The Piano

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The Piano

R

1993

2h 0m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

70 Reviews

86%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Ada -- mute since birth -- her nine year old daughter and her piano arrive to an arranged marriage in the remote bush of nineteenth century New Zealand. Of all her belongings her husband refuses to transport the piano and it is left behind on the beach. Unable to bear its certain destruction, Ada strikes a bargain with an illiterate tattooed neighbor. She may earn her piano back if she allows him to do certain things while she plays; one black key for every lesson. The arrangement draws all three deeper and deeper into a complex emotional, sexual bond remarkable for its naïve passion and frightening disregard for limits.

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Critics Consensus

Powered by Holly Hunter's main performance, The Piano is a truth-seeking romance played in the key of erotic passion.

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Anthony Lane

The New Yorker

Sep 6, 2018

From a distance, "The Piano" seems too preposterous for words; but then, as Ada knows all too well, words merely get in the way.

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Tara Brady

Irish Times

Jun 27, 2018

5/5

Hunter's gothic heroine is complemented by Stuart Dryburgh's dark cinematography and gaspingly restrictive widowy petticoats.

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Lizzie Francke

Sight & Sound

Jun 20, 2018

This is cinema that fills every sense.

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Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

Aug 10, 2026

he Piano holds up very well -- though she’s never yet made a film that wasn’t at least interesting, it remains Campion’s arguable best.

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Julian Singleton

Cinapse

Jul 12, 2025

A film of tempestuous emotions amidst an equally volatile jungle landscape, The Piano is the quintessential Jane Campion film.

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Bianca Garner

Filmotomy

Oct 4, 2024

The Piano remains a masterpiece, thanks to Campion's remarkable direction. It is also worth mentioning Michael Nyman's sweeping score, and Stuart Dryburgh's gorgeous cinematography capturing the beauty and the awe of the New Zealand landscape.

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SIMAS C

@simas_eros 5 days ago

A film that embodies the value of erotic power within gender roles in a sublime way. An unforgettable soundtrack.

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Tim L

@tim2pt1028 Oct 20, 2026

Who would have thought that a film starring Sam Neill and Harvey Keitel that Sam Neill would be the bad guy?

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 7, 2026

The Piano = 4.5 Movie!

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B P

@Bradster69 Aug 30, 2026

Definitely Recommend It

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TheMovieSearch R

@TheMovieSearch Aug 19, 2026

The Piano, released in 1993, completely caught me off guard. Expecting an older film that might be difficult to stay invested in, but instead found myself captivated. The movie feels remarkably modern in its storytelling, cinematography, and emotional intensity. The performances are one of the film’s greatest strengths. Sam Neill delivers a powerful performance as a complicated man who becomes difficult to sympathize with, especially because of how he treats his deaf wife. His character creates an uncomfortable tension throughout the story. The daughter also deserves recognition because she is forced to endure so much of the conflict surrounding the adults. The story takes some shocking turns, especially the moment involving the ax and the mother’s fingers. I was genuinely stunned. Ultimately, The Piano was a fantastic surprise. The casting, cinematography, and filmmaking were incredible. I honestly had to remind myself this was made in 1993 because it felt modern.

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Katrine C

@Klyde Aug 18, 2026

Beautifully filmed period romance. Both actresses deserved their honors. Harvey Keitel is a wierd and underrated romantic lead. Sam Neil's character you feel sorry for him, (right up until he permanently disfigured Hunter's hand). It is a hot, sexy burn, but most true great love stories are. The nudity is tasteful and appreciated in one of Campions finest works.

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Jane Campion

Director

Holly Hunter

Ada McGrath

Harvey Keitel

George Baines

Sam Neill

Alisdair Stewart

Anna Paquin

Flora McGrath

Kerry Walker

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Synopsis

Ada -- mute since birth -- her nine year old daughter and her piano arrive to an arranged marriage in the remote bush of nineteenth century New Zealand. Of all her belongings her husband refuses to transport the piano and it is left behind on the beach. Unable to bear its certain destruction, Ada strikes a bargain with an illiterate tattooed neighbor. She may earn her piano back if she allows him to do certain things while she plays; one black key for every lesson. The arrangement draws all three deeper and deeper into a complex emotional, sexual bond remarkable for its naïve passion and frightening disregard for limits.

Director: Jane Campion
Producer: Jane Campion
Screenwriter: Jane Campion
Distributor: Cinemussy, Miramax Films
Production Co: Australian Film Commission
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 12, 1993, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Jul 24, 2026
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 8, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $106.0K
Runtime: 2h 0m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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