The Pianist

"Great film Adrian Brody deserved his Oscar."

"This is actually a rewatch (stumbled upon a TV viewing of this many years ago as a teenager but only had vague memories of it). This is a much more up-close view of the Ghetto depicted in SCHINDLER’S LIST, but with a first person perspective of the real-life survivor and pianist Władysław Szpilman, showing the treatment he and his family received before showing his survival (aided by strangers he meets along the way, including a German soldier who was imprisoned in a Soviet camp after the war). This depiction feels particularly heart-wrenching as it is shown exclusively from the perspective of the victims with no focus whatsoever on the Nazi perspective (which I’m thankful for). This is doubly true given the personal connection to the director (Roman Polanski), who was himself trapped in the Kraków Ghetto as a child (along with his parents) and survived the Holocaust in a manner not to dissimilar to the main character (combination of luck and generosity from strangers); Polanski’s mother died in Auschwitz. While it is absolutely no excuse for what he did later in life, his horrific early beginnings (paired with the circumstances in which his wife died later on) makes him a particularly tragic figure of sorts. I see Polanski’s Oscar win for this film as a case of kismet. This film is anchored by a phenomenal lead performance by Adrien Brody, who channels the pain and anguish of Szpilman so effectively (a well deserved Oscar win for Best Actor). Equally phenomenal are the screenplay (another well deserved Oscar win), cinematography, sound mixing, and production design. Like SCHINDLER’S LIST, this also makes an excellent double feature with THE ZONE OF INTEREST in terms of showing 2 different sides of an atrocity. This film also parallels 12 YEARS A SLAVE as well, with the movie also showcasing the journey a real-life musician going to hell and back against the backdrop of a horrific atrocity (slavery in that case). This is highly recommended."

"It was very sad and it always makes me question how human kind ever got to that point. I still wonder if the cornel only saved him to save himself or if something really changed in him."

"I’m not gonna rate this movie but it was very devastating and impactful. "

"Toutching and terrifying, this movie is really great. And the fact that it's a true storyjust make me wven more sad."

"You can really feel the emotions in this movie. 10/10✨"

"Not for the feint of heart, but once you begin this movie it is almost impossible to stop in middle. Adrian Brody is captivating, even without words for much of the film."

"I watched this after going to a real concentration camp. I almost threw up watching it but the reality of the Holocaust had never been clearer."

"Intensely emotional "

"incredible and such a touching story "