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The Piano

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90% Tomatometer 72 Reviews 86% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
After a long voyage from Scotland, pianist Ada McGrath (Holly Hunter) and her young daughter, Flora (Anna Paquin), are left with all their belongings, including a piano, on a New Zealand beach. Ada, who has been mute since childhood, has been sold into marriage to a local man named Alisdair Stewart (Sam Neill). Making little attempt to warm up to Alisdair, Ada soon becomes intrigued by his Maori-friendly acquaintance, George Baines (Harvey Keitel), leading to tense, life-altering conflicts.
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The Piano

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Powered by Holly Hunter's main performance, The Piano is a truth-seeking romance played in the key of erotic passion.

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Critics Reviews

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Anthony Lane The New Yorker 09/06/2018
From a distance, "The Piano" seems too preposterous for words; but then, as Ada knows all too well, words merely get in the way. Go to Full Review
Tara Brady Irish Times 06/27/2018
5/5
Hunter's gothic heroine is complemented by Stuart Dryburgh's dark cinematography and gaspingly restrictive widowy petticoats. Go to Full Review
Lizzie Francke Sight & Sound 06/20/2018
This is cinema that fills every sense. Go to Full Review
Julian Singleton Cinapse Jul 12
A film of tempestuous emotions amidst an equally volatile jungle landscape, The Piano is the quintessential Jane Campion film. Go to Full Review
Bianca Garner Filmotomy 10/04/2024
The Piano remains a masterpiece, thanks to Campion's remarkable direction. It is also worth mentioning Michael Nyman's sweeping score, and Stuart Dryburgh's gorgeous cinematography capturing the beauty and the awe of the New Zealand landscape. Go to Full Review
David Parkinson Radio Times 08/30/2024
5/5
There's a masterly score by Michael Nyman and splendid photography from Stuart Dryburgh, and Campion coaxes stupendous performances from Hunter and Paquin. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Joy b @9mr_0 Dec 18 فيلم جميل جدا اداء الممثلين عالي قصة هدئه وجميله المخرج ابدع في تصويرها باحداث بطيئة و هادئة تصاعديا موسقى جميله الطفلة كان ادائها رائع انصح بالمشاهده و الاستمتاع باجواء الفلم الجميله See more 2000's Barbie Aug 15 Holly Hunter was so good in this movie! She carried it, period! But I have to say I literally saw no need for nudity in this movie. Is it good? Yes. Worth to watch? Yes. Will I watch it again? Probably. Was it disturbing? Definitely! I kinda wish Hunter’s character would’ve stayed single rather than being with that man who literally abused her and only objectified her for being a woman. You can’t convince me that it’s love. And it was so sad to see her actually wanting to be with him and choosing him. For a child actor, Anna was good. She was not the best, but still good. The accent was horrible though, and I couldn’t tell whether it was Scottish or German. But overall the cinematography, the music and visuals are breathtaking. See more Paul H 08/05/2024 An interesting historical concept, with some stand-out performances, but ruined for me by Paquin's cringeworthy over-the-top performance and riduculous attempt at a Scottish accent. See more Leprechaun K @LeprechaunKing 01/24/2024 Considering it was made 30 years ago, the movie didn't age well in my opinion. The writing didn't make a whole lot of sense, especially the bits involving the natives. There was little depth regarding the indigenous population. The implied acceptance of infidelity (particularly for a period piece) was a put off. Not sure what the all fuzz was about at the time of release, but to me, The Power of the Dog was a much better movie. See more Farah R @Farah 08/10/2023 Holly Hunter's performance is the only admirable quality about Campion's The Piano, a dull and disturbing period drama that sucks the joy out of the movie viewing experience. It's baffling how such a film scored so high among both critics and average audiences. It's one of the worst movies I've ever suffered through. See more Pinoy Short R @emill_santos 07/11/2023 A timeless masterpiece! See more Read all reviews
The Piano

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Movie Info

Synopsis After a long voyage from Scotland, pianist Ada McGrath (Holly Hunter) and her young daughter, Flora (Anna Paquin), are left with all their belongings, including a piano, on a New Zealand beach. Ada, who has been mute since childhood, has been sold into marriage to a local man named Alisdair Stewart (Sam Neill). Making little attempt to warm up to Alisdair, Ada soon becomes intrigued by his Maori-friendly acquaintance, George Baines (Harvey Keitel), leading to tense, life-altering conflicts.
Director
Jane Campion
Producer
Jane Campion
Screenwriter
Jane Campion
Distributor
Cinemussy, Miramax Films
Production Co
Australian Film Commission
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 12, 1993, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 8, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$39.3M
Runtime
2h 0m
Sound Mix
Surround, Stereo