The Piano (1993)

THE PIANO (MIRAMAX FILMS/1993)

REVIEW: Set in the stark, muddy, yet beautiful backdrop of New Zealand: Jane Campion's award winning "THE PIANO" is a most unusual love story that revolves around newcomer Ada (a willfully mute woman played by Holly Hunter), her daughter Flora (Paquin), Ada's husband by a pre-arranged marriage (Neill), and their mysterious neighbor Baines (Keitel) who has been initiated into the Maori tribe. Centering around these four characters is Ada's piano which comes to represent many different things: for Ada it is her refuge, and the extension of her own fierce individuality; for Flora it is a common bond the links her to her mother's own closed-off world; for Ada's husband, Stewart, it becomes an instrument that mocks his efforts in trying to win Ada's heart; and for Baines it becomes a tool to pierce through Ada's seemingly impenetrable fortress of self while re-awakening in her the desire to love and the passion to embrace life again. The central theme of the film is sex which is used by the director in order to contrast the more conservative/civilized manner of Stewart and his ilk with the wild/unorthodox Maori native traditions which Baines is a part of. It is this unbridled sexual passion that drives Baines to bargain with Stewart for Ada's piano, and then to strike a deal with Ada that is totally unexpected and which leads to a shocking conclusion. "THE PIANO" is not a film for everyone's taste. Campion's idea of using sex in order to "jolt" Ada out of her self-imposed exile is an interesting psychological twist; but the scenes of full-frontal nudity were really unnecessary and may keep some viewers from wanting to see the film. But regardless of the "controversial" aspects of the story: "THE PIANO" remains a completely original, gorgeously filmed work that is brought to life by a first-rate cast; and a musical score by Michael Nyman that is absolutely haunting in every sense of the word. HARSH LANGUAGE: about 17 words. VIOLENCE: about 5 scenes. NUDITY/SEXUAL REFERENCES: about 11 scenes including full-frontal male and female nudity and simulated sex.


THE MORAL COMPASS: Although a great film from a humanistic/psychological viewpoint: the fact remains that "THE PIANO" has some very shocking scenes of nudity and raw, simulated sex. And even though the passion between Ada's character and Baines is shown to be more than just lust: the line between adult drama and mild pornography becomes very thin when Campion let's the camera roll on their romantic escapades together. Add to that the realization that Ada IS committing adultery (regardless of the fact that her marriage to Stewart has been pre-arranged), and you've got a morally ambiguous stew that should cause a few headaches for the Christian believer. If Campion had edited out the more extraneous moments of nudity and simulated sex then at least Christians could deal with the story itself on a more emotional level. But with Keitel's character walking around nude, bumping-and-grinding, and slurping away: it's safe to say that most Spirit-filled believers will be turning their heads during the more explicit scenes (unless they can catch an edited version of it on T.V.). But because of the film's sexual content, nudity, a bit of violence, and some harsh language: it should earn a mild OBJECTIONABLE rating.


ACADEMY AWARDS:

WON: for Best Actress (Hunter), Best Supporting Actress (Paquin), and Best Original Screenplay.

NOMINATED: for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, and Best Costume Design. September 11, 2008

A graceful escape into a world more human than ourselves...

I had wanted to see `The Piano' for years, since I was about fifteen I think. I remember reading this extensive review for it lauding it as one of the most deeply moving and touching films of the 20th century. It took me until early this year before I actually got around to seeing it, and I must say that after a slew of repeat viewings I can honestly understand why that review held this film on such a pedestal. `The Piano' may to many seem like there is not much to it, or that what is here is barely given a chance for explanation. There are many actions and resulting consequences that seem out of place of character and even may be frustration (and most definitely startling) but when one takes the time to really break this film down there is so much explanation to be found within the subtleties in each frame that one is brought to a whole other understanding of the film.

`The Piano' tells the tale of Ada McGrath, a mute woman living in 1850's New Zealand. Ada has been mute, by choice, since age six when she just decided not to speak. Through her mind's voice she tells us that she has been offered in marriage to farmer Alisdair Stewart and so she travels with her young daughter Flora and her beloved piano by boat to meet him. She soon finds herself being led to her new home, her piano being left behind on the beach. Her husband Alisdair, not truly understanding how to reciprocate love and affection, offers her piano to native George Baines for some of his land. In a desperate attempt for affection Baines offers to allow Ada to purchase her piano back by performing `favors' for him, and Ada, in her desperation to have her `voice' back, agrees.

