The Piano

I have to begin by stressing that “The Piano” is a really well-made movie in every sense. With good reason it was nominated for eight Oscars, earning three, as well as receiving 27 nominations and 58 wins in other circles. Now, after quite some wait, this magnificent film is available in its Blu-ray edition. And what a delight to the eyes it is!

Holly Hunter plays Ada McGrath, a mute woman who moved to New Zealand, with Flora (Anna Paquin), her young daughter. She is meeting Alistair Stewart (Sam Neill), her new husband from an arranged marriage. Once arriving to the island, she is left at the beach with Flora, their few belongings, and her piano. However, when Alistair arrives to pick her up, he informs her that they will not be able to take the piano with them, because the house is deep inside, and they can not transport it through the jungle. This breaks Ada’s heart, for the piano is her most valued material possession.

Once at their home, Ada, for some reason, doesn’t have chemistry with her husband – maybe because of the piano –, and they have trouble consummating the marriage. Enter George Baines (Harvey Keitel), one of Alistair’s workers at the plantation, who goes to the beach, picks the piano, carries it with some guys through the jungle, and takes it to his house. This action makes Ada happy, but George takes advantage of the situation, by telling her that she can have the piano back if she teaches him how to play it. Of course, George has something else in mind, and, as you can imagine, there will be trouble in paradise.

“The Piano” is a beautiful movie to watch. It has lush cinematography by Stuart Dryburgh; excellent acting, which resulted in Oscars for Hunter (Best Actress) and Paquin (Best Supporting actress); great directing by Jane Campion (who won an Oscar for Best Screenplay written for the Screen); and awesome production design by Andrew McAlpine. Of course, we already now that Anna Paquin stole the movie – her charm is just mesmerizing. This is one Blu-ray to have. (Australia / New Zealand, France, 1993, color, 120 min). Reviewed on January 30, 2012. Miramax – Lionsgate Blu-ray

To purchase DVD, click here or on image above.