After a long voyage from Scotland, pianist Ada McGrath (Holly Hunter) and her young daughter, Flora (Anna Paquin), are left with all their belongings, including a piano, on a New Zealand beach. Ada, who has been mute since childhood, has been sold into marriage to a local man named Alisdair Stewart (Sam Neill). Making little attempt to warm up to Alisdair, Ada soon becomes intrigued by his Maori-friendly acquaintance, George Baines (Harvey Keitel), leading to tense, life-altering conflicts.
After a long voyage from Scotland, pianist Ada McGrath (Holly Hunter) and her young daughter, Flora (Anna Paquin), are left with all their belongings, including a piano, on a New Zealand beach. Ada, who has been mute since childhood, has been sold into marriage to a local man named Alisdair Stewart (Sam Neill). Making little attempt to warm up to Alisdair, Ada soon becomes intrigued by his Maori-friendly acquaintance, George Baines (Harvey Keitel), leading to tense, life-altering conflicts.
"The Piano plays itself with such contrapuntal richness, it resonates in you forever."
Washington Post
"The Piano is certainly one of the best films of the year and proves without doubt, if we didn't know it already, that Campion is now a major talent."
Guardian
"Hunter's performance is outstanding. So is the film."
Guardian
Academy Award winner
Best Actress in a Leading Role - Holly Hunter; Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Anna Paquin; Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
Academy Award nominee
Best Picture; Best Director; Best Cinematography; Best Costume Design; Best Film Editing
Golden Globe winner
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama, Holly Hunter