp

[–] ATG6 (3000) 4 years ago

Pony Express man. Faster than FedEx, in 1860. Dangerous too. As the ad said:

Wanted: Young, skinny, wiry fellows not over eighteen. Must be expert riders, willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred

Buffalo Bill Cody was a Pony Express rider.

[–] Burk48917 (11360) 4 years ago

Was that really a employment advertisement?

[–] Mighty1 (53) 4 years ago

The touching letters were post WW3 being carried by what was left of the government before it was overthrown. Email and phone were probably out of service at that point. The letters read in pine view the old woman reveals was from her relative who’s son survived the war and was expressing worry about the militia forces and Bethlehem’s predecessor (Nathan holn). Apparently mail carriers already had a reputation for bravery because they kept working and delivering even as things were falling apart (such as the wreckage Shakespeare sheltered in)