Postmen in the Mountains is a Chinese movie directed by Huo Jianqi and released in 1999. It tells the story of an old postman, named Liu, who has been delivering mail to the remote mountain villages of Hunan for over 30 years. With retirement approaching, Liu's only son, Chen, who is living in the city and working as a cook, comes to visit him. As Liu prepares to retire, he convinces his son to take over the family tradition of being a postman.
The story then follows Liu and Chen as they deliver mail in a beautiful mountainous landscape, facing physical and emotional challenges that test their abilities and relationship. Chen, who initially thinks that the job is simple, soon realizes the hardships that his father has been enduring for decades. He finds it challenging to carry heavy loads of mail on his back while climbing up and down the steep mountains over long distances.
As they journey together, they both come to understand and appreciate each other's struggles and sacrifices. Liu shares his experiences and the importance of his job in connecting people's lives, while Chen reveals his concerns about his mother, who has been anxiously waiting for her husband to return safely for years.
Postmen in the Mountains is a heartwarming and touching story about a father and son's relationship and the value of carrying out a job with dedication and responsibility. It is known for its beautiful cinematography and intimate portrayal of rural Chinese life. The movie received many awards, including the Golden Rooster Award for Best Picture in 1999.