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The Piano

Play trailer Poster for The Piano R 1993 2h 0m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 73 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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The Piano

The Piano

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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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Critics Reviews

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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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review Lizzie Francke Sight & Sound Jun 20, 2018
This is cinema that fills every sense. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Tim L @tim2pt1028 6 days ago Who would have thought that a film starring Sam Neill and Harvey Keitel that Sam Neill would be the bad guy? See more Robert P @Superbad Sep 7, 2026 The Piano = 4.5 Movie! See more B P @Bradster69 Aug 30, 2026 Definitely Recommend It See more 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. See more 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. See more Bill E @BillEAZ7448 Aug 17, 2026 A well acted Campion film, but it does drag in places. See more Read all reviews
The Piano

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Cast & Crew

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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

Aunt Morag

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The Piano

The Piano (1993) The Piano (1993) The Piano (1993) The Piano (1993) View more photos

Movie Info

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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