Review of The Piano (1993) by Joey N — 27 Sep 2008

That this film was not adapted from anything and came from one woman's imagination blows my mind. This is one accomplished masterwork. It's one of those movies that I wanted to read every critical response I could get my hands on afterwards to bask in all of the interpretations: the power struggles symbolizing colonialism, the consequences of repressed passions, the plight of women, etc. The film had a tangible texture to it, one that reminded me the stormy background and intense romance of Wuthering Heights (the novel, I don't care to see the movie). The film offers a serene, dreamy, memorable image that you'll recognize when you see it, and ends on a quietly haunting note. Both Oscar winners for this, Holly Hunter is astonishing as a mute woman and a very young Anna Paquin more than holds her own.

EDIT: I just rewatched this and got so much more out of it the second time around (also being a few years older doesn't hurt). A truly amazing film.