 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Pianist
- Review Date: May 19, 2003
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 2002
Common Sense Media says
True story of a Jewish pianist; OK for older kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is clearly not a movie for children. However, in addition to being an excellent work of art, it's an instructive movie for teenagers who take for granted the comfort and stability of their world. War isn't glamorous, and the most principled and courageous people are among its first victims. This is an excellent movie about survival, fate, and values. It's a very worthwhile movie for young adults. Parents should know that the movie has strong language and graphic and horrific violence, including casual murder of Jews.
What's the story?
THE PIANIST is the emotionally devastating true story of Wladyslaw Szpilman (Adrien Brody), a Jewish pianist in Poland caught up in the horrors of World War II. The Nazis invade Poland, confine Jews to a ghetto, and eventually ship them off to concentration camps. There is heartbreaking and graphic violence. Yet, director Roman Polanski delivers this difficult message in a very thoughtful, skillful way. Just when the audience is on the verge of becoming numbed by the grim life in the ghetto, the pianist escapes for a day and walks through the bright flower stalls in the crowded market outside the ghetto. It reminds the viewer of how far the pianist has fallen from a "normal" life, but it gives the viewer the same brief respite that it gives the pianist. Just when the Nazi brutality against the Jews seems unbearable, a music-loving German soldier treats the pianist kindly while Jewish victims prey on each other.
Is it any good?
Roman Polanski, himself a survivor of the Holocaust who lost many family members, powerfully conveys the epic journey of a man who is transformed by a series of events from an elegantly dressed, highly cultured musician to a scavenging, debased shell of a human being.
The most effective parts of the movie are the small, vivid, almost unbearably poignant human moments. In one, a family awaiting a transport train which will take them away to a concentration camp combines all their remaining money to buy a single caramel which they carefully divide into four tiny portions.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why movies like this one, which is based on a true story, are so important, even today. Are there any current events you can think of that are similar to the plight of Jews in World War II?
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AGE
Fantastic
This an excellent look at the Holocaust through a Jewish man's eyes, but I can see how the violence could be upsetting to some viewers. Though not as good as "Schindler's List" (which for some reason my review didn't show up for, plus not to mention, CSM just got around to reviewing it), I would've been surprised if it had been. However, it is interesting to watch the two back-to-back, since one is told from a (technically) Nazi's perspective, albeit a good German, and the other from a Jew's.
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AGE
Excellent Movie
I saw this movie when I was 13 and it became my instant favorite movie of all time. I was glued to the screen, and enjoyed it the whole 2.5 hours. The language was not much of a problem, there was only 2 F-words, and a small amount of other language. While the violence was the main problem with the movie, I did not feel it was nearly as graphic as other movies such as Schindler's List. A very touching and poignant movie, a must see!
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AGE
cried great movie
this is a great movie!!!!! not for young kids but is a true story f word used once and graphic/intense violence(a child is beaten to death by nazis) innocent people killed mostly jews with no self defence
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AGE
Horror..
THIS IS DEFINETLY NOT FOR LITTLE KIDS!!! Especially cuz they made me see it in school!! Ugh!! Very terrible graphic, and strong language!! Very Scary! Very sad(almost cried) and their is some VERY disturbing parts that may make you upset! Ugh!! Never Again! You can surely educate your kids about the Holocaust without exposing them to this! Grrr! And the lighting and setting is so dark and depressing!! Very sad!! Ugh! To think that one of my friends liked it and encouraged me to see more rated R movies!! Horrible!
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AGE
Intense film with message
The Pianist is a film that should be seen -- it's just a question of when your teen should see it. I would not show the movie to anyone under 14 because the violence is too disturbing. It would be best to watch the film together and talk about it. Excellent movie with historical significance.
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AGE
Beautiful film
I personally loved this, but i would definitely recommend it to kids 15+. Although it's violent, it's a beautiful film that's a real wake-up call.
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AGE
The Perfect Movie For a Family Night!
K, First of all, this movie has a LOT of strong violence. Some people will probably cry. I saw this movie with most of my dad's family. Everyone loved this movie (Especially me.) The two women cried. I think kids SHOULD watch this movie in 2 conditions: 1) The children (7-10) HAVE to watch it WITH AN ADULT! 2)Children will learn about the past and history of the jews. Its good to have a visual picture in their heads about that event. Anyways this is an EXCELLENT film.
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AGE
Absolutely Amazing Film
Although I have said that I am concerned by the violence, there is no excessive violence. The film is absolutely amazing and one of my favourites. The only thing that you need to be concerned about is the fact that it's about a very depressing subject and there is a scene with shooting in it, so you probably don't want pre-teens to see it.
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| Studio: | Focus Features |
| Director: | Roman Polanski |
| Cast: | Adrien Brody, Emilia Fox, Thomas Kretschmann |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 150 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 27, 2002 |
| DVD release date: | May 27, 2003 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | violence and mature, upsetting themes |
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