The Piano (DVD)

The Piano, is a film that tells a story about a young woman’s personal and intimate journey from dependence and oppression to independence and freedom. Set in the nineteenth century, it contrasts the strict female repressed reserve of the married Ada with the eroticism of the Ada bargaining and winning free expression. The film begins as the main character, Scottish Ada McGrath played by Holly Hunter, is transported away from her home to the unknown and distant New Zealand at the start of her journey. A marriage has been arranged for Ada to marry Alisdair Stewart, played by Sam Neill, a lonely ... more

The Piano is a haunting and touching film, concerning the move to New Zealand of a Scottish woman and her daughter to be married against her will to a profiteerer. The cinematography is superb, and Holly Hunter and Sam Neill put in a good performance in the roles of man and wife. Perhaps the best performance comes from young Anna Paquin as the girl, who won an Oscar for best supporting actress for her role. The soundtrack, by Michael Nyman is a joy to listen to and really sets the tone for the film, and the cinematography of the New Zealand landscape is breathtaking. Definitely one to watch in ... more

Jane Campion wrote and directed this original film about a womans journey of self discovery in New Zealand at the turn of the century, and she succeeds on the level of telling the basic story which is compelling. It's only when she adds slightly surreal and abstract elements that I found it a little pretentious, particularly towards the end. I also found the idea of Holly Hunter using the piano as a communication tool a bit naive, and there was also an anti-male feel to the whole film. Nevertheless it is well told, subtly acted and beautiful to look at. Maybe I'll have to see it a few times to ... more

The film, The Piano, is a film that tells a story about a young woman’s journey from oppression to freedom. The main character, Ada McGrath (Holly Hunter), is sold off in marriage to marry Alisdair Stewart (Sam Neil) and is thus sent away from her home to New Zealand. She is accompanied by her 9 year old daughter, Flora (Anna Paquin) and her beloved piano. When Ada arrives on the beach of the New Zealand coast she is dressed in black dress and bonnet standing beside her beloved piano (her daughter on top), Ada provides a stark contrast with the vast backdrop of the crashing sea and grey ... more

I went into this movie knowing about the oscars it had won and having been recommended by several friends, I expected something good. As a fan of period films, this movie is set in the 1850's, New Zealand. Ada (Holly Hunter) is a mute who with her young daughter Flora(Ann Paquin) braves the dangerous journey across the world. We see the movie start with them landing with all their belongings, including the priceless piano. Life begins in the leafy forest with her new Husband, Stewart (Sam Neill). Life is not what she expected in this remote area. Things take a turn for the worse when her new ... more