The Pianist (2002)

Director: Roman Polanski

Starring: Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay

During WWII, acclaimed Polish musician Wladyslaw faces various struggles as he loses contact with his family. As the situation worsens, he hides in the ruins of Warsaw in order to survive.

There’s no denying ‘The Pianist’ is an incredibly well made film, but let me be frank; this is a very morbid film. There really never is an uplifting or happy moment in its two and a half hour run. The film’s most inspiring moment came in the form of Captain Wilm Hosenfeld, a German captain who helped Jews during the Holocaust.

Based on Wladyslaw Szpilman’s book, one can assume the events depicted in the film to be accurate. Adrien Brody delivers an incredible, emotional performance as Wladyslaw. The film starts in 1939 with Nazi Germany’s invasion of Poland. Soon after, Jews were relocated to a designated Jewish district. Hunger and death became a daily occurrence, and there were moments when Nazis would randomly select Jews to execute. (I can’t help but wonder what became of these soldiers after the war. Did they simply return to their normal existence?)

Whenever I watch a war movie depicting the horrors of war, I can’t help but question the existence of a God – especially considering the fact more than 6 million Jews were killed. But let’s not open this platform to a religious debate; this review is about ‘The Pianist’.

Wladyslaw, the titular pianist, constantly found himself on the run, cold and hungry with every day being a quest for survival. The hate against Jews is starting to evoke the same feeling (for me) as racism in films, because it technically is the same thing. I hate discrimination. Therefore, ‘The Pianist’ is not an easy or pleasant film to watch. It certainly does not serve as escapism. It is a depressing film down to the core.

But don’t get me wrong, I’m not criticizing the film. I’m merely expressing my feelings towards the film in the light of entertainment value. I also understand this is based on fact, and it must have been an incredibly difficult time not only for our protagonist, but all who were affected by the war (Jews in particular).

‘The Pianist’ was a huge financial and critical success, earning $120 million on a budget of $35 million. It received 131 award nominations, winning 57 including Oscars for Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It also received Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, and Best Editing.

Would I watch it again? No.