A truly sensuous piece of film-making!

Rating: 10/10 (10 December 2001)

"Silence effects everybody in the end" This film is a dazzling masterpiece. This remarkable and completely mesmerising tale of mute Ada (Holly Hunter) and her nine year old daughter Flora (Anna Paquin) is absolutely astonishing. They both arrive to an arranged marriage in the muddy, cold and wet region of nineteenth century New Zealand. With them arrives Ada's piano, with what she never leaves, her forgotten voice, so to speak. it is left behind on the beach when her husband Stewart(Sam Neill) refuses to transport it. Unable to bear it's certain destruction, Ada makes a deal with an illiterate neighbour Baines(Harvey Keitel). The piano is hers if she allows him to do things while she plays; one black key for a lesson.
As the bond grows deeper into complex, emotional and sexual passions, the film is filled with heavily dramatic sequences, brilliant emotions and feelings, sadness, joy, hope and love. Both actresses Holly Hunter and Anna Paquin portray their characters astonishingly and their performances are incredible. This is a truly sensuous piece of film-making and Jane Campion's work is spectacular! It carries lasting effects and deeply moving impact throughout the film! One of the best films ever made!