Adrian Brody is most certainly one of the greatest actors of all time.

Rating: Null/10 (19 April 2004)

I am posting this message to compliment Roman Polanski on bringing us a factual account of the plight of the Jewish people in World War II. It was a time of sorrow and despair for these people and it was depicted so vividly because the cast of this film played their roles to perfection.
Adrian Brody, who played Wladyslaw Szpilman, is an extremely talented actor, and the only one who could have done so well in the title role. I was so pleased when he won an Oscar for his performance as no one could have ever been more deserving. The suffering Szpilman endured just trying to stay alive was beyond our imagination.
Darien Wawer, the little boy who died at the wall is a wonderful child actor. His role portrayed the terrible tragedies that occurred daily to both young and old. His acting ability is amazing and he played his part very convincingly.
So many people helped Wladyslaw Szpilman (Adrian Brody) through these difficult years, and one in particular won the hearts of many viewing this film. That person was Captain Wilm Hosenfeld (Thomas Kretschmann). Apparently a high ranking German officer, Hosenfeld found Szpilman just in time to save him from starvation. He not only kept this secret, but he brought food enabling Szpilman to survive. It was heart breaking to learn that Hosenfeld was captured after the war and died in a Soviet prison camp in 1952. Szpilman was unable to find him and help him. Thomas Kretschmann was very inspiring in this role. He is a magnificent actor and I will watch for him in future films.
The piano solos performed by Janusz Olejniczak were so beautiful, and the music stays with you long after the film is through. I have viewed this film many times, and I have come to the realization that throughout the coming years, no one will forget the names of Wladyslaw Szpilman and Captain Wilm Hosenfeld. We will always feel sorrow for the ones who perished and thankfulness for the ones who survived.