Haunting story

Rating: 8/10 (5 March 2003)

First let me make myself clear and say Roman Polanski is a disgusting pervert and I would love nothing more than to bring him back here and throw him in jail. Now, the film................................... As I watched this powerful film I had to be honest with myself on two levels. One, I feel its a notch or two below "Schindler's List" and we have seen this type of story filmed before. Two, a week after seeing this film I was still haunted by several scenes in the film and by the whole story itself. Very strong images that I just cannot forget. I guess thats the ultimate compliment. I just can't forget it. Adrien Brody is very strong in this film and his performance shows not just a character who survived but was so strong willed while everything began to unfold in his country and the atrocities started to rear its head and part of his strength shows as he helps hold his family together for as long as he can. The shots of the burnt out neighborhoods in Warsaw are very striking to look at. Brody climbs a wall and heads into what looks like miles of a demolished city.
***SPOILER ALERT*** Towards the end of the film its very ironic that his greatest talent will ultimately save his life. He was lucky that the Nazi officer he plays the piano for obviously appreciates a true artist and was clearly awe struck by such beautiful playing. This is a special film and its story never ceases to be powerful and haunting no matter how many times you see it. I'll finish my comments by saying that Roman Polanski is a disgusting creep who belongs in jail!