Watch The Piano

The Piano is a 1993 romantic drama film directed by Jane Campion, starring Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel, and Sam Neill. Set in the mid-19th century, the film tells the story of a mute Scottish woman named Ada McGrath and her daughter Flora as they move to New Zealand for an arranged marriage with a wealthy landowner named Alistair Stewart.

Ada is a talented pianist who communicates through the use of sign language and relies on her daughter and a small writing tablet to express her thoughts. Upon arriving in New Zealand, Ada finds herself in a foreign land and unable to adjust to her new surroundings. Her marriage to Alistair is strained as he is more interested in her piano than her, and moreover, he refuses to move the instrument from its place on the beach.

The film takes a romantic turn when Baines, a local man and an employee of Alistair, becomes interested in Ada and her music. Baines offers to sell the piano back to Alistair in exchange for time alone with Ada, which she slowly agrees to. As their clandestine affair unfolds, Ada becomes more and more enchanted with Baines and the freedom he represents through his love and acceptance of her.

The Piano is a lyrical and atmospheric film, full of poetic imagery and tender performances. Holly Hunter's portrayal of Ada is an exquisite melding of physicality and internal emotion, conveying complex emotions without saying a word. Harvey Keitel is equally effective as Baines, exuding rugged charm and quiet sensitivity.

The film is also notable for its striking cinematography by Stuart Dryburgh, which captures the stunning and rugged New Zealand landscapes with a painterly eye. The haunting score by Michael Nyman, which incorporates Ada's piano playing, serves as a powerful emotional undercurrent to the story.

Throughout the film, director Jane Campion explores themes of love, desire, and the boundaries that society imposes on individuals. Ada's muteness becomes a powerful metaphor for her inability to express her true self, while the piano itself serves as a symbol of her passion and freedom. The Piano is a haunting and beautiful film that continues to captivate audiences with its timeless story of love and self-discovery.

The Piano is a 1993 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 89.