The political climate in Chile prompts the celebrated poet Neruda (Philippe Noiret) to seek sanctuary on a quiet Italian island, where his presence initially registers as a need for an additional mail carrier. Enter Mario (Massimo Troisi), a man with limited literacy but a strong desire to connect with the famous visitor and gain wisdom from him. At first, Neruda seems uninterested in interaction, but he eventually begins talking to Mario during his postal rounds. When Mario seeks assistance in pursuing Beatrice (Maria Grazia Cucinotta), he unexpectedly finds himself with a guide. His early attempts at courtship are admittedly clumsy, containing overt references that are somewhat crude, yet gradually, Mario develops the ability to express himself more thoughtfully and with greater depth. This process also broadens his perspective on his surroundings; he’s unaware that his island lacks basic amenities like running water, and as an election approaches, he becomes involved in communist ideals after observing politicians making promises they likely won't keep. His growing political consciousness doesn't always sit well with the other residents, who prefer to maintain their uncomplicated lives centered around the sea. This film, based on Antonio Skármeta’s novel, truly gives its characters a sense of warmth and charm. The tone is gentle throughout, and Troisi’s portrayal of Mario’s development is particularly effective, as he also co-directed with Michael Radford, alongside Noiret's restrained yet genuine performance. The film's visual beauty is enhanced by the natural island setting, which occasionally seems to reflect the characters’ feelings. It also offers a perceptive examination of what defines poetry, demonstrating how words can be powerful without relying on conventional rhyme schemes. Experiencing this movie in a cinema allows you to fully appreciate the vibrant scenery and Luis Bacalov's music; it is definitely worth seeing.

Source on TMDB