Extraordinary

Rating: 10/10 (21 January 2014)

The Pianist edges Schindler's List by a very fine whisker as my 'favourite' holocaust themed film. Spielberg's rendition, although excellent, is slightly over-dramatic.
The Pianist revolves around the life of a humble man who doesn't stand up and fight, nor sacrifice his life for the cause, but uses his good nature and contacts to survive as best he can throughout the German occupation of Poland. His brother is the complete opposite of this frail character - a reckless, rebellious man who is having none of it and isn't prepared to compromise an inch, bucking against unjust oppression and paying the consequences. In contrast, our protagonist socially fits into every nook and cranny he can find, helped by his easy-going and placid nature, pausing while playing the piano so that customers can conduct menial tasks, resuming again at their leisure, just trying to be as nondescript as possible in order to survive.
In the latter part of the film we view life in the ghetto from afar while living outside of its walls, hidden away from German eyes, but witnessing a person gradually getting weaker, lonelier and less confident in finding a solution to life's complicated dilemmas.
One of my friends pointed out that his enjoyment of the film was reduced because of the lack of fight shown by our hero. Fair enough, it's not a very macho attitude, but how many Jews actually survived the war? It's our ability to understand and sympathise with Vladek Spiegelman's plight in trying to merely survive that's the key to appreciating this amazing film.
Needless to say, the acting throughout is wonderful. Adrien Brody depicts a man in turmoil, on the edge of lunacy and death. A flawless performance and a flawless film by Roman Polanski.