The Piano Lesson

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The Piano Lesson

PG-13

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2h 5m

Drama

Music

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Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

115 Reviews

67%

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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Ruben Peralta Rigaud

Cocalecas

There are always touching moments, carried by a strong ensemble that tells a familiar story in whispers and shouts that is at the same time extraordinary and yet representative of the fate of many others. [Full review in Spanish]

Dec 13, 2024

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Kathia Woods

The Sacramento Observer

John David Washington delivers a stunning performance as Boy Willie, a role that allows him to establish his own identity as an artist, separate from his famous family.

Rated: 8/10

Dec 12, 2024

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Carla Hay

Culture Mix

The 2024 version The Piano Lesson gives a well-acted and dynamic cinematic retelling of August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play. This solidly made drama effectively conveys the story's themes of how family legacies can haunt or inspire people.

Dec 6, 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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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