Beautiful film but OH! - so very hard to watch

Rating: 10/10 (8 June 2004)

I wanted to see this film when it in the cinemas - but thought it might be difficult to watch.
When the DVD was released, I bought it but still found reasons to leave it till later.
Finally I viewed it in two halves. It is a magnificent piece of work - desperately sad, perfectly acted and made with infinite care.
It is profoundly unsettling to ponder on the behaviour of humankind. Why are some capable of such monstrous inhumanity while others behave with unbelievable selflessness to total strangers in need?
The few reviewers who thought this film lacked action and was boring, can I respectfully suggest they stick to less demanding fare in which no thought process is required at all.
For others who have not yet seen this film - please do so - but be prepared to be very moved by it.
Adrien Brody will surely never surpass his brilliant performance in the role of Wladyslaw Szpilman. Roman Polanski has made the movie of his career. 10/10