Burning Patience, also known as Il Postino: The Postman, is a 1994 Italian film directed by Michael Radford. It is a romantic comedy-drama based on the novel Ardiente Paciencia by Antonio Skármeta.
The film follows Mario, a simple fisherman from a small village in Italy, who becomes the postman for the famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Though not much of a reader, Mario is fascinated by Neruda's poetic talent and begins to learn from him. As Mario delivers Neruda's mail to the villagers, he falls in love with a young woman named Beatrice, but struggles to express his feelings.
Despite being set against the backdrop of political turmoil in Chile, Burning Patience is a heartwarming story of friendship, love, and self-discovery. The film is noted for its stunning visuals, beautiful score, and outstanding performances, especially by the late French actor Philippe Noiret, who portrays the charming and enigmatic Neruda.
The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won the award for Best Music, Original Dramatic Score. Burning Patience remains a beloved classic of Italian cinema and a touching tribute to the power of poetry and human connection.
