Second only to Schindler's List

Rating: 10/10 (20 April 2020)

This is arguably the best Holocaust film ever made, second only to Schindler's List in my opinion - however they are quite different films, so I can see this being debatable as to which is the best. The Pianist follows Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Polish Jew hiding from apartment to apartment within the heart of Germany. This is rather unique for Holocaust films since most Holocaust films take place within the concentration camps, but this film doesn't have a single scene in one.
Adrien Brody's performance is genuinely one of the best I've ever seen, seeing his body deteriorate on screen is difficult to watch as he struggles to survive, but makes it all the more immersive. The production design and sets are perfect in my opinion and also play a huge role in immersing the audience, I really felt as if I was in the heart of Nazi Germany watching this film. The direction and cinematography might be boring for some but I really loved Polanski's use of perspective in this film, many shots are set up from the perspective of Szpilman looking out his apartment window as gunfights occur down on the streets which I thought was a great artistic choice.
I can't recommend this film enough, it's a must watch.