Brilliant film-making and top-notched performances, but too much sex.

Rating: 7/10 (7 September 2008)

"The Piano" is a love story set in the 1850s. A mute pianist Ada (Holly Hunter) has been arranged to marry Alisdair Stewart (Sam Neill). With her daughter Flora (Anna Paquin) and her piano they travel to New Zealand. Shortly after they arrive, Stewart sells her piano to his neighbor George Baines (Harvey Keitel). Tormented with grief over the loss of her piano, she would do anything to get it back. She soon learns that she can get back from Baines through lessons that have some unpleasant attachments to it. After much gross sexual conduct, he gives it back to her, but inevitably, Ada falls in love with him, which sets them up with emotional and sometimes violent consequences.
"The Piano" is a very well-made film. Director Jane Campion captures every scene with great care. The work of the photography and music is captivating, blending the film into a beautiful, yet creepy artistic value.
As with the performances, they are some of the best I've seen. Holly Hunter is very unique in her role. Unlike some other great actresses who rely on bold speeches to give them Oscars, she relies on her face that expresses so many emotions that it's almost heartbreaking to watch due to all the torture and hell her character goes through. Anna Paquin, who I know most for Rogue in the X-Men Trilogy, is young, cute, and adorable as Flora, however, she adds power and a little bit of humor that goes a long way for an actress at her age. Sam Neill and Harvey Keitel also add some diligence to their roles.
But the reason why I give this movie a 7 instead of a 10 is because of the subject matter. I felt antagonized by the explicit scenes of gross sexuality and related material. Of course, I have no problem with nudity, but not the sexual fantasies of Harvey Keitel's character.