Is The Postman Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Postman is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies.
It features a runtime of 177 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Postman Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1997, The Postman emerges as a significant entry in the Science Fiction, Adventure, Action domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of 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. Unlike standard genre fare, The Postman attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Postman features a noteworthy lineup led by Kevin Costner . Supported by the likes of Will Patton and Larenz Tate , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Postman (1997) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Postman Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Postman is a Science Fiction, Adventure, Action film that explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. 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. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
The Postman Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Postman concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to science fiction resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Postman reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Postman?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Science Fiction films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
The Postman Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $80.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $17.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Postman Budget
The estimated production budget for The Postman is $80.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Postman
- Kevin Costner – The Postman
- Will Patton – Bethlehem
- Larenz Tate – Ford
- Olivia Williams – Abby
- James Russo – Idaho
Top Highlights
Kevin CostnerThe Postman
Will PattonBethlehem
Larenz TateFord
Olivia WilliamsAbby
James RussoIdaho
Daniel von BargenSheriff Briscoe
Tom PettyBridge City Mayor
Scott BairstowLuke
Giovanni RibisiBandit #20
Roberta MaxwellIrene March
Where to Watch The Postman Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
The Postman is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, The Postman stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1997 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Postman movie hit or flop?
The Postman has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Postman worth watching?
The Postman is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Science Fiction, Adventure, Action movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Postman online?
The Postman may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for The Postman
Who will be responsible now, for these wayward children? That's a phrase that's in the book, but not the movie. I liked David Brin's tale of the communities growing up from a near-apocalypse and the conman, "Gordon Krantz." When I first saw the (overlong) movie, I was disappointed and felt Responsibility had been tossed aside. However, this tale of a traveling Shakepeare-mangler grew on me. David Brin himself defended the film, saying that the resolution of the battle between the Holnist/Survivalists and the postal carriers was good. Our drifter, accompanied by a mule, visits communities and puts on a "fractured fairy tales" version of Shakespeare for a meal and a night's lodging. Things go South suddenly, when a Survivalist army surrounds the town and drafts men/boys for the "Army of the Eight." The leader of this gang, prefers that he is the only literate person in the land, and tries to kill "Shakespeare," after turning the traveler's mule into stew. A narrow escape later, the drifter finds a U.S. Postal Service jeep, containing a uniformed skeleton and a bag of mail. Thus begins his next con job, "delivering the mail," which turns into a Crusade, led by "Ford Lincoln Mercury," his next mail carrier. Romance pops up, when he is asked to father a child for a man who "caught the bad Measles." The Holnists turn up again, and the pair flee the village. After a long Winter, the drifter and the pregnant woman return to free the village from the Holnists, who have been killing mail carriers. A final showdown with the "impotent ex-copier salesman" leads to "The Restored United States of America" and a legendary statue of The Postman. 7/10, but the book is 10/10!
This movie fits firmly in the "it's so bad it's good" category. It's so outrageous, that you just have to see how it's going to end up. The dialogue/scripts are woeful... but they are delivered with such passion that it almost leaves you breathless. At the end of the movie, I had no idea what I had just watched, but definitely felt that I had been entertained! Go figure.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
