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List Price: $14.98 | | Label: Lions Gate
Salesrank: 4121
Released: January 20, 1998 |
| Our Price: $7.85 |
| Used Price: $6.97 |
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MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
Jane Campion's The Piano struck a deep chord (if you'll excuse the expression) with audiences in 1993, who were mesmerized by the film's rich, dreamlike imagery. It is the story of a Scottish woman named Ada (Holly Hunter), who has been mute since age 6 because she simply chose not to speak. Ada travels with her daughter Flora (Anna Paquin) and her beloved piano to a remote spot on the coast of New Zealand for an arranged marriage to a farmer (Sam Neill). She gives piano lessons to a gruff neighbor (Harvey Keitel) who has Maori tattoos on his face, and, well, things develop from there. The picture takes on a powerful dream logic that simply defies synopsis. It's a breathtakingly beautiful and original achievement from Campion, a unique stylist. The Piano won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and Oscars for Hunt, Paquin, and Campion's screenplay. --Jim Emerson
The Piano Reviews:
A graceful escape into a world more human than ourselves... 
2008-08-07 - 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.
Love and romance with class
2008-05-27 - 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.
Beautiful and Dark
2008-05-22 - 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!"
The Piano
2008-05-01 - 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!
OUT OF TUNE 
2007-12-13 - You try. You try again. You try a third time. Finally, you simply throw up your hands, turn it off, and flip over to a "Law and Order" rerun. I"m aware of the film's reputation, its awards etc. I just simply cannot "get into it". I realize that my entire career is riding on a positive review. But, at least I realize now what Henry Clay said about 170 years ago: "I'd rather be right than President". Or, Clayton Moore to Jay Silverheels in 1949: "You ride into town for supplies,Tonto, while I make camp".
