Review rated by 19 Ciao members on average: helpful
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 skies. Ada has not spoken ever since her lover was killed by lightning. She communicates through her piano and sign language, understood by her daughter. The way in which she uses the piano reflects her mood in a very strong and clear manner. Understandably is then enraged when her new husband refuses to take the piano because it is too too heavy.
The piano is rescued by her husband's friend, a neighbouring farmer, George Baines (Harvey Keitel). He uses it as a bargaining tool. He allows Ada to earn her piano back, by giving him lessons, she can have one key back per visit. Baines has no interest in the piano lessons but instead uses the private sessions to maniuplates Ada into performing sexual favours. This soon escalates into an erotic affair. After Flora tells Alistair about the affair's continuence, Ada is brutally disfigured when Alistair chops of her...Im not going to tell you anymore, but there is penty more, emotionally gripping scenes to watch.
The soundtrack, by Michael Nyman is a joy to listen to and really sets the tone for the film.The melody of main theme, "The Heart Asks Pleasure First" is played repeated through out the film in different contexts. It is accompanied by strings in "The Promise” and "Deep Into The Forest".
The film originally released in the cinema in 1993. It is now available in both VHS and DVD. I would urge anyone to watch the film. It is stirring, charming, sensual and haunting. It was the first film I saw with my partner and it definately was a tear jerker!!
e remote bush of nineteenth century New Zealand. Of all her belongings her husband refuses to transport the piano and it is left behind on the beach. Unable to bear its ...
Easy Rider/Taxi Driver (DVD) Drama - Director: Martin Scorsese, Dennis Hopper - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Harvey Keitel, Albert Brooks, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson, Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper This product has not yet been reviewed.
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21.08.2004 20:34
Great review! I'm not really into this genre of film but it's always worth a try. --Chris--
17.08.2004 22:54
I loved this film too, nice description, it would be nice to see you expand the opinion bit of your review more. Luci
17.08.2004 14:10
Doesn't sound like a very lighthearted film- I liked your review tho- I hope you haven't given too much away! Emma