Critic Reviews
85
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
positive
37(93%)
mixed
3(8%)
negative
0(0%)
Showing 40 Critic Reviews
100
Polanski, himself a survivor of Nazi-occupied Poland, has created a near-masterpiece.
100
There are three Poles in The Pianist -- Szpilman, Polanski, and Frederic Chopin. Of the three, fittingly, Chopin speaks the loudest.
100
Roman Polanski's new movie may be the greatest historical film centered on an enigmatic character since Lawrence of Arabia.
100
The director seems to be saying that, for survivors, art may be a way back to our finer selves -- extraordinary.
100
The best film of 2002.
100
A great movie on a powerful, essential subject -- the Holocaust years in Poland -- directed with such artistry and skill that, as we watch, the barriers of the screen seem to melt away.
100
One of the great Holocaust films.
100
A beautiful story, told in measured cadences by a master of old-timey narrative compression and expression.
91
The result is a movie, and Cannes Palme d'Or winner, of riveting power and sadness, a great match of film and filmmaker -- and star, too.
91
It's no wonder that Polanski, himself an artist who has survived a series of nightmares, should tell it so naturally and powerfully.
