The Pianist- Destruction Hits A Memorable Chord ****

Rating: 10/10 (20 March 2006)

Surprise Oscar winner Adrien Brody is magnificent in Roman Polanski's "The Pianist." (It was thought by the experts that Daniel Day Lewis would win the award for "Gangs of New York.") Polanski's win was a surprise since the conventional wisdom had Martin Scorsese for "Gangs" winning the directing award as well.
This tremendous holocaust film deals with the destruction of a family. The scene where a family had its wheelchair bound member tossed from a window and then shot as they ran was eerie and never to be forgotten.
As a marvelous piano player, Brody captured the role with depth and a strong conviction. The scene where the family is placed on a train for their ultimate destiny can and must never be forgotten as well. From that point on, the focus of the picture becomes one of survival as Brody is able to elude the Nazi barbarians.
A strong film in the tradition of "Schindler's List." Surely, a film for humanity.