Il Postino

I am surprised that when I google this film, there is not much about it! It was about a journey taken by a fisherman who discovered nature, beauty, metaphors, love, himself and politics through - the poetry by Pablo Neruda (a 'poet of women', he insisted). The music was engaging and Massimo Troisi, who gave his life to the film by delaying his heart replacement surgery, was incredibly authentic in his role of a humble fisherman-cum-postman. And the ever understated Philippe Noiret gave his usual low-key but convincing performance as the exiled Chilean poet.

This was the second time I watched this film. The second taking though was not just because I would like to watch it again, but also because when I saw two copies on the shelf, I could not get over the fact that barely two summers ago, it was on 'restricted' list: which means to borrow it, a letter from the supervisors was required certifying that the title was on the research list of the interested party! And even if the letter was produced, it could only be watched in the library.

At that point, I had already encountered many films, mainly the French ones, whose scenes (usually with a hint of of sex) been erased from the tape, sometimes for up to five scenes and 10 minutes in total in a single film. It was in a quiet Chiswick flat when I could get hold of a copy. Since I presumed it must due to some nude scenes that had offended censored in Singapore, I waited till my friend left his flat before I put the DVD on!

Imagine my puzzle and indeed frustration after watching the film in a sunny summer morning (when one should be taking the advantage of such rare warm weather to walk along the river and admire the swans, black and white). Yes the leading actress sported her sexy curve with revealing low cut dress, and she looked extremely seductive. And yes, there are three sequences where a poem on a naked female body was the centre of the scenes... But so what? It is easy to assume then that it must be the way the Communists had been portrayed - in a human and even favourable light that had led to the restriction.

Whatever the reasons, the lift is a sign of relaxation and progress that should be encouraged and applauded. I celebrated it by watching it again, and when I return it, I will make sure that it is left in the box that marks 'I LIKE it'.