Jane Campion's masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (11 June 2019)

An original, peculiar and haunting romantic drama. It's a very moody film, with a dark and beautiful atmosphere and a stirring score. Campion's remarkable script and sensitive direction is matched by outstanding performances from the four lead actors. Sam Neill and Harvey Keitel are great and eleven year old Ana Paquin gives as strong a performance as I have seen a child her age give. The mesmerizing performance by Holly Hunter, as the strong-willed and mute Ada, is arguably the best of her career. In my opinion it surpasses the terrific job she did in Broadcast News. Hunter's performance is made even more impressive by the fact she does not speak a single word throughout the film. Then again, who needs words when a simple glance, a touch or music will do the job. The Piano is like listening to a great orchestra. It moves you and then it lingers in you and haunts you.