Oscar Bound

Rating: 10/10 (5 December 2002)

"The Pianist" is poignant, disturbing and chilling, yet, somehow remains encouraging and hopeful. The great lengths at which one will go to survive, or at which others will assist in survival while risking their own lives is encouraging and hopeful, reminding us to be mindful of one another and accepting of each others differences.
The acting is sensational! I would declare an Oscar nomination is in store for Adrien Brody. The transformation he undergoes is nothing short of brilliant! He is subtle and natural. At times there is literally no dialogue and in the silence there is greatness achieved. Jessica Kate Meyer is also exceptional as is Ed Stoppard, Maureen Lipman, Frank Finlay and so many others right down to the extras that were cast.
This film is graphic. You want to close your eyes, but it forces us to recognize that we cannot close our eyes to hatred and the destruction of humanity.