A Magnificent, Musical Film

Rating: 10/10 (20 September 1998)

The Piano is a hauntingly beautiful film. The soundtrack is magnificent, the harsh New Zealand landscape is starkly beautiful, and the performances are as deep and subtle as any I have ever seen. Holly Hunter gives a stunning performance as Ada, a woman mute by choice who only truly speaks through her piano. Ada's experiences as she and her daughter (played wonderfully by Anna Paquin) are shipped halfway across the world to live in an arranged marriage on the coast of New Zealand make rivetting viewing. Sam Neill and Harvey Keitel are also excellent, Neill as Ada's cold husband and Keitel as the intimidating New Zealander. A film that lingers long in the memory, The Piano is not to be missed.