The Piano Lesson

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The Piano Lesson

PG-13

Released Nov 8, 2024

2h 5m

Drama

Music

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

88%

Tomatometer

119 Reviews

66%

Popcornmeter

100+ 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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Sheri Flanders

Chicago Reader

An exquisite film rendition of an American stage classic, The Piano Lesson promises to strike a powerful chord within the soul.

Dec 11, 2024

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Hannah Giorgis

The Atlantic

Netflix’s adaptation faithfully renders this concern for the quotidian, albeit with a more stylish patina. Malcolm’s directorial choices diverge from his father’s old-school creative sensibilities; the pacing is faster, the music more dramatic.

Dec 10, 2024

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Adam Graham

Detroit News

And the movie's turn toward supernatural horror feels like an abrupt shift in tone, a too literal illustration of the film's haunting themes.

Rated: C+

Dec 3, 2024

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Gissane Sophia

Marvelous Geeks Media

While the pacing struggles a bit and it feels like we’re getting multiple narratives at once, the emotional and generational trauma haunt through effectively intimate directing.

Jan 10, 2025

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Armond White

National Review

As cinema, The Piano Lesson suggests that Wilson’s fears were well founded -- but the stewardship of Hollywood’s Washington clan is the reason for its failure.

Dec 31, 2024

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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

A family conflict revealing how things host the past and pave the way to the future.

Rated: 4.5/5

Dec 26, 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

Full Review

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: Netflix Studios, Lord Miller
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
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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