Not at all like 'Schindler's List'.

Rating: Null/10 (14 January 2003)

This film is a brilliant look at the holocaust from one man's point of view. 'Schindler's List' examined the holocaust in multiple fashion. From the view of a man trying to save potential victims. From a potential victim himself and from the point of view of the Nazis. 'The Pianist' is about one man's quest for survival and following his odyssey through all of the horrors of history's darkest time. All films about the holocaust are relevant but few films such as this one overall have such a power that comes from such little dialogue. Adrien Brody is a Polish pianist in 1939 when war breaks out in his country. He is separated from his family and must survive in the most terrible ways. Director Roman Polanski, who has memories of his own from the holocaust, directs this film with the pain and horror of that time still locked in his mind. You can see it in every frame. 'The Pianist' is an educational tool, and entertainment piece and an acting lesson all rolled into one phenomenal achievement.