Review of Rocket Post, The

Introduction

It`s 1938 and Hitler has recalled all German rocket scientists to the Fatherland, to create new and terrifying weapons. One of these scientists is Gerhard Zucher (Ulrich Thomsen) who, with his assistant, Heinz Dombrowsky (Eddie Marsan) are sent by the British government to the Outer Hebrides to use their skills to create a new and unusual postal system.

Once on the island of Scarp, they encounter resistance from most of the locals with memories of the Great War, but a love triangle develops when Catriona Mackay (Shauna Macdonald) falls for the scientist, to the dismay of the island`s doctor (Kevin McKidd).

After the initial hostility, when the islanders realise the importance (and novelty) of Zucher`s work and, together with his disarming and endearing personality, they take him to their hearts.

Video

A beautiful transfer which shows the stunning scenery from Harris and Lewis. There is a slight amount of surface grain, but nothing to detract from the visual experience.

Audio

The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is, if anything, underused, given the dialogue-dominated nature of the film, but the surrounds are used to good effect, giving a nice balance and feel.

The use of German is particularly strange as some conversations between Germans are in German and subtitled, whereas others are spoken in English with a Teutonic accent.

Features

None, although a trailer for `Wah-Wah` precedes the menu.

Conclusion

Apparently based on a true story, this is a fascinating account of what governments will do to further their own ends under the strangest of pretexts. The idea of providing a remote island with a postal system that relies on rocket engineering is frankly bizarre, given its proximity to the mainland and that it would make perfect sense to use a boat to transport the mail.

When Zucher and Dombrowsky arrive at the island, the behaviour of the islanders is not too dissimilar to that of the residents of Summerisle in `The Wicker Man`! However, the change in the inhabitants is believable and only feels slightly contrived, largely thanks to a fine performance from Shauna Macdonald, who rose to fame in Neil Marshall`s brilliant `The Descent`. In terms of an outsider attempting to endear himself to an insular community, `The Rocket Post` is similar to `Local Hero`, but Bill Forsyth`s film is, quite frankly, in a different league.

I feel that the film leans towards the quaint/twee/charming a little too much and is fairly formulaic. If you`re after a quiet night in front of the TV, then this is probably worth a rental, but there is not enough here to recommend a purchase.