Hauntingly beautiful...

Rating: 7/10 (11 February 2006)

This film is an absolute masterpiece... The cast are superb (no individual dominates, although it must be said Anna Paquin delivers an incredible performance as the playful child desperate for her mothers attention), the narrative captivates and the cinematography is breath-taking - the image of a grand piano against the cliffs of New Zealand is stunning. However, I believe the music contributes most to the film - the symphony used throughout seems to reflect the pain, passion, and urgency all the characters experience.
A mention must be given to the sequence in which George reluctantly takes Ada and Flora to the piano. The fact that Ada smiles for the first time in the film conveys her love for her piano and music. Along with the symphony, the image of Flora dancing in the waves and George's face as he gazes at Ada, this scene is hauntingly beautiful. This scene seems to be pivotal for the relationship between George and Ada - her pure passion for her piano seems to prompt George into falling in love with her...