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The Piano

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90% Tomatometer 72 Reviews 86% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Ada -- mute since birth -- her nine year old daughter and her piano arrive to an arranged marriage in the remote bush of nineteenth century New Zealand. Of all her belongings her husband refuses to transport the piano and it is left behind on the beach. Unable to bear its certain destruction, Ada strikes a bargain with an illiterate tattooed neighbor. She may earn her piano back if she allows him to do certain things while she plays; one black key for every lesson. The arrangement draws all three deeper and deeper into a complex emotional, sexual bond remarkable for its naïve passion and frightening disregard for limits.
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The Piano

The Piano

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Critics Consensus

Powered by Holly Hunter's main performance, The Piano is a truth-seeking romance played in the key of erotic passion.

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Critics Reviews

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Anthony Lane The New Yorker 09/06/2018
From a distance, "The Piano" seems too preposterous for words; but then, as Ada knows all too well, words merely get in the way. Go to Full Review Tara Brady Irish Times 06/27/2018
5/5
Hunter's gothic heroine is complemented by Stuart Dryburgh's dark cinematography and gaspingly restrictive widowy petticoats. Go to Full Review Lizzie Francke Sight & Sound 06/20/2018
This is cinema that fills every sense. Go to Full Review Julian Singleton Cinapse 07/12/2025
A film of tempestuous emotions amidst an equally volatile jungle landscape, The Piano is the quintessential Jane Campion film. Go to Full Review Bianca Garner Filmotomy 10/04/2024
The Piano remains a masterpiece, thanks to Campion's remarkable direction. It is also worth mentioning Michael Nyman's sweeping score, and Stuart Dryburgh's gorgeous cinematography capturing the beauty and the awe of the New Zealand landscape. Go to Full Review David Parkinson Radio Times 08/30/2024
5/5
There's a masterly score by Michael Nyman and splendid photography from Stuart Dryburgh, and Campion coaxes stupendous performances from Hunter and Paquin. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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David L @davidonfilm 21h "The Piano" is a mournful, metaphorical symphony of glorious womanly survival in a world dominated by patriarchal lusts and controls. Jane Campion creates a original masterwork that defies the conventions of period films and creates a narrative that seen through the eyes of a woman with no voice that breaks free to allow her own agency and yearning for love and survival to flourish. Seeing this in theaters for the re-release in 4K was spectacular. See more Kenneth R @Phoebe1937 1d Wonderful story had my interest from beginning to end. See more Manavjeet P @ManavPatil999 2d The Piano is a rich, challenging, and sensory film that avoids easy answers. Its depiction of gender roles, power dynamics, and emotional obsession may feel uncomfortable at times, but its artistic ambition and emotional resonance make it essential viewing for fans of bold, auteur cinema. See more John M 4d Extraordinary film visually, storytelling and performances, especially Holly Hunter! BRILLIANT See more Juan Carlos C @venprestejuan Aug 2 ¡¡¡Super aburrida y demasiado sobrevalorada!!! Nunca entendí que le vieron de interesante o "emocionante", porque ni para telenovela miamera califica See more Ann L @abycats Jul 31 This movie was remarkably frank in its level of eroticism when first shown in the early 90s but all four of the lead characters are superbly cast. Glad to see movie theaters showing this again on a big screen as if deserves that exposure. See more Read all reviews
The Piano

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Cast & Crew

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Jane Campion

Director

Holly Hunter

Ada McGrath

Harvey Keitel

George Baines

Sam Neill

Alisdair Stewart

Anna Paquin

Flora McGrath

Kerry Walker

Aunt Morag

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The Piano

The Piano (1993) The Piano (1993) The Piano (1993) The Piano (1993) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Ada -- mute since birth -- her nine year old daughter and her piano arrive to an arranged marriage in the remote bush of nineteenth century New Zealand. Of all her belongings her husband refuses to transport the piano and it is left behind on the beach. Unable to bear its certain destruction, Ada strikes a bargain with an illiterate tattooed neighbor. She may earn her piano back if she allows him to do certain things while she plays; one black key for every lesson. The arrangement draws all three deeper and deeper into a complex emotional, sexual bond remarkable for its naïve passion and frightening disregard for limits.
Director
Jane Campion
Producer
Jane Campion
Screenwriter
Jane Campion
Distributor
Cinemussy, Miramax Films
Production Co
Australian Film Commission
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 12, 1993, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Jul 24, 2026
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 8, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$30.8K
Runtime
2h 0m
Sound Mix
Surround, Stereo
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