Watch Postmen in the Mountains

Postmen in the Mountains is a moving Chinese drama film that was released in the year 1999. Directed by Huo Jianqi, the movie stars Ten Rujun and Liu Ye in the lead roles. The movie tells the story of a father and son who work as postmen in the remote mountains of China. The story is set in the late 1970s and early 1980s, a time when the communication network in mountainous areas was still very underdeveloped, and people had to rely on postal workers to deliver letters and parcels to their loved ones. The movie begins with the introduction of an aging postman named Gengnian (Ten Rujun) and his son, Chen (Liu Ye), who are responsible for delivering mail to the remote villages in the mountainous region of Hunan province.

Gengnian is a seasoned postman who has been working in the mountains for decades. Having grown up in poverty and worked hard all his life, he is proud of the job he does and sees it as his duty to serve the people who rely on him for their communication needs. Chen, on the other hand, is a young man who is just starting out in his career as a postman. He is the more sensitive of the two and finds it hard to deal with the hardships of mountain life.

As the two postmen set out on their journey, they encounter several challenges along the way. They have to navigate through treacherous terrain, face harsh weather conditions, and sometimes even risk their lives to deliver the mail. They also come across several interesting characters during their journey, including a young bride who is waiting for her husband to return from the city, a grandmother who is desperate to hear from her daughter, and a man who is looking for his long-lost brother.

The movie is not just about the challenges that the postmen face, but it also explores the complex relationships that exist between fathers and sons, and the different values that each generation holds. Gengnian is a traditionalist who values hard work, responsibility and duty above all, while Chen is more idealistic and dreams of living a more comfortable life in the city. As they traverse through the mountains, they learn to understand and appreciate each other, and their bond grows stronger.

The movie is beautifully shot and captures the scenic beauty of the mountains in all its glory. The sound design is also excellent and adds to the immersive experience of watching the movie. The performances by the lead actors are outstanding, with Ten Rujun delivering a nuanced performance as the wise and experienced postman, and Liu Ye bringing a youthful energy and emotional depth to his portrayal of Chen.

Overall, Postmen in the Mountains is a heartwarming and poignant drama that celebrates the enduring bond between fathers and sons, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a timeless movie that will resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in Chinese cinema.