The Piano
When an arranged marriage brings Ada and her spirited daughter to the wilderness of nineteenth-century New Zealand, she finds herself locked in a battle of wills with both her controlling husband and a rugged frontiersman to whom she develops a forbidden attraction.
Critics Sentiment
George returns piano wanting Ada's genuine affection
Alisdair discovers affair and tries forcing himself on Ada
The film peaks with Baines's emotional gesture of returning the piano, then drops sharply when Stewart's jealousy turns violent and brutal.
The Piano builds steadily from its stunning opening through the complex development of Ada and Baines's relationship, reaching its emotional peak when genuine love transcends transaction. The film maintains high critical regard despite some discomfort with its violent third act, ultimately delivering a satisfying if somewhat conventional resolution.
Full cast
Holly Hunter
Ada McGrath
Harvey Keitel
George Baines
Sam Neill
Alisdair Stewart
Anna Paquin
Flora McGrath
Cliff Curtis
Mana
Kerry Walker
Aunt Morag
Ian Mune
Reverend
Geneviève Lemon
Nessie
Pete Smith
Hone
Bruce Allpress
Blind Piano Tuner
Rose McIver
Angel
Verity George
Bluebeard's Wife
Stephen Papps
Bluebeard
Karen Colston
Bluebeard's Wife (Miss Palmer)
Eddie Campbell
Seaman
Te Whatanui Skipwith
Chief Nihe
Tungia Baker
Hira
Neil Gudsell
Tahu
Jon Sperry
Taunting Man
Greg Mayor
Tipi
Crew
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