The Pianist

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The Pianist

R

2002

2h 28m

History

Drama

War

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Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

186 Reviews

96%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

In this adaptation of the autobiography "The Pianist: The Extraordinary True Story of One Man's Survival in Warsaw, 1939-1945," Władysław Szpilman, a Polish Jewish radio station pianist, sees Warsaw change gradually as World War II begins. Szpilman is forced into the Warsaw Ghetto, but is later separated from his family during Operation Reinhard. From this time until the concentration camp prisoners are released, Szpilman hides in various locations among the ruins of Warsaw.

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Critics Consensus

Well-acted and dramatically moving, The Pianist is Polanski's best work in years.

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Wendy Ide

The Times (UK)

08/29/2022

Starved to skin and bone, Adrien Brody gives a mesmerising performance as Wladyslaw Szpilman...

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

12/28/2010

5/5

True story of a Jewish pianist; OK for older kids.

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Geoff Andrew

Time Out

02/09/2006

Old-fashioned in both visual and narrative style and in its overall restraint, the film clearly benefits from the director's first-hand knowledge of the territory.

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Sloan Freer

Radio Times

Nov 11

4/5

By avoiding the simplistic and manipulative clichés of good and evil usually found in Holocaust films, Polanski has added a new layer of understanding to the cinematic depictions of the period.

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Adrían Massanet

Espinof

02/27/2024

5/5

Polanski embeds here and there, memories of his childhood and horrifying details that feel accurate and authentic, and which provide a moving and extremely raw dimension to a film whose darkness is unforgettable. [Full review in Spanish]

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

05/06/2023

This is not a portrait of war heroism (though he never does anyone ill by accident or by design) but of primal survival instincts and Brody sheds all of his actor’s instincts to show Szpilman slowly slide into animalistic self-preservation.

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Priyanshu R

@Rockstar1339450 Jul 20

I always gone stand with Jewish and hindu people

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Biff M

@Crazytrain Jul 16

A brilliant retelling of the horrors of the Holocaust and WWII from one of the survivors

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Graham O.

@goczki Jun 26

Has to be one of my favorite movies of all time. Watch yourself to feel what is happening in the movie fully.

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Blake- N

@PBSAniDom Jun 1

The Pianist is an S+ tier film and one of the most powerful cinematic experiences I have ever seen. Produced by Pathé, it combines exceptional filmmaking, emotional storytelling, and unforgettable performances into a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll. What impressed me most is how carefully and respectfully the story is told. The film never relies on unnecessary spectacle, instead allowing the characters, atmosphere, and emotions to carry the weight of the narrative. Every scene feels purposeful and meaningful. The direction, cinematography, and music are all outstanding. Together, they create an immersive experience that draws you into the world of the film. The attention to detail and overall craftsmanship are remarkable from beginning to end. Few movies achieve this level of emotional impact and artistic quality. The Pianist is both moving and masterfully made, earning its place among the greatest films ever produced. I rate it a 10/10.

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Gavin H

@Gav65 Apr 20

Brilliant and powerful.

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Daniel G.

@RT68154026 Apr 9

Great acting, you feel the pain and the scare in the movie

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Synopsis

In this adaptation of the autobiography "The Pianist: The Extraordinary True Story of One Man's Survival in Warsaw, 1939-1945," Władysław Szpilman, a Polish Jewish radio station pianist, sees Warsaw change gradually as World War II begins. Szpilman is forced into the Warsaw Ghetto, but is later separated from his family during Operation Reinhard. From this time until the concentration camp prisoners are released, Szpilman hides in various locations among the ruins of Warsaw.

Director: Roman Polanski
Producer: Robert Benmussa, Alain Sarde
Screenwriter: Wladyslaw Szpilman, Ronald Harwood
Distributor: Focus Features
Production Co: Miramax
Rating: R (Violence|Brief Strong Language)
Genre: History, Drama, War
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 27, 2002, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $17.8K
Runtime: 2h 28m
Sound Mix: Surround