The Piano Lesson

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The Piano Lesson

PG-13

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2h 5m

Drama

Music

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90%

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82 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, The Piano Lesson follows the lives of the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano, which documents the family history through carvings made by their enslaved ancestor.

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Critics Consensus

A Southern Gothic played at a ferocious key, The Piano Lesson brings August Wilson's words to vivid life with an outstanding ensemble.

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Steph Green

Empire Magazine

This drama works best when it’s not taking its cues directly from its source material. It may not be always totally compelling, but Deadwyler elevates every scene she’s in.

Rated: 3/5

Nov 22, 2024

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David Fear

Rolling Stone

Yes, The Piano Lesson hits a few bum notes. Its melody nonetheless remains intact.

Nov 21, 2024

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Alissa Wilkinson

New York Times

“The Piano Lesson” is the weakest of the Denzel Washington-produced Pittsburgh Cycle. But when you’re working with Wilson’s material, there’s an inherent richness, and the questions this film raises have never been more potent.

Nov 21, 2024

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Russ Simmons

KKFI-FM (Kansas City)

The cast is fine, but it’s Danielle Deadwyler who truly shines in this thoughtful, emotionally wringing drama.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 22, 2024

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Kevin Bourne

SHIFTER

When you look under the hood, it's actually a film about Black ambition, the lengths we're sometimes willing to go to in order to fulfill our dreams, and our willingness to defy those who may stand in our way, even if it's our family.

Rated: 3.5/5

Nov 22, 2024

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Peter Sobczynski

Auteurist Class (Substack)

Washington and co-writer Virgil Williams take the play’s metaphorical ghosts and literalize them in ways that badly distract from the main story by offering the kind of supernatural imagery one might expect to find in a Conjuring spinoff.

Nov 21, 2024

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ADG

Terrible and disjointed and longer than it needed to be. The story obviously has value yet was not adapted well for film

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

11/16/24

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Demetria

A masterpiece from start to finish—beautifully cast, beautifully acted, and beautifully directed. Every performance is captivating, and the direction brings August Wilson's powerful story to life with nuance and depth. I'm so glad I caught it in the theater and can’t wait to experience it all over again when it hits Netflix. A must-watch!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/16/24

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Yasmin

Deep, moving, entertaining, feel good movie. The cast is extremely talented and captivating in this story. My family and I had a few laughs too.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/11/24

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bobsaxa L

A++++!! The Washington kids are all super talented. John David is a bonafide star Danielle Deadwyler is too!! Both will be household names. Excellent directing and cinematography. Strong cast, timely timely story.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/10/24

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Abby P

A powerful story told beautifully. The playwright was done justice by the actors and director alike. The climactic finale took my breath away.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/10/24

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merrie t

Based on the play by August Wilson, The Piano Lesson is a big swing that mostly connects. The acting is standout especially Danielle Deadwyler. The direction and cinematography also is first rate.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/10/24

Full Review

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Malcolm Washington

Director

Samuel L. Jackson

Doaker

John David Washington

Boy Willie

Danielle Deadwyler

Berniece

Ray Fisher

Lymon

Corey Hawkins

Avery

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The Piano Lesson: Trailer 2

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The Piano Lesson: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, The Piano Lesson follows the lives of the Charles family in the Doaker Charles household and an heirloom, the family piano, which documents the family history through carvings made by their enslaved ancestor.

Director: Malcolm Washington
Producer: Todd Black, Denzel Washington
Screenwriter: Malcolm Washington, Virgil Williams
Distributor: Netflix
Production Co: Lord Miller, Netflix Studios
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 8, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 22, 2024
Runtime: 2h 5m