Review of The Pianist (2002) by Sharon J — 09 Feb 2012
Roman Polanski's Oscar winning drama is probably the strongest film about the persecution of the Jews during World War Two, and leaves even more of an impression than Spielberg's Schindler's List.
The story follows the family of pianist Szpilman's family as the Nazi occupy Warsaw and the resulting, horrible events in the Polish ghettos up to the trains going to the concentration camps. Thanks to the kindness of strangers and pure luck Szpielman survives in the ghetto and is later hidden in what feels like eternal situations of solitude throughout the city.
The film is brutal and doesn't leave out the ugly sides, but never abandons hope. Szpilman is a survivor who does what it takes to make it through somehow. That makes for a gloomy, sad, but also enthralling film carried by Adrien Brody's outstanding performance.
The final straw to his survival is so surprising and heart-warming that it feels like a ray of light between all the madness and murder you've witnesses for two hours. A moving, unforgettable testimonial of the darkest chapter of the 20th century.
This review of The Pianist (2002) was written by Sharon J on 09 Feb 2012.
The Pianist has generally received very positive reviews.
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