Nashan naren nagou (Postmen in the Mountains) (1999)

96% of critics liked it
(24 reviews)
90% of users liked it
(548 ratings)

Huo Jianqi, former art director for noted Chinese filmmaker Tian Zhuangzhuang, debuted with this delicately wrought, beautifully photographed drama about delivering the mail to remote mountain villages in southeastern China's Hunan province. A father (Teng Rujun) prepares to hand his 112-mile mail… More Huo Jianqi, former art director for noted Chinese filmmaker Tian Zhuangzhuang, debuted with this delicately wrought, beautifully photographed drama about delivering the mail to remote mountain villages in southeastern China's Hunan province. A father (Teng Rujun) prepares to hand his 112-mile mail route over to his son. At dawn, the two embark on the three-day round trip on foot. Traveling along the rugged landscape of wind-blown hills, craggy rocks, and winding rivers, the son learns not only about the isolated communities to which they deliver mail but also about his own father. Postmen in the Mountains was screened at the 1999 Montreal Film Festival. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: Jianqi Huo
Written By: Si Wu
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Dec 25, 2003 Wide
On DVD: Dec 2, 2003

Critic Reviews

Jeff Strickler, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Recommended without reservation.
Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune
A quietly touching little Chinese film that wrings considerable beauty and poignancy from seemingly the simplest of subjects.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
A film so simple and straightforward that its buried emotions catch us a little by surprise.
Chris Vognar, Dallas Morning News
This is an achingly gorgeous film of great eloquence and simplicity.
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post
It's a love letter to the myriad ways, large and small, that mail handlers change lives the world over.
Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
Predictable in its themes and execution, Postmen in the Mountains is nonetheless quite moving thanks to its gorgeous cinematography and a story that manages to be emotionally resonate despite its familiarity.
Phoebe Flowers, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Look at Me is sly, discomfiting and a great exploration of fame and beauty.
Meg Jones, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Viewers who don't mind reading subtitles will be rewarded as they gradually get sucked in by the lush cinematography and a first-class, heartfelt story.
Marta Barber, Miami Herald
The beauty of Huo Ji Anqi's film transcends China's lush Hunan province to focus on the peace that comes from within.
M.E. Russell, Oregonian
It's a beautiful, slightly devastating parable.
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), St. Paul Pioneer Press
A single, potent image can encapsulate an entire movie.
Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion
The sentimentality is made palatable by the shrewdly low-key approach...unlikely to bowl you over, but in its quiet, unassuming way it may touch your heart.
Jeff Vice, Deseret News, Salt Lake City
The simplicity of Postmen in the Mountains is much of the film's charm.
Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone, TheMovieChicks.com
It's a beautiful journey that nicely captures the passing of the baton from one generation to the next.

Read all 14 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Lesley N

Simple meditative film about a father handing over the reigns of his postman job to his son during one last journey through the Hunan mountains. A lovely film, enough to make you envy them their day job and the scenery and cinematography are stunning. HIghly recommended for people… More
Simple meditative film about a father handing over the reigns of his postman job to his son during one last journey through the Hunan mountains. A lovely film, enough to make you envy them their day job and the scenery and cinematography are stunning. HIghly recommended for people who like walking.

Cast

Rujun Ten

Now you can share movies with your friends on Facebook!

Discover movies your friends are watching
Keep track of what you want to see
Add your reviews to your Timeline

Get Started

Nashan naren nagou (Postmen in the Mountains) (1999)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Lesley N

Cast

Now you can share movies with your friends on Facebook!