Some may simply call this film a feminist film; a film that does nothing more than illustrate the woman's lack of a voice in this male dominated society. That label gravely shortchanges what writer/director Jan Campion has accomplished with this cinematic masterpiece.

`The Piano' bleeds a humanity that feels more human than we ourselves.

All of the four central characters are seeking a form of redemption or gratification for their lives. This simple truth speaks to of much deeper humanity that runs through all of our veins. We all need to feel needed and complete, and all of these characters strung within Campions web are striving for that very feeling. Ada is perhaps the most obvious of the four, for her beating heart is felt throughout each passing scene. Ada longs to feel a connection with someone, the same connection she feels when gracing the keys of her piano. She longs to have someone need her for who she is, and understand her for who she is. Her husband seems disinterested with Ada the person, for he is quick to disregard the one object that comes closest to defining her. George, trying to seek redemption from a past of rejection, sees the piano as an opportunity to find that redemption within the arms of Ada. Flora is young and naïve and truly loves her mother, but her loyalty is tested when she feels as though she is playing second fiddle to her mother's lover, George. Her jealousy gives way to foolishness, and her foolishness places her mother in harms way. Alisdair may seem like the simplest character here, for his oppressive husband character has been played before, but Alisdair struggles to rise above his own ignorance to gain the affections of a woman he can't quite understand.

The performances by the entire cast are flawless and really elevate this beautiful film. Both Holly Hunter and Anna Paquin earned those Oscar's, both giving riveting performances and crawling deep within the psyche of their characters. Without saying but a few words Hunter is able to speak volumes, her voice being heard on every frame. Harvey Keitel is amazing as George, restrained and tempered and believable as a lover, which is not something I was sure he could pull off. Sam Neill, though, is the real male standout. His grasp of Alisdair's ignorance and desperation is resounding. The one scene where his wife attempts to give him pleasure is emotionally stirring as you watch Alisdair throw it all away because he simply doesn't understand.

Jan Campion must receive the bulk of the credit though, for her construction of this film is majestic to say the least. She truly captures the heart of each character, weaving the audience into each frame and leaving us begging for more. The cinematography is gripping and magnetic, each frame gently settling down on the images below; and the symbolism displayed with just the slightest scene echoes loudly as the film credits begin to roll.

`The Piano' appears to leave a lot of questions unanswered, but the truth of the matter is that if you look deeply into what you are witnessing the answers themselves are there to be found. There are few films this important, and truly few films this glorious. Everything is top notch, from the delicate script to the effortless acting to the serene camera work. `The Piano' is a cinematic wonder that is unrivaled, a film that truly defines the very word; film. August 7, 2008

Love and romance with class

This is an excellenct movie for adults. It is a love story with tons of romance, beautiful scenery, and the story behind the movie is a great one. If you want to be entertained and surprised at many different levels this is the movie to watch. May 27, 2008

Beautiful and Dark

After viewing this film more than a few times, I asked myself why I enjoyed this film so much. I really didn't like what I found. This film showed me what is wrong but appealing in society. I do stand by my five stars because the textures and postive aspects this movie has to offer are inumerable. Although...
A look at the "dark" notes: 1) We must as ourselves in this modern society is it right to cast a very young minor in a lead role in a movie she shouldn't be allowed to watch. 2) a sex relationship issue. The husband almost feels entitled to "rape" his wife. 3) Adultry made acceptable (nothing new) and there are others.
Pacquin and Hunter's chemistry and acting are impecable and the film deserves a positive review for this reason alone. The ironic line that delivers it all perfectly for me, When Neil(Stewart)asks Pacquin(Flora)where her mother has gone, The frustrated little girl, who has learned too much about adult relationships yells "TO HELL!" May 22, 2008

The Piano

The Piano was an amazing movie with great meaning and acting - especially Anna Paquin, Holly Hunter, and Harvey Keitel. I loved the music and the mute aspect. I admit I had to watch this twice to get the meaning and understand what was going on inside the character's heads. The first time I watched it I felt sorry for the husband, but I understood the nuances better the second time around. The setting, aside from the mud, was gorgeous, makes me want to visit New Zealand. And the music is wonderful! May 1, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...