Utterly nonsensical

Rating: 1/10 (20 January 2013)

In my opinion a good alternative film stands out because of its emphasis on character development and story line. The Piano fails in both aspects.
The film tries to depict a love triangle without providing the necessary background.
The location of the story is never explicitated. The viewer is left to derive it must be New Zealand because the indigenous population are called Maoris.
The viewer lacks crucial information about the social position and the past of the protagonists and therefore cannot understand their state of mind and motives.
How did Ada become mute ? Who fathered little Flora ? Why was Alisdair chosen as her husband ? How did she feel when this arranged marriage was announced to her ?
Is Alisdair a rich or important member of the community ? What exactly is his trade ? How and why did he choose Ada for a wife ? Why is he so shy and insecure ?
How did Baines end up in New Zealand ? Is he an employee, an associate or simply a neighbour of Alisdair ? Why is he so bitter ?
...
To top of the lack of character development the actions and decisions of the protagonists are often completely illogical.
Ada has clearly stated to Alisdair how dear the piano is to her. Therefore surely he knows trading the instrument with Baines will hardly win her heart ?
Baines seems merely interested in the looks of Ada and manipulates her into sleeping with him. Why does she suddenly fall in love with him ?
Why would Flora side with her stepfather against her own mother ?
Why does Baines not rush to rescue Ada immediately upon learning her dreadful fate ?
...
Finally, the clumsy portrayal of some scenes ads to the frustration of the viewer.
Who would manage to cut off just a single digit with an axe when the entire hand is on the block ?!
...
In conclusion I find The Piano utterly nonsensical. How a budget was established to shoot this crap let alone how it gathered such critic acclaim is beyond me.
There, now anyone opposed can brand me an ignorant sexist ;-) ;-) .