The kind of movie I thought they had forgotten how to make

Rating: Null/10 (15 January 2003)

Connoisseurs of fine film, here is an epic for you. Be warned, the first half is exceptionally violent, although the mood shifts to one of suspense in the second half. Although this site jointly recommends "The Pianist" along with Schindler's List, Spielberg's movie is more Middle American than Central European in flavor; Polanski has a much firmer hand on the material, he understands all the ramifications in a way that others cannot. Superb ensemble acting, especially from Frank Finlay and Emilia Fox. Fine pyrotechnics and stunt work (with one stunt in particular, I cannot figure out how they did it). As a spectator, you really feel you are in the midst of the Warsaw Ghetto, among suffering people about to die. Good to see Polanski back on form, any shortcomings are incidental (the pianist's friendship with the decent Nazi soldier at the end of the movie seems a little too good to be true, although is apparently based on fact). This film is Polanski's gift not just to the Jewish people, but to the Polish people. It is a movie for those, like me, who admire the Jewish people for all they have achieved and who take due note of all the unspeakable horrors they have endured through time, which must never be forgotten. "The Pianist" is *THE* holocaust movie.