Common Sense Media Review
Charged tale of a woman's awakening; full-frontal nudity.
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The Piano
What's the Story?
THE PIANO tells the 19th century story of a Scottish woman, Ada (Holly Hunter), who chooses not to speak, and her daughter Flora (Anna Paquin) as they move to New Zealand for Ada to fulfill the obligations of a marriage that her father has arranged. Her husband Stewart (Sam Neill) is awkward and stilted in his interactions with her. He doesn't appreciate her connection with the piano that she has brought with her from Scotland, which leavers her open to the affection of a neighbor, George Baines (Harvey Keitel), who does understand the connection and uses the piano as a way to get close to Ada.
Is It Any Good?
Writer/director Jane Campion's poetic film is rich with metaphor, recurring visual motifs, and a masterful score by Michael Nyman. Watching The Piano for its story alone may leave many viewers wanting, though. The true core of the film is the impressionistic rendering of the sexual awakening of the repressed Ada at the hands of George. The pace is slow, as time is taken to focus on the lush scenery of the New Zealand forest and the elaborate clothing and decorations marking the time period and its conservatism.
For those with the patience, this is a rewarding film filled with great performances. In fact, Hunter won the best actress Oscar for playing Ada -- proving that a great actress doesn't need spoken dialogue to express herself vividly -- while Paquin won the supporting actress award for her role.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why it's important that Ada chooses not to speak. How does Stewart treat Ada and her piano? In contrast, how does George treat her? Are Stewart's reactions to George and Ada appropriate? What function does Māori culture have in the film?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 12, 1993
- On DVD or streaming : January 20, 1998
- Cast : Harvey Keitel , Holly Hunter , Sam Neill
- Director : Jane Campion
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Artisan Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 121 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : moments of extremely graphic sexuality
- Last updated : May 4, 2026
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