Common Sense Media Review
Powerful true story of Jewish pianist has brutal violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Pianist
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Based on 26 kid reviews
Kids say this film provides a deeply emotional portrayal of the horrors faced by the Jewish community during World War II, balancing inspiration with intense graphic violence and difficult themes. While many find it educational and an important historical depiction, others caution that its brutality and mature content make it inappropriate for younger viewers.
- emotional portrayal
- graphic violence
- historical depiction
- important themes
- not for children
- inspiring story
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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?
The epic journey of a man transformed by a series of events from an elegantly dressed, highly cultured musician to a scavenging, debased shell of a human being is powerfully conveyed. The most effective parts of The Pianist are its small, vivid, almost unbearably poignant human moments. In one such scene, a family awaiting a transport train that will take them to an extermination camp combines all their remaining money to buy a single caramel, which they carefully divide into six tiny portions.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why movies such as The Pianist, which is based on a true story, are so important. Are there any current events you can think of that are similar to the invasion of Poland and the plight of Jews in World War II?
In so many movies, violence serves no purpose but to provide a burst of excitement, to create action, to keep the audience entertained. How is this movie different? What do you think is the purpose of showing graphic violence here?
While most people are familiar with what transpired during the Holocaust, what specifics did you learn that added to your understanding of World War II, the Warsaw Ghetto, and the brutal and unspeakable genocide? As the true story of a Jewish musician who lived through such a terrible time, how did this movie personalize these events?
While many of his films are highly acclaimed, director Roman Polanski is a wanted criminal. How does an artist's tarnished legacy affect audience's view of their art? Can we separate the impact of the art from that of the artist? To what extent should a director's legacy influence the legacy of their films, considering the many other people involved in making them?
How does Wladyslaw demonstrate perseverance and courage in The Pianist? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 27, 2002
- On DVD or streaming : May 27, 2003
- Cast : Adrien Brody , Emilia Fox , Thomas Kretschmann
- Director : Roman Polanski
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Focus Features
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Run time : 150 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and mature, upsetting themes
- Awards : BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate